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Zlin Z-50
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 aerobatic plane. The design team was lead by one of the most famous Czech aircraft designers Jan Mikula. During construction a computer optimization was used for better aerodynamic characteristic. The main problem of construction was to find out the best engine for this aircraft. Designers found the Avco Lycoming AIO-540 D4B5 with the power of 191 kW (260 PS) and three-blade propeller Hartzell.
Design, construction and building of the first prototype took only one and half years. On 30 June, 1975 the engine test was performed. The first flight was undertaken on 18 July, 1975. The first aerobatic Zlin Z-50 L ("L" = Lycoming Engine) had mark OK-070. The first flights were very successful and confirmed all the designer’s promises. The Czech Aerobatic Team would bargain for this plane in World Aerobatic Championship in 1976.
The Z-50 L became the first 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 PS) 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 the vertical maneuvers. The Zlin Z-50 LS can fly with a weight of 760 kg from +8G to –6G in Aerobatic Planes (A category), and between +3,8 and –1,5 in N category. Many of Z-50 L and LA versions were rebuilt to Z-50 LS in early eighties.
Another version coming for the Zlin Z-50 aircraft is a “baby fifty” – Z-50M with weaker Avia engine M-137AZ with 132 kW (180 PS). It was constructed for replacement of the older and inconvenient Z-526AFS, which was often converted to N (normal) category and are still used as a tug planes on many aero club airports. 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 tanks installed inside the wings and a strong “smoke system” for 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.
