Laser Z200
Nick Jones / Laser Aerobatics · United Kingdom · first flew 1981 · light aircraft
The Laser Z200 is a British single-seat unlimited aerobatic monoplane, designed by Nick Jones as a homebuilt competition aircraft that could match European purpose-built types. Several examples have competed at national and international levels representing Great Britain.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Narrow fuselage with a bubble canopy and conventional taildragger undercarriage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-seat unlimited aerobatic monoplane designed and built in the UK
- Narrow fuselage with a bubble canopy and conventional taildragger undercarriage
- Visually similar to the Zlin Z-50 but of British origin and smaller cowling
Identified by the slender fuselage with a prominent canopy, mid-length conventional tail, and the tapered low wing. Closely resembles the Zlin Z-50 but the cowling shape and British registration markings help distinguish it. Typically finished in striking display colours.
Specifications
- The Laser Z200 has a length of 6.4 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.5 m (25 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 333 km/h (207 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed in the UK and first flown in 1981, the Laser Z200 was developed as a lower-cost British alternative to imported unlimited aerobatic aircraft. The design drew inspiration from the Zlin Z-50 family and has been built in small numbers from plans by dedicated constructor-pilots.
Variants
Plans versions vary in detail between individual builds; some examples use the 200hp Lycoming AEIO-360, others have flown with alternative engines. No formal factory version exists.
Where you'll see it
Flown by a small group of British unlimited pilots at BAeA competitions; the Laser Z200 holds a unique place in UK aerobatic history as the only British-designed unlimited competitor to have won medals at international level.
Related aircraft
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