The Zlin 42M was a variant of the Zlin 42 (48 built) which made its first flight in 1967 and which was itself the production version of the Zlin Z-41 prototype. This series of aerobatic two seaters was developed to replace the ageing Akrobats and Trener Masters on the production line. The Z-42M replaced the Z-42 in 1974 and introduced a constant speed propeller and the fin of the Zlin-43. Some Zlin-42’s were retrofitted with two blade metal constant speed propellers and redesignated Zlin-42MU. The Zlin Z-142 (360 built) first flew in 1978 and was the Z-42 with a redesigned canopy. The Z-142C (18 built) had western avionics. The Z-142 entered production in 1980 and the Z-142C in 1992. Production ended in 1995. A large number of Z-42M’s and Z-142’s were exported to other Eastern European countries including Hungary, Poland and East Germany and they remain active there.

                                  D-EWON             c/n 0132              Czechoslovakia  Photo: John Chalmers

2 seat light aircraft first flown in 1972

Engine: 180hp(134kW) Avia M-137A                                                                                               Length: 23’2"(7.06m)                                                                                          Height: 8’10"(2.69m)Wingspan: 29’10.5"(9.1m)                                                                                              No.built: 149 Range: 325miles(523km)                                                                 Cruising speed: 132mph(212kmh) Empty weight: 1422lb(645kg)                                                 Maximum take-off weight: 2138lb(970kg)

OK-XSB             c/n 0003

                                      OK-PPM                 c/n 0041

Zlin Z-42M Side view 1/144 scale

Side view 1/108 scale

Side view 1/72 scale

Zlin Z-142 Side view 1/144 scale

Side view 1/108 scale

Side view 1/72 scale