PILOT / BUILDER / PAINTER / OWNER - JOHN GREENFIELD,
CHECK OUT THE LINK BELOW TO READ JOHNS BUILD BLOG OF THE CMELAK.
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The Zlin Z-37 Čmelák, also known as LET Z-37 Čmelák is an agricultural aircraft which was manufactured in Czechoslovakia. It is powered by a Soviet-built Ivchenko reciprocating engine. The aircraft is used mainly as a cropduster.
Manufacturers: Zlin Aircraft, Aircraft Industries
Wingspan: 12 m
Top speed: 216 km/h
First flight: 29 June 1963
Status In use
Primary user Czechoslovak civilian aviation
Produced 1965-1987
Number built ~713
Variants are as far afield as England and the USA. Current use is limited because of fuel costs and is now used mainly in Slovakia. Many are used for glider towing, having the ability to easily tow two gliders and often transport four gliders in tow for cross country.
A record has been set by a Z 137T in Slovakia, towing nine two-seat gliders.
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The decision to make this model had an interesting beginning in that John was looking for a model that he could fit a Valach 250 radial engine in and that would be a practical everyday model to fly at his local flying field. These criteria required a model that was simple and quick to put together and would be happy flying in and out of a small area.
The Cmelak design met this requirement and the original idea was to design and build one from scratch in normal Ghost Squadron style. Whilst researching the design it was discovered that Airworld made a model in the size being considered, and so it was decided to purchase a kit and build that.
Several different models were considered before I saw a picture of the Cmelak. This looked like a good candidate, a bit unusual in design, which I like, but with a robust undercarriage and easy to assemble with plug on wings and a simple bolt on tail. I knew Airworld made a kit of the model so a good look at their website convinced me that this was the model to pick.
More research showed that most Cmelak’s were finished in yellow but having just finished a Bucker Jungmeister in yellow I wanted something different and I found a pink one with interesting graphics on the fuselage. That was the model for me so I contacted Airworld and asked if they could mould me a Cmelak in pink gel coat as I figured this would save the weight of a full paint job. They agreed to do it in pink for a small extra charge so the order was placed.
Overall it has been an interesting model to assemble, challenging in places due to poor parts but the finished model is a real joy to fly. The motor is superb and overall the package has delivered what I set out to achieve in a practical every day model that is quick to assemble and flys well out of my local flying field.
John Greenfield
Dec 2021
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THIS LMA FLY-IN EVENT WAS FILMED AT THE
BMFA BUCKMINSTER NATIONAL CENTRE,
BUCKMINSTER, LINCOLNSHIRE, NG33 5RW,
FILMED ON 11 - 5 - 2023
