Zlin Z-37 Cmelak
| Z-37 Čmelák | |
|---|---|
 |
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| 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. 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.
The Z-37T was produced from 1985 until 1994, with a total of 51 aircraft built., including some Z-37T-2 two-seater trainers. Later production aircraft were redesignated Zlin Z-137T.
The main user of Z-37s was Czechoslovakia (now Czech and Slovak Republics) along with East Germany and other Eastern Bloc countries. Many were exported to the Sudan and India and flown there almost non-stop with the hopper used as extra fuel tank. Variants are as far a field as England and the USA. Current use is limited because of fuel costs and are now used mainly in Slovakia. Many are used for glider towing, having the ability to easily tow 2 gliders and often transport 4 gliders in tow for cross country.
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