PZL-106 Kruk

PZL · Poland · first flew 1973 · light aircraft

The PZL-106 Kruk (Raven) is a Polish agricultural aircraft designed for crop dusting and spraying operations. It is a single-engine low-wing monoplane with a large chemical hopper ahead of the cockpit.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	9.1 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Polish single-engine agricultural aircraft
Low-wing monoplane crop duster with large chemical hopper
Radial or turboprop engine options in the Kruk family

A typical agricultural aircraft with the cockpit positioned well aft for hopper space, a large low wing, and the distinctive profile of a crop duster; the Polish PZL origin is confirmed by its relatively large size compared to comparable Western types.

Specifications

The PZL-106 Kruk has a length of 9.1 m (30 ft).
It has a wingspan of 14.8 m (49 ft).
Its maximum speed is 215 km/h (134 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Development of the Kruk began in the early 1970s and the first flight took place in 1973. It entered production and was widely used in Polish agriculture and exported to a number of Eastern Bloc and developing countries. Later variants adopted a turboprop engine for improved performance.

Variants

The PZL-106A used a piston engine, while the PZL-106BT Turbo Kruk was fitted with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop. Several hopper-capacity and engine variants were produced.

Where you'll see it

Extensively used in Polish agricultural aviation throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s; also exported to Eastern European countries, Cuba, and various African nations. Many remain active in agricultural roles.

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