The Zlin Z-50 is an aerobatic sports aircraft produced by the Czechoslovak company Zlin Aircraft.
The Z-50 is a cantilever, low-winged, single-engine monoplane with a fixed tailwheel undercarriage.
It replaced the Zlín Z 26 series and differs in its all-metal construction, with limit manoeuvring load factors of +9.0 and -6.0 g’s.
It lacks landing flaps; instead, two-section ailerons span the entire wingspan, ensuring an exceptional roll rate.
The design includes comprehensive trimming capabilities: automatic trim tabs on the inboard aileron sections, one elevator, and the fabric-covered rudder.
Additionally, one aileron features a ground-adjustable trim tab, and the elevator is equipped with an in-flight adjustable trim tab.
The aircraft’s standard fuel capacity can be increased with wingtip auxiliary tanks for ferry flights.
The bubble canopy, offering excellent visibility, is designed to be jettisoned during flight if necessary.
Variants Z-50L The first production model, equipped with a Lycoming AEIO-540-D4B5 engine and certified in 1977, was converted to the 50LA and 50LS variants, with a total of 25 units built, numbered 0001 to 0025. Z-50LA The variant was certified in 1980, with five units built and 18 conversions from the Z-50L model.
Z-50LS The variant, certified in 1982, features a Lycoming AEIO-540-L1B5D engine.
A total of 34 were built, with 18 converted from the Z-50.
Additionally, one aircraft was reconstructed as a Z-50M and two as Z-50LX. Z-50LX The variant, certified in 1991, features a Lycoming AEIO-540-L1B5D engine.
Nine units were constructed, with two being converted from Z-50LS and another two subsequently rebuilt as Z-50LS. Z-50M The variant, certified in 1989, was equipped with a LOM M 137 AZ engine.
Six units were constructed, along with one conversion.
Specifications
Z-50L
Crew
1 Length
6.62 m (21 ft 9 in) (tail down) Wingspan
8.58 m (28 ft 2 in) Height
1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) Wing area
12.50 m2 (134.5 sq ft) Aspect ratio
5.88:1 Airfoil
NACA0018 at tip,
NACA 0012 at tip Empty weight
570 kg (1,257 lb) Max take-off weight
720 kg (1,587 lb) Fuel capacity
60 L (16 US gal; 13 imp gal) normal,
Provision for additional 100 L (26 US gal; 22 imp gal) in wingtip tanks for ferry flights Powerplant
