Designed by Jaroslav Lonek, the Zlín Z-XIII was an exceptionally sleek single seat racing and courier plane. It was built in 1937 and showed to have very good flying qualities with its 130 hp Walter Major 4 in-line 4 cilinder engine.
Even during test-flights, this aircraft had surprised with its high performance and modern look. However, it needed a good airport with long runways. On account of its landing speed, 140 km per hour, (very high at that time) and of its high carrying capacity the aircraft could only be flown by skilled pilots.
This aeroplane was ment for sporting competitions and as a quick courier for transporting top managers from Bata's Concerns. Its Maximum speed was 350 km/h. Only one was built that still exisits today. It carried the civil registration OK-TBZ. Two people posing in front of the Zlín Z-XIII on the picture below are the pilots major Jan Ambrush and Zlín test pilot Svab, the two only pilots allowed to fly this plane."
Unfortunately, it was not allowed to take part in the last possible speed competition ahead of the outbreak of WWII. The great pilot Ján Ambrus arrived at the starting point late (not his own fault) and the French organizers from Circuit de l'Est were uncompromising. Due to the occupation of Czechoslovakia, there was never any possibility for the assembly line production of this plane. The plane is now on exhibition at the National Museum of Technology in Prague.
Specs. |
Total Length : |
22.343 ft |
6.810 m |
|
Wingspan : |
22.966 ft |
7.000 m |
|
Wing area : |
75.348 sqft |
7.000 qm |
|
Max take off weight : |
1400.2 lbs |
635.0 kg |
|
Weight empty : |
1014.3 lbs |
460.0 kg |
|
Performance |
Max. speed : |
189 kts |
350 km/h |
|
Cruising speed : |
151 kts |
280 km/h |
|
Service ceiling : |
19685 ft |
6000 m |
|
Wing load : |
18.66 lbs/ft2 |
91.00 kg/qm |
|
Range : |
378 nm |
700 km |
|
Propulsion |
Kind : |
KRei |
|
Type : |
Walter Major 4 (inline 4cylinder) |
|
Total power rating (max.) |
95 hp |
96 ps |
Prototype was constructed as a single seater, but later modification could change it tu doubleseater by replacing covers. Plane was entirely constructed out of wood including controll surfaces. Solid covered landing gear is attached to single block wing.
More pictures:
