Zlín Z-XII

The Zlín Z-XII was a Czechoslovak two-seat sports aircraft, and the first major design success by the Zlínská Letecká Akciová Společnost (Zlín) aircraft manufacturing company, after its founding in Otrokovice after the takeover by the Bata Group.

Design and development
The low-wing all-wooden aircraft was designed by Jaroslav Lonek. Two prototypes, with different engines, were presented in April 1935. These were subjected to an extensive test program.

The Z-XII, equipped with a 33 / Zlin Persy II engine emerged as the winner from the tests. The Z-212 was an improved version, equipped with a Walter Mikron engine. The aircraft could come with an open cockpit or with a cockpit hood. It was a very popular aircraft and was exported to many countries. Production of the Z-212 ran under German supervision after the occupation of Czechoslovakia. The German Luftwaffe operated Z-XIIs and Z-212s until 1943, and about 20 Z-XIIs went to Slovakia. One Z-212 was captured by the Americans at the end of World War II. It was later used for sightseeing flights. Another Z-XII survived the war, being disassembled into parts in Otrokovice. It was later rebuilt and flew with the registration OK-ZJD.

A total of 201 Z-XIIs and 58 (other sources mention 51) Z-212s were built. Replicas of Z-XII and Z-212 have been built.

Variants

 * Z-XII: Equipped with a 33 kW ZLAS or 47 kW Zlin Persy II engine
 * Z-212: Equipped with a Walter Mikron engine

Former civil operators

 * 🇪🇬 Egypt
 * Great Britain
 * 🇭🇺 Hungary
 * 🇧🇷 Brazil
 * 🇯🇵 Japan
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden
 * 🇿🇦 South Africa
 * 🇺🇸 United States
 * undefined
 * 🇺🇸 United States
 * undefined

Former military operators

 * Czechoslovak Air Force operated this type postwar under designation K-72.
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * Luftwaffe (small numbers)
 * 🇸🇰 Slovak Republic
 * Slovenské vzdušné zbrane
 * One Zlin 212 Tourist was impressed into service in India in 1942.
 * Kingdom of Yugoslavia
 * Yugoslav Royal Air Force – One aircraft was impressed into military service in April 1940.
 * Kingdom of Yugoslavia
 * Yugoslav Royal Air Force – One aircraft was impressed into military service in April 1940.


 * One Zlin 12 was used for a short time by the Irgun.

Aircraft on display
Zlín Z-XII  is on display. 
 * Serbia
 * Museum of Aviation (Belgrade) in Belgrade
 * Czech Republic
 * Prague Aviation Museum in Prague