PZL PZL.38 Wilk

PZL · Poland · first flew 1938 · fighter

The PZL PZL.38 Wilk (Wolf) was a Polish twin-engine heavy fighter and destroyer aircraft of the late 1930s, designed for long-range escort and ground-attack duties. It was among the most capable Polish designs of its era but was cut short by the German invasion.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.35 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Polish twin-engine fighter — rare among prewar European designs
Compact twin-engine monoplane intended as a long-range escort and destroyer aircraft
Programme cancelled after the German invasion of Poland in September 1939

A compact twin-engine low-wing monoplane with the Polish gull-wing influence evident in the wing configuration, and a conventional twin-fin tail; resembles other twin-engine heavy fighters of the period such as the Potez 630 or Messerschmitt Bf 110.

Specifications

The PZL PZL.38 Wilk has a length of 8.35 m (27 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.05 m (36 ft).
Its maximum speed is 465 km/h (289 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

Development of the Wilk began in 1936 as part of Poland's effort to modernise its air force. The prototype first flew in 1938 and showed promise, but the programme was still in development when Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939. Only prototypes had been completed and no production examples entered service.

Variants

Only prototypes were completed; no production variants.

Where you'll see it

Never entered operational service; the programme was terminated by the German conquest of Poland.

Related aircraft

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