PZL P.11

PZL · Poland · first flew 1931 · fighter

The PZL P.11 was a Polish single-seat parasol monoplane fighter that equipped the Polish Air Force during the German invasion of September 1939. Although obsolescent by that time, its pilots achieved a creditable record against the Luftwaffe.

Recognition (WEFT)

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

Spot it by:

• Gull-wing parasol monoplane fighter
• Fixed spatted undercarriage
• Open cockpit and radial engine

The inverted gull parasol wing giving a characteristic W-shape when viewed head-on, fixed spatted undercarriage, and open cockpit with a radial engine are the immediate recognition features of the P.11.

Specifications

• The PZL P.11 has a length of 7.55 m (25 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 10.72 m (35 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 390 km/h (242 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

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

History

First flown in 1931, the P.11 was designed by Zygmunt Puławski and featured the distinctive inverted gull-wing parasol layout that became a PZL hallmark. It entered Polish service in 1935 as the P.11c, the main production variant. Romanian and Greek air forces also operated the type.

Variants

The P.11a and P.11b were early export-oriented versions; the P.11c was the principal Polish service variant with a Bristol Mercury engine and improved armament. The P.11g was a proposed development that did not enter service.

Where you'll see it

Bore the brunt of Polish fighter operations during the September 1939 campaign. Romanian P.11s served in early stages of the Eastern Front war. The type was completely outclassed by the Bf 109 but Polish pilots used it effectively in defensive fighting.

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