Zlin Z IX Postman

The initial endeavour to construct an aircraft for BATA / ZLIN materialised as the Z.IX in 1934.

Jaroslav Lonek served as the chief designer.

This single-seat, wooden, low-wing aircraft was powered by a French Salmson AD-XII engine, delivering 16 hp (11.8 kW).

Dubbed the “Postman”, it was conceived with the vision of being affordable enough for any postman to acquire.

While it was indeed inexpensive, its flight performance was poor.

The Z.IX did not progress beyond this prototype and was dismantled in 1936 after a few trial flights by the field flying club.