Zlín Z-22 Junák (c/n 82, OO-FRE) light sport aircraft, exhibited at Letecké muzeum Kbely (Kbely Aviation Museum), Prague, September 2025.
Shortly after the end of the Second World War, the Zlín aviation plant in Otrokovice began developing new sport and training aircraft. Officially designated the Z-22, the aeroplane had to be both light and simple, featuring an all-wooden structure, a two-seat cockpit and a fixed tailwheel undercarriage, as well as to be powered by a light aviation engine generating about 50–70 hp.
The prototype performed its first flight in April 1946. However, the Z-22 proved to be heavier than expected and was eventually fitted with a 103 hp Toma 4 engine. Soon, a series of evaluation flights revealed several substantial shortcomings in the initial design.
Over the next few months, the prototype was extensively redesigned. The aeroplane was converted into a four-seater and fitted with new wings, a new vertical stabiliser and modified landing gear. It was also renamed the Z-122 and the Z-222, respectively for the fixed- and retractable-undercarriage versions.
However, these upgrades not only failed to resolve the shortcomings but also completely altered the original concept of the aircraft. Consequently, further development of the Z-122 was soon cancelled.
The second attempt at creating a light Zlín aeroplane returned to the original idea of a lightweight two-seater. The redesigned prototype, once again designated the Z-22, made its maiden flight in April 1947. This time, it was equipped with a 54 hp Persy engine which weighed only 71 kg – compared with the 98 kg of Toma 4 powerplant.
This time the aeroplane appeared to meet expectations. The Z-22 was evaluated until the end of the year and, at the beginning of 1948, was re-engined with a 74 hp four-cylinder, air-cooled Praga D. Later, a third seat—intended solely for tourist flights—was added.
Serial production of the Z-22 Junák (“scout” or “brave youth”) began at the end of 1948. The following year, its manufacturing was transferred to the aviation plant in Kunovice.
The Z-22 remained in production for only four years, with 200 examples built by 1952. The aeroplane was used by Czechoslovak aeroclubs and was also exported to several countries, including Western states.
While the Z-22 Junák was well regarded by its operators, its all-wooden construction resulted in low durability and a short service life. It was expected that each aeroplane would require a general overhaul after only five years.
It is therefore unsurprising that the Z-22 was soon overshadowed by another Zlín training aircraft, the renowned Trenér family. As they wore out, the Junák aeroplanes gradually faded into oblivion.
The Z-22 OO-FRE, featured in our Photo of the Week series, is the sole surviving example of the type. The aeroplane was operated by a Belgian owner before being purchased by Vojenský historický ústav Praha (Military History Institute Prague – VHU) in 1970.
