Polish aerospace industry stands at the threshold of a revolution thanks to a cooperation between Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation (Łukasiewicz – ILOT), Mielec Aviation Works (MZL) and DRACO Aircraft. The goal of the cooperation is to develop and build a modern DRACO aircraft, based on the legendary PZL-104 Wilga design.
Photo: lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Legacy of PZL-104 Wilga
The PZL-104 Wilga is a Polish four-seat multirole aircraft, produced between 1967 and 2008. It gained recognition for its exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, which made it ideal for operations on small airstrips. More than 1,000 units of this model were produced, a testament to its popularity and reliability.
In 2023, DRACO Aircraft acquired the intellectual property rights to the Wilga aircraft from Airbus Poland, with the intention of creating a modern version of the machine. It was inspired by the design of Mike Patey, who used a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-28 turboprop engine and numerous aerodynamic modifications in his DRACO, achieving impressive flight characteristics.
On February 3, 2025, letters of intent were signed in Warsaw between Łukasiewicz – ILOT, MZL and DRACO Aircraft to jointly develop and build the DRACO aircraft. The plan is to develop a version that will receive EASA and FAA certifications and bring it to market in 2028. Łukasiewicz – ILOT is responsible for design and engineering work, while MZL is responsible for building the prototypes needed for certification.
Photo: DRACO Aircraft
Innovative solutions
DRACO is expected to offer unique STOL capabilities, enabling takeoffs and landings at distances of less than 30 meters, without the need for a fixed runway. The spacious cabin will accommodate the pilot and three passengers for comfort and safety. Specialized versions are also planned, such as a light combat support or patrol aircraft, making DRACO a versatile platform for a variety of applications.
The cooperation of Polish institutions and companies on the DRACO project underscores the potential of the domestic aviation sector. The combination of partners’ experience and innovation gives hope for the success of this project, which may become another symbol of Polish technical thought on the international arena.
Sources: lukasiewicz.gov.pl, en.wikipedia.org, dracoaircraft.com, investmap.pl Photo: DRACO Aircraft, Instytut Lotnictwa Łukasiewicz
