The Zlin Z-26 Trener, a basic training aircraft with tandem seats, was produced by the Czechoslovakian firm Moravan.
Initially built mainly from wood, this low-wing monoplane evolved into a series of all-metal trainers.
Moreover, several aerobatic versions, branded as the Akrobat, were developed.
The original Z-26, designed in the 1940s and produced in 1946, was intended to serve as a basic trainer to succeed the Bücker Jungmann and Bestmann.
This low-wing monoplane was of mixed construction, with wooden wings and a welded metal tube fuselage, and it was equipped with a single four-cylinder piston engine known as the Walter Minor 4-III.
The Z-26 took to the skies in early 1947, outperforming the rival Praga 112 and consequently being selected for production in 1948.
Subsequent models were tailored for aerobatic competitions, with many privately owned by pilots.
The two-seat Trener and the single-seat Akrobat models garnered considerable success, securing multiple aerobatic awards during the 1960s.
Variants
Z-26
Two-seat primary trainer aircraft, 163 built.
Z-126
Introduced in 1953, Czech military designation C-105,
All-metal wing instead of original wooden wing.
Z-226
More powerful Walter Minor 6-III six-cylinder engine, C-205
Z-226A
Single-seat aerobatic aircraft
Z-226B
Glider tug aircraft
Z-226T
Basic training version
Z-326
Introduced in 1959, it has an electrically retractable undercarriage.
Z-526
With the Walter 6-III carburettor’s six-cylinder engine
Z-526A
Single-seat aerobatic aircraft
Z-526F
Improved version, M-137 engine with fuel injector.
