The Zlín Z-XII was a Czechoslovakian two-seat sports aircraft, representing a significant achievement in design for the Zlínská Letecká Akciová Společnost (Zlín) aircraft manufacturing company.
This success followed the company’s establishment in Otrokovice subsequent to its acquisition by the esteemed Bata Group.
Jaroslav Lonek designed a low-wing aircraft made entirely of wood.
In April 1935, two prototypes were unveiled, each with a different engine, and underwent extensive testing.
The Z-XII, powered by a Zlin Persy II engine with 33/35 kW (44/47 hp), emerged as the superior model.
An improved version, the Z-212, was equipped with a Walter Mikron engine and offered the option of an open cockpit or a cockpit hood.
This aircraft was highly sought after and exported to numerous countries.
The Z-212 production was carried out under German supervision subsequent to the occupation of Czechoslovakia.
The German Luftwaffe utilized Z-XIIs and Z-212s until 1943, with approximately 20 Z-XIIs being allocated to Slovakia.
Following the conclusion of World War II, one Z-212 was seized by the Americans and subsequently repurposed for sightseeing flights.
Another Z-XII managed to survive the war, albeit disassembled into components in Otrokovice.
It was subsequently reconstructed and took flight under the registration OK-ZJD.
In total, 201 Z-XIIs and up to 58 Z-212s were manufactured.
Variants
Z-XII Equipped with a 33 kW (44 hp) ZLAS or 47 kW (63 hp) Zlin Persy II engine. Z-212 Equipped with a Walter Mikron engine.
Specifications
Crew 2 Length 7.8 m (25 ft 7 in) Wingspan 10 m (32 ft 10 in) Height 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) Wing area 12 m2 (130 sq ft) Empty weight 295 kg (650 lb) Gross weight 500 kg (1,102 lb) Fuel capacity 42 L (11 US gal; 9.2 imp gal) in a fuselage tank Powerplant 1 × Zlin Persy II,
