Zlin Aircraft

Zlin Aircraft
	Zlin Aircraft
Formerly	Zlin Aviation; Zlin Aviation Works; Zlínavion; Moravan;
Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1934
Headquarters	Otrokovice, Zlín, Czech Republic
Parent	Baťa; (1934–19??); Automobilové závody; (1946–1948); Let; (1948–1953);
Website	www.zlinaircraft.eu

Zlin Aircraft a.s. (previously known as Moravan Otrokovice) is a Czech manufacturer specializing in light aircraft. The company operates from the Zlín Airfield situated near the town of Otrokovice. It is recognized for producing the Z-26 Trener series along with other small planes such as the agricultural Z-37 crop-duster and the aerobatic model Z-50.

Zlínská letecká společnost, a. s. (1934–1938)

Established in 1934 by the Zlín-based enterprise Baťa, Zlínská letecká společnost, a. s. (Zlín Aviation Company) initially focused on manufacturing gliders and single-engine trainer aircraft. Subsequently, production broadened to include sport and agricultural aircraft categories. Among its notable models, the trainer Z-XII gained significant popularity during this period.

Zlínské letecké závody, a.s. (1938–1945)

Throughout the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, the firm operated under the name Zlínské letecké závody, a.s. (Zlín Aviation Works JSC). Its output included German-designed trainers such as the Klemm Kl 35, which post-war was designated as C-1 in Czechoslovakia, and the low-wing Bücker Bü 181, later produced domestically as the Z-181 with military code C-6.

Zlínavion (1945–1952)

Following World War II, the company was nationalized and initially bore the official title Zlínské letecké závody, a.s. v národní správě (Zlín Aviation Works JSC under National Administration). It was later incorporated into the Automobilové závody, národní podnik (Automotive Works, National Enterprise) as its Otrokovice division, adopting the trade name Zlínavion. In September 1948, this facility became Plant No.7 of the newly formed Let, národní podnik, headquartered in Prague, and was nominally merged with Zlín—renamed Gottwaldov on January 1, 1949.

Moravan, n.p. (1953–1989)

The adoption of the name Moravan in 1953 marked a prominent era for the company. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, extensive production of the Z-26 Trener series served both domestic civil and military markets as well as exports to Eastern and Western countries. This model became highly regarded in modern aerobatic competitions and played a key role in shaping high-performance aerobatics aircraft. Other notable aircraft from this timeframe include the agricultural Z-37 Čmelák, durable all-metal trainers such as the two-seat Z-42/142 and four-seat Z-43, along with a new aerobatic model—the Z-50—which succeeded the Z-26 series in competitive aerobatics.

Moravan a.s. (1990–2006)

Following the collapse of the Communist regime, the state-owned enterprise was converted into a joint-stock company. It maintained production of the Z-42 and Z-43 series; however, sales declined sharply, and the distribution network became fragmented as the company failed to adjust its structure from centrally planned eastern markets to a competitive market environment. Additionally, the aircraft designs, particularly their engines, were becoming obsolete, and the firm struggled to attract buyers despite its strengths in reliability and ease of maintenance. Financial difficulties emerged in 2002, prompting a rebranding to Moravan-Aeroplanes a.s.. Production continued with enhanced versions of the Z-242L and Z-143L featuring improved wing designs and Lycoming engines. The company also developed the Z-143Lsi model equipped with a fuel injection engine. Despite these efforts, financial conditions worsened, culminating in bankruptcy in 2005. In December 2006, ownership transferred to CzechAircraft, s. r. o., an entity controlled by Irish QucomHaps Holding Ltd., represented by Billy Harkin, and the company was renamed Moravan Aviation s.r.o..

Moravan Aviation s.r.o. (2006–2010)

The manufacturing process remained unchanged, with primary focus on the Z-143L and Z-242L models, alongside the finally certified Z-143LSi variant. The business scope expanded through subcontracting for other Czech aviation manufacturers such as Aero Vodochody and LET Aircraft Industries. Nevertheless, this resurgence was brief; persistent financial underperformance and managerial issues led to the company's closure in March 2010.

Zlin Aircraft a.s. (2009–present)

Established in July 2009, Zlin Aircraft a.s. aimed to resume production of Zlin aircraft. The company acquired all manufacturing rights for the existing Z-143L, Z-242L, and Z-143Lsi models, along with associated facilities, inventory, and staff from Moravan Aviation. It holds all requisite certifications granted by EASA as well as national regulatory bodies and ministries. Maintenance and overhaul services for Zlin aircraft remain significant operations due to their enduring popularity.

File:Zlin42m PICT0069.JPG

Zlin 42M

Aircraft

Zlín Z-XII (Improved version with Walter Mikron engine) Klemm Kl 35 (Licensed-built as Zlín Kl 35B) Zlín Z-20 Zlín 22 (Junak) Zlín Z-23 (Honza) Zlín Z-24 (Krajanek) Zlin Z-25 Šohaj Zlín Z-26 (Trener) Zlín Z-28 Zlín Z-30 (Kmotr) Zlín Z-32 (Frajir) Zlín Z-33 Derviš Zlín Z-34 Zlín Z-35 (Heli-Trener) Zlín Z-36 Zlin Z-37 Čmelák Zlín Z-38 Zlín Z-39 Zlín Z-41 Zlín Z 42 Zlín Z 43 Zlín Z-44 Zlín Z-45

Model name	First flight	Number built	Type
Zlín Z-I	1933	11	Glider
Zlín Z-II	1933	1	Glider
Zlín Z-III	1933	1	Glider
Zlín Z-IV		6	Glider
Zlín Z-V		121	Glider
Zlín Z-VI		28	Glider
Zlín Z-VII Akela		2	Glider
Zlín Z-VIII Šidlo	1934	2	Glider
Zlín Z-IX Pošták		1	Light aircraft
Zlín Z-X (I)			Ultralight aircraft project
Zlín Z-X (II)	1936	3	Glider
Zlín Z-XI	1935	1	Light aircraft
Zlín Z-XII	1935	201	Single-engine sport airplane
Zlín Z-XIII	1937	1	Single-engine racing aircraft
Zlín Z-XV	1939	1	Tourist aircraft
Zlín Z-XVIII			Light aircraft
Zlín Z-XXI			Courier aircraft project
1938	51	Single-engine sport airplane variant of earlier model
—	323	Single-engine trainer aircraft built under license
1946	1	Twin-engine transport aircraft prototype
1947	31	Single-engine utility airplane derived from the Z-381 model
1946	211	Glider model
1945	301	Glider type aircraft
1947	101	Glider aircraft series
1947	164	Single-engine trainer plane series
—	—	Four-seat utility aircraft concept from 1947
—	1	Glider prototype
—	—	Glider project
—	—	Single-seat light sport aircraft concept
—	—	Twin-boom agricultural airplane project from 1958
1960	1	Experimental helicopter
—	—	Single-seat ultralight project from 1960
1963	790	Single-engine agricultural airplane
—	—	Agricultural autogyro concept from 1963
—	—	Two-seat trainer concept from 1963
1967	—	Single-engine trainer aircraft
1967	193	Single-engine trainer model
1968	80	Single-engine trainer/touring plane; four-seater derivative of the Z 42
—	—	Proposed single-seat aerobatic variant of the Z-42
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Engines

References

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External links

ZLIN AIRCRAFT a.s. – official website
Zlin historical overview on www.palba.cz part 1, part 2 (in Czech)
ZLÍN-AVION Service – well-known maintenance provider specializing in popular ZLIN models, based in Otrokovice
Zlin Aviation s.r.o. Archived 2014-09-07 at the Wayback Machine – distinct company manufacturing the Italian Piper Cub replica known as "Savage"
Zlín Aviation Joint Stock Company – Helicopter operations within Czechia

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