Zlin Z-50
Zlin · Czechoslovakia · first flew 1975 · light aircraft
The Zlin Z-50 is a Czechoslovak single-seat unlimited aerobatic competition aircraft powered by a Lycoming AEIO-540 engine, capable of competing at the highest levels of world aerobatic competition. It was designed specifically for the Unlimited category.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.62 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-seat high-performance aerobatic competition monoplane
- Lycoming AEIO-540 engine for unlimited aerobatics
- Symmetrical wing section for equal inverted and upright performance
A small, compact single-seat monoplane with a very clean cowling, large fin, and the symmetrical wing section typical of unlimited aerobatic aircraft; smaller and lighter-looking than the Z-526 family.
Specifications
- The Zlin Z-50 has a length of 6.62 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.58 m (28 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 312 km/h (194 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1975, the Z-50 went on to win multiple world aerobatic championship medals and establish Czechoslovakia as a leading nation in competitive aerobatics throughout the 1970s and 1980s. It remains competitive at displays today.
Variants
The Z-50L used a Lycoming engine; the Z-50LS is a lighter improved version; the Z-50LA and M variants incorporate progressive aerodynamic refinements.
Where you'll see it
Used extensively by Czech and Slovak aerobatic teams and private competition pilots worldwide; still flying in private hands.
Related aircraft
- Zlin Z 42
- Zlin Z-526
- Zlin Z 326
- Beechcraft Skipper
- Cessna 404 Titan
- Grumman American AA-5A Cheetah
- Piper PA-28 Archer
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