Czech Air Force designation: Z 143 MAF
TYPE: Four-seat lightplane.
PROGRAMME: Launched May 1991, with prototype construction beginning mid-year and first flight (Z 143 L prototype OK-074) 24 April 1992. Czech certification of this version 10 June 1994; now also certified in Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Slovak Republic, Switzerland and USA.
CURRENT VERSIONS: Z 143 L: Standard version, with Textron Lycoming engine.
Detailed description applies to Z 143 L.
Z 143 LSi: Proposed version with 194 kW (260 hp) Textron Lycoming fuel-injection engine. No recent information.
CUSTOMERS: Total of 47 (excluding prototype and three testbeds/demonstrators) delivered by December 2002 to customers in Argentina (one), Austria (one), Bulgaria (two), Czech Republic (Air Force, four), Egypt (five), Germany (eight), Israel (two), Slovenia (two), Switzerland (four), Thailand (two) and USA (seven) and elsewhere.
COSTS: Standard aircraft US$149,000 (VFR), US$169,000 (IFR) (1999).
DESIGN FEATURES: Generally as for Z 242. For basic aerobatics (except inverted flight), glider towing and (with equipment) night and IFR training. Non-swept wings, of similar planform to Z 242 L but with NACA 632416.5 wing section and 6o dihedral.
FLYING CONTROLS: As for Z 242 L.
STRUCTURE: As for Z 242 L.
LANDING GEAR: As for Z 242 L.
POWER PLANT: One Textron Lycoming O-540-J3A5 flat-six engine (175 kW; 235 hp at 2,400 rpm); MTV-9-B/195-45a three-blade variable-pitch propeller. Fuel capacity 122 litres (32.2 US gallons; 26.8 Imp gallons) in two wing tanks; provision for two 51 litre (13.5 US gallon; 11.2 Imp gallon) auxiliary tanks in Normal category version, raising total to 224 litres (59.2 US gallons; 49.3 Imp gallons). Oil capacity 12 litres (3.2 US gallons; 2.6 Imp gallons).
ACCOMMODATION: Four seats in 2 + 2 configuration, with pilot in front left-habd seat. All seats have four-point safety belts. Baggage compartment (capacity 60 kg; 132 lb) aft of rear seats, with external door on port side. One-piece forward-sliding canopy. Dual controls standard. Cabin and windscreen heating and ventilation standard.
SYSTEMS: As for Z 242 L.
AVIONICS: As for Z 242 L.
