Zlin Z-50
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The Zlin Z-50 is one of the most famous sports planes used in aerobatics. It was made by Zlin Aircraft.
In autumn 1973 it was decided in Moravan Otrokovice to develop a new single seat aerobatic plane. The design team was led by one of the most famous Czech aircraft designers Jan Mikula. During the design phase, computer optimization was used for better aerodynamic characteristic. The main problem of construction was to determine the best engine and propellor combination for this aircraft. Designers found the Avco Lycoming AIO-540 D4B5 with a power of 191 kW (260 HP) and a three-blade Hartzell propellor best.
Design, construction and building of the first prototype took only one and a half years. On 30 June 1975 engine tests were performed. The first flight was undertaken on 18 July, 1975. The first aerobatic Zlin Z-50 L ("L" = Lycoming Engine) had registration markings OK-070. The first flights were very successful and confirmed all of the designers' promises. The Czech Aerobatic Team would bargain for this plane in World Aerobatic Championship in 1976.
The Z-50 L became the first composite fabricated special aerobatic airplane in the world. It was constructed by the FAR regulations and pilots can fly many aerobatic maneuvers from +9G to – 6G.
In 1981, a more powerful Textron Lycoming AEIO-540 L1B5D with 224 kW (300 HP) was installed. This version was the Zlin Z-50 LS and was first flown by Zdenek Polasek on 29 July 1981. The more powerful engine enhanced vertical maneuvers. The Zlin Z-50 LS can fly with a weight of 760 kg from +8G to –6G in the aerobatic planes category (A Category), and between +3,8 and –1,5 in the normal category (N category). Many Z-50 L and LA versions were rebuilt to Z-50 LS standard in early eighties.
Another version derived from the Zlin Z-50 aircraft is a “baby fifty” – Z-50M with a lower powered Avia M-137AZ engine of 132 kW (180 HP). This was constructed for replacement of older and inconvenient Z-526 models, which were often converted to N (normal) category and used as glider tugs at many aero clubs. The Z-50M is able to fly from +7G to –5,5G. There were only eight Z-50M machines manufactured. In April 1990 it was prepared for its first flight modified Z-50 LS, now under Z-50 LE (Experimental). It had modified wings for better maneuverability. This type remained only as a prototype.
The last version of Zlin 50 is known as Z-50 LX. Z-50LX had its first flight in 1991 by chief-pilot Vladmir Peroutka. A big share in the development of this plane was show pilot Victor Norman, who wanted additional fuel tanks installed inside the wings and a strong “smoke system” for air shows as well. From 1992 to 1995 there were 7 Z-50LX built, and four of them are also used by well known and fantastic Red Bull Flying Bulls Aerobatics Team.
