Zlín Z-XI

Zlín Aircraft · Czechoslovakia · first flew 1934 · light aircraft

The Zlín Z-XI was a Czechoslovak two-seat light touring monoplane of the 1930s, one of the most popular light aircraft produced in prewar Czechoslovakia.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, straight
E — Engines1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage7 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

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

Spot it by:

Strut-braced high-wing with rectangular planform; enclosed two-seat cabin with side-by-side seating; fixed undercarriage with wheel fairings; small circular cowling around inline or inverted engine.

Specifications

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

History

Designed by the Zlín company under engineer Ladislava Smrčka, the Z-XI entered production in 1934 and proved a commercial success in the domestic and export markets. Its simple construction and docile handling made it popular with aero clubs and private owners. Production continued until the German occupation in 1939, with over 200 examples completed.

Variants

Z-XI basic; Z-XII (successor with more power); several engine fits tried.

Where you'll see it

Widely used by Czechoslovak aero clubs, military liaison, and private owners throughout the late 1930s.

Related aircraft

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