PZL M-25 Dromader Mikro

M-25 Dromader Mikro
Role Agricultural aircraft
National origin Poland
Manufacturer WSK-Mielec
Status unbuilt project
Developed from PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader

The PZL M-25 Dromader Mikro (Dromader is Polish for "Dromedary") is an unbuilt project for a single engine agricultural aircraft, developed in the 1980s by the WSK-Mielec (later PZL-Mielec) from the PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader.[1] It did not progress beyond the design stage.[1]

Development

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During the 1980s, PZL developed a range of agricultural aircraft optimised for larger and smaller areas of land than their successful M-18 Dromader.[2][3] These included the downsized M-21 Dromader Mini and the enlarged M-24 Dromader Super, both of which flew in prototype form.[2][3] The M-25 Dromader Mikro would have been the smallest of the family.[2][3]

It was intended not only for aerial spraying, but to direct aerial spraying operations.[4] PZL hoped it might replace other small agricultural aircraft in widespread use in Comecon countries, such as the PZL-101 Gawron and Zlin Z 37.[4] However, by 1988, the project was abandoned along with the M-21 and M-24 as the company did not have sufficient capacity to manufacture additional designs.[4]

Design

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The M-25 was designed as a conventional, low-wing cantilever monoplane with fixed, tailwheel undercarriage.[2] Construction was to be metal throughout. It would have been equipped with a single seat in an enclosed cabin.[2] Power would be supplied by a single PZL AI-14 radial engine mounted tractor-fashion in the nose.[2]

Specifications (as designed)

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Data from Glass 1983, p.6; performance calculations from PZL M25 Dromader Mikro, p.34

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1 pilot
  • Capacity: 500 kg (1,100 lb) of chemicals
  • Length: 7.6 m (24 ft 11 in)
  • Wingspan: 11.6 m (38 ft 1 in)
  • Height: 3.2 m (10 ft 6 in)
  • Wing area: 17 m2 (180 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 1,000 kg (2,205 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,650 kg (3,638 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × PZL AI-14 9-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine, 206 kW (276 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 214 km/h (133 mph, 116 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 204 km/h (127 mph, 110 kn)
  • Range: 1,200 km (750 mi, 650 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 3,750 m (12,300 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 4 m/s (790 ft/min)

See also

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Related development

Notes

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References

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  1. ^ a b Glass 2009, p.8
  2. ^ a b c d e f Glass 1983, pp.6–7
  3. ^ a b c Simpson 1995, p.316
  4. ^ a b c Luto

Bibliography

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  • Glass, Andrzej (May 1983). "Airplanes manufactured at PZL-Mielec". Technika lotnicze i astronautyczna. Vol. 38, no. 5. Warsaw: Stowarzyszenie Inżynierów i Techników Mechaników Polskich. pp. 6–7.
  • Glass, Andrzej (2009). "Samoloty rolnicze" [Agricultural aircraft]. Polska Technika Lotnicza: Materiały historyczne. No. 1. Warsaw: Klub Miłośników Historii Polskiej Techniki Lotniczej.
  • Luto, Krzysztof. "PZL M25 "Dromader Mikro", 1986". Samoloty w Lotnictwie Polskim.
  • PZL M21 Lama (Report). PZL Mielec. 1983.
  • Simpson, R. W. (1995). Airlife's General Aviation. Shrewsbury: Airlife Publishing.
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