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The Zlin Z-37 Čmelák (Czech: "Bumblebee"), also known as LET Z-37 Čmelák is an agricultural aircraft was manufactured in Czechoslovakia. The aircraft is used mainly as a cropduster. ==Design and development== Design work upon the first purpose-designed agricultural plane started in Czechoslovakia in 1961, in a cooperation of two manufacturers: Let Kunovice and Moravan (Zlin brand). The first prototype, designated as XZ-37, first flew on 29 March 1963〔J.W.R Taylor 1976, p.30.〕 (other sources:29 June). It was a cantilever low-wing monoplane of tubular metal construction, the wings and stabilizers are covered with duralumin and the fuselage and control surfaces are made of fabric. It had a fixed undercarriage with a fully castering tailwheel, but locked to the rudders for ground handling. The pilot's cockpit was in front, immediately behind a 315 hp radial engine, with a hopper for chemicals situated behind the cockpit. This offered the pilot a good view, but was potentially dangerous in case of an emergency landing. A mechanic could be seated behind the hopper, facing backwards.〔 There were also spray booms mounted under the wings. There is also a freight version with open space instead of hopper and spray equipment and a -3 variant with 3 passenger seats facing rearwards. The plane was produced from 1965 under a designation Z-37. From 1971, the Z-37A was produced, with a strengthened construction. It was produced until 1975, and then in 1983-1984. 677 were produced, including 27 two-seater Z-37A-2 for crew training. On 6 September 1981 the prototype XZ-37T first flew, powered by a (691 shp) Walter M-601B turboprop engine. Two further prototypes of the definitive turboprop version, the Z-37T Agro Turbo, powered by a less powerful M-601Z engine, flew on 12 July and 29 December 1983. As well as the new engine, it had longer span wings (13.63 m) fitted with winglets.〔J.W.R Taylor 1988, p.52.〕 The Z-37T was produced from 1985 until 1994, with a total of 51 aircraft built.,〔 〕 including some Z-37T-2 two-seater trainers. Later production aircraft were redesignated Zlin Z-137T.〔M. Taylor 1996, p.389.〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Zlín Z 37」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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