PZL-104 Wilga 35
PZL · Poland · first flew 1967 · glider
The PZL-104 Wilga 35 is a Polish four-seat STOL utility aircraft widely used for glider towing, parachute training, and aeroclub operations. The type is distinguished by its excellent slow-flight characteristics and sturdy fixed undercarriage suited to rough airstrips.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.1 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Polish STOL utility with distinctive gull-wing high configuration
- Wide-track fixed undercarriage with spatted mainwheels
- Used for glider towing, parachuting, and aeroclub work
The high straight wing with a distinctly gull-wing appearance when viewed from the front, wide-track spatted undercarriage, and the flat-sided fuselage are characteristic Wilga recognition features.
Specifications
- The PZL-104 Wilga 35 has a length of 8.1 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.12 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 194 km/h (121 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 + 3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Wilga (Oriole) first flew in 1962 and was progressively developed through several variants. The Wilga 35, introduced in 1967, became the most widely produced version, featuring the Ivchenko AI-14R radial engine and a refined airframe. Over 1,000 Wilgas were built across all variants.
Variants
The Wilga series includes models 1, 2, 32, 35, and 35A among others, differing in engine type and minor airframe changes. The Wilga 80 and Wilga 2000 are later developments with American engines for export markets.
Where you'll see it
The Wilga served widely with Polish aviation clubs, the Polish Air Force, and was exported to numerous countries including Egypt, Indonesia, and the Soviet Union. It remains in use with aero-clubs and operators across Eastern Europe.
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- Bellanca Viking
- Cessna 401A
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