ZLIN Z-226BT

The Zlin Z-226 Trainer was a Czechoslovakian training and aerobatic aircraft from the Cold War period. The machine was built in the low wing configuration, with the fixed undercarriage in the classic configuration. The plane was first flown in 1955 and its serial production started a year later. The drive was provided by a single Walter Minor 6-III engine with 160 HP. The length of the machine was 7.8 meters with a wingspan of 10.29 meters. The Zlin Z-226 Trainer was designed and produced as an evolutionary development of the Z-126 aircraft. Compared to its predecessor, it was characterized primarily by slightly improved aerodynamic properties and the use of a new power unit with greater maximum power. The Zlin Z-226 was still used primarily as a basic training machine, but also - due to its good flight characteristics - as an aerobatic aircraft. In the course of serial production, three main versions of this aircraft were created: Z-226T (basic, training and training version), Z-226A (single-seat aerobatic version) and Z-226B (aircraft designed for towing gliders).