Zlín Z-37TM Turbo Military - "Dusty Crop-bomber"

DrunkenLamp · October 16, 2026, 1:02am

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Zlín Z-37TM Turbo-Military

History

Zlín Aero a.s. is Czech company based out of Otrokovice that was established in 1934, at this time this company was known as Zlínská letecká společnost, a. s., this company was highly reliant on the well-known shoe making company BAŤA a.s. and it’s subdivision, Baťova letecká společnost. This company primarily used Zlín’s aircrafts. This company was renamed multiple times, today it is known as Zlín Aero a.s. but at time of development of Z-37TM, it was known as Moravan n.p.

Zlín Z-137 T is Czechoslovak crop duster designed by Moravan n.p. This aircraft is already an upgraded variant of the old Z-37 Čmelák (In english: Bumblebee). This aircraft was originally designed in the mid-60s and is still used to this day around the world. One particular Z-37 made it into the Ukranian Air Force, armed with missiles for anti-drone hunting.

Ukranian Z-137 with missiles

The Zlín Z-37TM was based off of early production series of Zlín Z-137 T, the 6th production vehicle of Z-137 (006) was chosen for this prototype. This aircraft had to be modified, the structure was strengthened and equipped with hardpoints for mounting of equipment. This aircraft was meant to have multirole purposes such as ground attack, recon, mine laying and more. Z-37TM was privately tested near on Otrokovice airport by dropping cement-filled training bombs in the field. This aircraft was meant to be exported to East Germany and live trials to showcase them to East German delegation were set to happen in September 1985. These tests were cancelled and East German interest in this aircraft dissapeared.

After the end of this project to develop multirole aircraft for military, Z-37TM was converted back into crop duster and sold off to Slov-Air, after being sold off and going trough multiple other companies, in 2005 it made it’s way into Hungary, where it was not put into any kind-of service. In mid-2016 Czech museum Kunovice found this aircraft in very bad shape. After restoration this aircraft is yearly flown and continues to be on display in Museum Kunovice.

Characteristics

Propulsion

Engine: 512 hp Walter M-601 Z turbovrtulový
Propeller: 2,5 m diameter 3-blade Avia V 508 Z
Top speed: 285 km/h
Ceiling: 5 500 m

Weight specifications

Empty weight: 1250 kg
Full weight: 2525 kg
Fuel: 350 l
- Addon fuel tanks: 2x 350 L / 2x 150 L

Dimensions

Lenght: 10,46 m
Wingspan: 13,63 m
Wing area: 47,6 m²
Height: 3,51 m

Dimensions

Crew

Pilot

Arnament

2 hard points
- Bombs
  - 2x 50 kg unguided bombs
  - 2x 100 kg unguided bombs
  - 2x 250 kg unguided bombs
- Missiles
  - 2x R-3
  - 2x R-3S
  - 2x R-60
- Gun pods
  - 2x 7,62mm PK3 gunpod containers
- Rocket pods
  - UB-16-57