Zlín Z-XII

Z-XII
Role Sports aircraft
Manufacturer Zlín
Number built 252–259

The Zlín Z-XII was a Czechoslovak two-seat sports aircraft, and the first major design success by the Zlínská Letecká Akciová Společnost (Zlín) aircraft manufacturing company, after its founding in Otrokovice after the takeover by the Bata Group.

Design and development

Zlín XII, aerodrom Zlín

The low-wing all-wooden aircraft was designed by Jaroslav Lonek. Two prototypes, with different engines, were presented in April 1935. These were subjected to an extensive test program.

The Z-XII, equipped with a 33 kW (44 hp) ZLAS or 47 kW (63 hp) Zlin Persy II engine emerged as the winner from the tests. The Z-212 was an improved version, equipped with a Walter Mikron engine. The aircraft could come with an open cockpit or with a cockpit hood. It was a very popular aircraft and was exported to many countries.

Production of the Z-212 ran under German supervision after the occupation of Czechoslovakia. The German Luftwaffe operated Z-XIIs and Z-212s until 1943, and about 20 Z-XIIs went to Slovakia. One Z-212 was captured by the Americans at the end of World War II. It was later used for sightseeing flights. Another Z-XII survived the war, being disassembled into parts in Otrokovice. It was later rebuilt and flew with the registration OK-ZJD.

A total of 201 Z-XIIs and 58 (other sources mention 51) Z-212s were built. Replicas of Z-XII and Z-212 have been built.

Variants

Zlin 212 with Walter Mikron engine
Z-XII
Equipped with a 33 kW (44 hp) ZLAS or 47 kW (63 hp) Zlin Persy II engine
Z-212
Equipped with a Walter Mikron engine

Operators

Zlin XII with open cockpit.

Former civil operators

Former military operators

 Czechoslovakia
 Germany
Slovakia Slovak Republic
 United Kingdom
  • One Zlin 212 Tourist was impressed into service in India in 1942.
 Kingdom of Yugoslavia

Aircraft on display

Serbia

Zlín Z-XII is on display.

Czech Republic

Specifications (Z-XII)

General characteristics

  • Crew: two
  • Length: 7.80 m (25.59 ft)
  • Wingspan: 10.00 m (33 ft)
  • Height: ()
  • Wing area: 12 m² ()
  • Empty weight: 290 kg (639 lbs)
  • Loaded weight: 520 kg (1,146.40 lbs)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Zlin Persy II, 45 kW (61PS, 60hp)

Performance

Notes

  1. ↑ Ketley, Barry, and Rolfe, Mark. Luftwaffe Fledglings 1935–1945: Luftwaffe Training Units and their Aircraft (Aldershot, GB: Hikoki Publications, 1996), p.11.

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