The Zmaj Fizir FN aircraft was specifically designed for the primary training of pilots in Yugoslavia prior to the outbreak of World War II.
The aircraft was constructed in various factories, including Zmaj in Zemun, Rogožarski in Belgrade, and Albatros in Sremska Mitrovica.
The Fizir FN was highly regarded for its exceptional low-speed stability, a crucial characteristic for a training aircraft, and was both reliable and easy to maintain.
Additionally, the aircraft was widely utilized as a sport aircraft.
The initial prototype of the Fizir FN, also known as the Fizir trainer, was created in 1929 in the Rudolf Fizir Workshop located in Petrovaradin.
Although the workshop lacked mass production capabilities, it played a significant role in the development of Yugoslav aeronautics and trained engineers.
Several prototypes from this workshop were later produced in Yugoslav aeroplane factories.
The Fizir FN was a single-engine two-seat biplane trainer with a single pair of struts on each side.
The wings were rounded at the tips, and ailerons were located on both the lower and upper wings.
The landing gear was attached to the fuselage, with early examples utilizing coil springs with rubber blocks, while later examples used oleo pneumatic suspension.
The wood structure of the fuselage and wings was covered with fabric.
Throughout the production of the aircraft, it underwent continual refinement, resulting in several sub-types with different engines.
In the course of World War II, aircraft produced in Yugoslavia were employed by Italy in Albania, as well as by the Independent State of Croatia.
The Fizir FN aircraft, known for its dependability, ease of operation and maintenance, remained in service for a considerable period of time, nearly until 1950.
It was utilized as a fundamental pilot training aircraft in both military and civilian aviation, including recreational flying.
Variants
Fizir FN Mercedes
Mercedes 88 kW engine
Fizir FN Walter
Walter NZ-120 88 kW engine
Fizir FN Mars I
Seaplane with the Walter Mars I 106 kW engine
Specifications
Crew
2
Length
8.80 m (28 ft 10 in)
Wingspan
11.20 m (36 ft 9 in)
Height
3.10 m (10 ft 2 in)
Wing area
32.50 m2 (349.8 sq ft)
Empty weight
820 kg (1,808 lb)
Gross weight
1,426 kg (3,144 lb)
Powerplant
1 × Walter NZ 120 7-cylinder radial,
88 kW (118 hp)
Propellers
2-bladed
Performance
Maximum speed
140 km/h (87 mph, 76 kn)
Cruise speed
120 km/h (75 mph, 65 kn)
Range
540 km (340 mi, 290 nmi)
Service ceiling
6,500 m (21,300 ft).
Sources One Hundred Years of the Serbian Air Force, 1912-2012-Miroslav Jandrić. Short History of Aviation in Serbia-Čedomir Janić & Ognjan Petrović. Yugoslav Fighter Colours, 1918-1941, Vol 1-Ognjan Petrovic & Djordie Nikolic. Yugoslav Fighter Colours, 1918-1941, Vol 2-Ognjan Petrovic & Djordie Nikolic. Serbian Aviation, 1912 – 1918 – Srpska Avijatika.
