Zlín Z 37
| Z-37 Čmelák | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Z-37 Čmelák | |
| Role | Agricultural aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Let, Moravan |
| First flight | 29 June 1963 |
| Status | in use |
| Primary user | Czechoslovak civilian aviation |
| Produced | 1965-1987 |
| Number built | ~713 |
The Zlin Z-37 Čmelák (Czech: "Bumblebee"), also known as LET Z-37 Čmelák is an agricultural aircraft was manufactured in Czechoslovakia, it is powered by a Soviet-built Ivchenko reciprocating engine. The aircraft is used mainly as a cropduster.
Design work upon the first purpose-designed agricultural aircraft started in Czechoslovakia in 1961, in a cooperation of two manufacturers: Let Kunovice and Moravan (Zlin brand). The first prototype, designated as XZ-37, first flew on 29 March 1963 (other sources:29 June). It was a cantilever low-wing monoplane of tubular metal construction, the wings and stabilizers are covered with duralumin and the fuselage and control surfaces are made of fabric. It had a fixed undercarriage with a fully castering tailwheel, but locked to the rudders for ground handling. The pilot's cockpit was in front, immediately behind a 315 hp radial engine, with a hopper for chemicals situated behind the cockpit. This offered the pilot a good view, but was potentially dangerous in case of an emergency landing. A mechanic could be seated behind the hopper, facing backwards. There were also spray booms mounted under the wings. There is also a freight version with open space instead of hopper and spray equipment and a -3 variant with 3 passenger seats facing rearwards.
The aircraft was produced from 1965 under a designation Z-37. From 1971, the Z-37A was produced, with a strengthened construction. It was produced until 1975, and then in 1983-1984. 677 were produced, including 27 two-seater Z-37A-2 for crew training.
On 6 September 1981 the prototype XZ-37T first flew, powered by a (691 shp) Walter M-601B turboprop engine. Two further prototypes of the definitive turboprop version, the Z-37T Agro Turbo, powered by a less powerful M-601Z engine, flew on 12 July and 29 December 1983. As well as the new engine, it had longer span wings (13.63 m) fitted with winglets.
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