Zlin Z 43

The Zlín Z 43 is a Czech-manufactured light aircraft that can carry up to four passengers.

It evolved from the Zlín Z 42, a two-seater aircraft, and boasts a low-wing monoplane design.

The Zlín Z 143, a more advanced model of the Z 43, continues to be produced.

After the Z-26 aircraft family’s success, Moravan, a Czechoslovakian aircraft maker, initiated the development of a new line of training aircraft, the Z-40 family.

This family differed from its predecessors with its side-by-side cockpit layout.

It includes two primary models: the Zlín Z-42, a two-seat trainer, and the Zlín Z-43, a four-seat aircraft suitable for both training and touring.

The ultimate design features an all-metal, low-wing monoplane structure with a single engine and fixed tricycle undercarriage.

The Z 43 model retains 80% of the Z 42’s structure but introduces a modified fuselage to seat up to four passengers and a stronger engine.

The Z-43’s wingspan is larger and does not have the Z-42’s slight forward sweep.

The Z-43’s maiden flight occurred on December 10, 1968, with production starting in 1972.

Despite this, it failed to achieve the popularity of the two-seater version, leading to the end of its production in 1977 after 80 units were built.

In 1992, a revised version, the Z-143, was launched, featuring a six-cylinder Lycoming O-540 engine.

Concurrently, the Z-42 was re-engineered to include a Lycoming engine, resulting in the Z-242 model.

Variants

Zlín Z-43

Base model

Zlín Z-43L

The experimental model was equipped with a Lycoming AE10540 D4B5 engine and featured a noticeably short engine cowling.

Constructed in 1990, only one unit was produced.

After accumulating 307 flight hours, it was reverted to the standard Z 43 configuration in 1998.

Zlín Z-43M

Experimental model.

Only one was built.

Zlín Z-143

Improved model

Aeronautical Manufacturing Enterprise Safir-43

An Algerian licence-built copy of the Zlín Z-43

Specifications

Z 43

Crew

1

Capacity

3 passengers

Length

7.75 m (25 ft 5 in)

Wingspan

9.76 m (32 ft 0 in)

Height

2.91 m (9 ft 7 in)

Wing area

14.50 m² (156.1 sq ft)

Empty weight

730 kg (1,609 lb)

Max take-off weight

1,350 kg (2,976 lb)

Fuel capacity

130 L (34 US gal; 29 imp gal) normal,

Provision for additional 110 L (29 US gal; 24 imp gal) tanks in wingtips

Powerplant

1 × Avia M 337 A inverted six-cylinder air-cooled inline engine,

160 kW (210 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed

235 km/h (146 mph, 127 kn) at sea level

Cruise speed

210 km/h (130 mph, 110 kn)

Stall speed

103 km/h (64 mph, 56 kn) (flaps down)

Never exceed speed

273 km/h (170 mph, 147 kn)

Range

610 km (380 mi, 330 nmi) (standard fuel),

1,150 km (710 mi; 620 nmi) (with wingtip tanks)

Service ceiling

3,800 m (12,500 ft)

Rate of climb

3.5 m/s (690 ft/min)

Take-off distance to 15 m (50 ft)

700 m (2,300 ft)

Landing distance to 15 m (50 ft)

590 m (1,940 ft).

Sources

https://zlinaircraft.eu.