Zlin Z 42, Z 43, Z 142, Z 242 & Z 143

Czech Republic

Two/four seat light aircraft

This series of two seat trainers and four seat light aircraft was initially developed to replacement for the successful Zlin Trener. The initial Z 42 was developed during the mid 1960s and seats two side by side. It flew for the first time on October 17 1967. The improved Z 42M meanwhile introduced a constant speed propeller and the larger tail developed for the Z 43 four seater, and replaced the Z 42 in production in 1974. Development of the two seat line continued with the further improved Z 142, which flew for the first time on December 29 1979. Changes introduced included a larger cockpit canopy and faired undercarriage. The Z 142 remained in production in Z 142C form to the mid 1990s. The latest two seater of this family to be developed is the 150kW (200hp) Textron Lycoming AEIO360 flat four powered Z 242 L. Changes aside from the engine include a three blade constant speed prop and revised engine cowling profile. First flight was on February 14 1990. Development of the four seat models, the Z 43 and Z 143, has followed that of the two seaters. The Z 43 appeared a year later than the Z 42, flying for the first time on December 10 1968. The Z 42 and Z 43 share the same basic airframe, but differ in that the Z 43 features a larger and wider cabin with seating for four, and a more powerful engine. The current Z 143 L flew for the first time on April 24 1992, and is similar in structure to the Z 242, but again differs in having a larger cabin with seating for four and a more powerful Textron Lycoming O-540 engine.

Z 43 - One 155kW (210hp) Avia M 337 six cylinder inline inverted piston engine driving a two blade propeller. Z 242 L - One 150kW (200hp) Textron Lycoming AEIO-360-A1B6 flat four driving a three blade c/s prop. Z 143 - One 175kW (235hp) Textron Lycoming O540J3A5 flat six driving a three blade variable pitch Mühlbauer prop.

Z 43 - Max speed 235km/h (127kt), cruising speed 210km/h (113kt). Initial rate of climb 690ft/min. Range with max fuel 1100km (595nm). Z 242 L - Max speed 236km/h (127kt), max cruising speed 214km/h (114kt). Initial rate of climb 1102ft/min. Range with max fuel 1056km (570nm). Z 143 - Max speed 265km/h (143kt), max cruising speed at 75% power 235km/h (127kt), econ cruising speed at 60% power 216km/h (226kt). Initial rate of climb 1457ft/min. Range at 65% power 1335km (720nm).

Z 43 - Empty 730kg (1609lb), max TO 1350kg (2976lb). Z 242 L - Basic empty 730kg (1609lb), max TO 1090kg (2403lb). Z 143 - Empty equipped 830kg (1830lb), max TO 1350kg (2976lb).

Z 43 - Wing span 9.76m (32ft 0in), length 7.75m (25ft 5in), height 2.91m (9ft 7in). Wing area 14.5m2 (156.1sq ft). Z 242 L - Wing span 9.34m (30ft 8in), length 6.94m (24ft 9in), height 2.95m (9ft 8in). Z 143 - Wing span 10.14m (33ft 3in), length 7.58m (24ft 11in), height 2.91m (9ft 7in). Wing area 14.8m2 (159.1sq ft).

Seating for two in tandem in Z 42, Z 142 and Z 242, seating for four in Z 43 and Z 143.

Total production includes more than 350 142s, approx 40 Z 242 Ls and 35 Z 143s, including military orders.

Zlin Z 42, Z 43, Z 142, Z 242 & Z 143