The Zlin Z-26 Trener was a tandem-seat basic
training aircraft built by the
Czechoslovakian company
Moravan. A low-wing monoplane of largely wooden construction, it was developed into a series of all-metal trainers. Several were also produced in aerobatic variants, known as the Akrobat.
The original Z-26 was designed in the 1940s and produced in 1946 to meet a requirement for a basic trainer to replace the
Bücker Jungmann and
Bestmann. It was a low-wing monoplane of mixed construction, with wooden wings and a welded metal tube fuselage, powered by a single
four-cylinderpiston engine, the Walter Minor 4-III. It first flew in early 1947, proving superior to the competing
Praga 112, and was declared the winner, entering production in 1948.[1]
Later derivatives were also optimised to participate in
aerobatic competitions and many were owned by private pilot owners. Both the two-seat Trener and the single-seat Akrobat were considered highly successful, winning several aerobatic awards in the 1960s.[2]
Variants
The following variants were progressive improvements on the Z-26:
In 1956, deliveries began of the Z326 Trener-Master and Z326A Akrobat.[2] Many sub-variants were also produced, for example the Z-526A and Z-526AFS were
aerobatic specials. The production of the family was terminated in the 1970s with Z-726. The Z-726 Universal had reduced wingspan.[2]
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Mourik, Dick van. "A to Zlin: An Illustrated History of a Light Aircraft Dynasty". Air Enthusiast, No. 93, May/June 2001. Stamford, UK:Key Publishing.
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Taylor, John W R. (editor). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77. London: Jane's Yearbooks, 1976.
ISBN0 354 00538 3.
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ISBN1 85170 324 1.