TheZlín Z 43 is aCzech four-seat light aircraft. A development of the two-seatZlín Z 42, it is a low-wingmonoplane. A developed version, theZlín Z 143, remains in production.
After successful production of theZ-26 aircraft family, the Czechoslovak aircraft manufacturerMoravan, began design of a new series of training aircraft, known as the Z-40 family. Unlike the previous tandem-seat aircraft, the Z-40 family featured a side-by-side cockpit. It was available in two basic variants, a two-seat trainer, theZlín Z-42, and a four-seat aircraft, theZlin Z-43 capable of being used both as a trainer and a tourer.
The resulting design is a single-engined low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction and a fixed nosewheel undercarriage. The Z 43 shares 80% of its structure with the Z 42, but is fitted with a revised fuselage accommodating a four-seater cabin and a more powerful engine. The Z-43's wings are of greater span and do not have the slightforward sweep of the Z- 42.[3]
The Z-43 first flew on 10 December 1968,[3] with production starting in 1972. It proved less popular than its two-seat contemporary, and production ended in 1992 after 114 series aircraft plus two prototypes were built in 4 series.[4]
TheZ-143 is a version introduced in 1992, powered by a six-cylinderLycoming O-540 engine,[5] in parallel to the Z-42 being re-engined with a Lycoming to become the Z-242.
Experimental model with Lycoming AE10540 D4B5 engine. Has noticeable short engine cowling. Only one was converted from standard Z43 (C/N: 0084, reg: OK-LOW, later OM-LOW) in 1990. It was converted back to stock Z 43 after 307 flight hours in 1998.[6]
Zlín Z-43M
Experimental model. Only one was converted from an existing Z43 (C/N: 0084, reg:OK-DOQ, later OK-072 and OM-DOQ)
The Air Tigers carried out asuicide air raid on Colombo on 20 February 2009 using two of these aircraft. Under heavy anti-aircraft fire, one of these aircraft crashed into the Sri Lanka Inland Revenue Department building in Colombo. The other craft was shot down near Sri Lanka Air Force Base at Katunayake.[7]
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