Pezetel PZL-104MA Wilga 2000

The PZL-104 Wilga (golden oriole) is a Polish short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) civil aviation utility aircraft designed and originally manufactured by PZL Warszawa-Okęcie, and later by European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), who had acquired the original manufacturer during 2001.

First flown on 24 April 1962 and entering service during the following year, the Wilga has evolved through many ever-improving versions during its continuous production from 1962 to 2006. The type was largely used by civil operators; those military air services that did fly the type typically used it as a trainer and liaison aircraft.

The PZL-104 was designed for robust use in sports and civil aviation, with a strong emphasis on glider-towing and parachute training. Engine deficiencies delayed production. On 30 December 1963, the Wilga C (or Wilga Mark 2 Subvariant C) made its first flight; this variant which was a dedicated export model of the type for Indonesia powered by the imported North American -certified 225 hp (168 kW) horizontally opposed Continental O-470 engine.

To address the immaturity of the original WN-6RB engine, the design team decided to adopt an in-production radial engine, the 260 hp (190 kW) Ivchenko AI-14R; furnished with this engine, the aircraft became the PZL-104 Wilga Mark 3 variant, which first flew on 31 December 1965.

During 1979, the Wilga 80 variant went into production, which was an improved model specifically certified to operate in the US market.

In 1996, it was announced that PZL had developed an improved version of the aircraft, known as the PZL-104MA Wilga 2000. The Wilga 2000 family benefitted from various improvements, it adopted an American Lycoming O-540 engine, capable of generating a maximum of 225 kW (300 hp), along with an AlliedSignal-Bendix avionics suite and a new wing, the latter of which offered increased fuel capacity and endurance, as well with aerodynamic refinements, such as fairings around the undercarriage. In May 2004, Canadian-based company Sealand Aviation demonstrated an amphibious version of the Wilga 2000 in Anchorage.

During July 1995, PZL and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer signed a co-operation agreement, involving the latter conducting the marketing of Polish general aviation aircraft such as the Wilga, in the Brazilian market in exchange for the sale of Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia regional airliners to Poland. Wikipedia

PZL Wilga