PZL M18 Dromader

PZL Mielec · Poland · first flew 1976 · light aircraft

The M18 Dromader is a big single-engined agricultural and firefighting aircraft, developed in cooperation with Rockwell and powered by a large radial engine driving a substantial chemical or water load.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	9.47 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Large radial-engined agricultural and firebomber
Deep chemical hopper ahead of a high cockpit
Broad straight low wing and fixed taildragger gear

Spot the large radial engine, a very deep hopper fairing ahead of the raised cockpit and a broad straight low wing on fixed taildragger gear. Its sheer bulk sets it apart from lighter ag-planes.

Specifications

The PZL M18 Dromader has a length of 9.47 m (31 ft).
It has a wingspan of 17.7 m (58 ft).
Its maximum speed is 256 km/h (159 mph).
Typical crew: 1 pilot.

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

History

PZL Mielec flew the Dromader in 1976, drawing on Rockwell Thrush technology to create a heavy-lift topdresser and aerial firefighter. Its rugged airframe and big hopper suited demanding agricultural and fire-suppression work.

Variants

The line included the two-seat M18, single-seat variants and the enlarged M24 Dromader Super, differing in capacity and engine. Many were exported and remain in service as water bombers worldwide.

Where you'll see it

The Dromader has appeared on the UK register in small numbers and is best known internationally as an aerial firefighter rather than a military type. Its high load capacity keeps it valued for fire seasons across Europe and beyond.

Related aircraft

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.