Zlin Z-37 Cmelak

infobox Aircraft
name =Z-37 Čmelák
type =Agricultural aircraft
manufacturer =Let, Moravan

---

caption =Z-37 Čmelák
designer =
first flight =29 June 1963
introduced =
retired =
status =in use
primary user =Czechoslovak civilian aviation
more users =
produced =1965-1987
number built =~713
unit cost =
variants with their own articles =The Zlin Z-37 Čmelák (Czech: "Bumblebee"), also known as LET Z-37 Čmelák is an agricultural aircraft manufactured in Czechoslovakia. The aircraft is used mainly as a cropduster.

Design and development

Design work upon the first purpose-designed agricultural plane started in Czechoslovakia in 1961, in a cooperation of two manufacturers: Let Kunovice and Moravan (Zlin brand). The first prototype designated XZ-37 first flew on June 29, 1963 (other sources: June 29). It was a cantilever low-wing monoplane of metal construction, covered with duralumin and canvas in a tail part, with a fixed landing gear. The pilot's cab was in front, right after a 315 hp radial engine, and before a container for chemicals. This offered pilot a good view, but was potentially dangerous in case of emergency landing. Behind pilot, there could seat a mechanic, heading towards tail.

The plane was produced from 1965 under a designation Z-37. From 1971, the Z-37A was produced, with a strengthened construction. It was produced until 1975, and then in 1983-1984. 677 were produced, including 27 two-seater Z-37A-2 for crew training.

On September 6, 1981 there was flown a prototype XZ-37T, powered by a 691 hp turboprop engine Walter M-601B. Final variant Z-37T Agro Turbo was powered by less powerful turboprop engine M-601Z and produced from 1985 until 1987. 28 Z-37T were built by then, including some two-seater trainers Z-37T-2. Apart from engine, it differs from the Z-37 by having a bigger span - 13.6 m and wing area, the wings have winglets. A further development carries a designation Z-137Т.

Operational history

Main user of Z-37s is Czechoslovakia but many planes were exported. Aircraft is used for agricultural duties but can also be used for firefighting or hauling gliders.

Variants

;XZ-37:First prototype.;Z-37:First production version built between 1965 and 1971.;Z-37A:Second production version with strengthened construction. Built between 1971 and 1975 and later between 1983 and 1984, 650 built.;Z-37A-2:Two seat version for crew training, 27 built.;XZ-37T:Prototype of the turboprop version powered by Walter M-601B engine, built in 1981.;Z-37T Agro Turbo:Turboprop version with bigger span wings, powered by Walter M-601Z engine and built between 1985 and 1987. 28 built including Z-37T-2 trainer.;Z-37T-2:Two seat turboprop version for crew training built between 1985 and 1987.;Z-137T:Further development version.

Operators

*BUL
*CZS
*CZE
*DDR
*FIN
*HUN
*IND
*IRQ
*UK
*YUG

pecifications (Z-37)

aircraft specifications
plane or copter?=plane
jet or prop?=prop
crew=1, pilot
capacity=1, mechanic (optional), 1000 l of chemicals
length main=8.55 m
length alt=
span main=12.22 m
span alt=
height main=2.90 m
height alt=
area main=23.80 m²
area alt=
empty weight main=970 kg
empty weight alt=
loaded weight main=1850 kg
loaded weight alt=
useful load main=880 kg
useful load alt=
max takeoff weight main=
max takeoff weight alt=

engine (prop)=Avia M 462RF

type of prop= air-cooled 9-cylinder radial engine
number of props=1
power main=232 kW / 282 kW take-off
power alt=316 hp / 380 hp take-off

max speed main=216 km/h
max speed alt=
max speed more=
cruise speed main= 185 km/h
cruise speed alt=
stall speed main=
stall speed alt=
range main=640 km
range alt=
ceiling main=4050 m
ceiling alt=
climb rate main=4 m/s
climb rate alt=
loading main=
loading alt=
power/mass main=
power/mass alt=
more performance=
*Take-off run: about 120 m
armament=

ee also

aircontent
related=

similar aircraft=
PZL-106 Kruk - Rockwell Thrush Commander

sequence=

lists=

see also=

External links

* [http://www.freefly.sk/modules.php?name=FotoGaleria&file=thumbnails&album=17 Photos of Cmelak in action]
* [http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?aircraft_genericsearch=Zlin%20Z-37%20Cmelak%2FAgro%20Turbo&distinct_entry=true Photos at Airliners.net]

References

*Hans-Joachim Mau: "Tschechoslowakische Flugzeuge", Transpress, Berlin 1987, ISBN 3-344-00121-3
* [http://www.slovackemuzeum.cz/adresar.py?ida=A00000000000000143&mode=prevnext Photo and description] (in Slovak)