The PZL-44 Wicher (Tempest or Storm) was intended as a replacement for the DC-2 and Lockheed 12A and 14 Super Electra operated by LOT pre-WW2. LOT issued a specification calling for a fourteen-passenger airliner which resulted in the Wicher designed by W.Jakmuk and bult at the PZL-WP.NI works at Okecie, near Warsaw.
The first prototype flew on March 20, 1937 and subsequent flight evaluation was carried out at the I.B.T.L. establishment in Warsaw during the later half of 1938.
Of all-metal construction, the sole prototype, PZL-44, later registered SP-WNR, was powered by two 850 hp Skoda-Wright Cyclones, although for the production models the 1000 hp Wright GR-1820-G2 had been planned. Every modern flying and navigational aid and passenger-comfort device was installed, including de-icing, hydraulic dual controls, Sperry auto-pilot and ‘climatised’ cabin conditions.
When war broke out on 1 September 1939 the evaluation testing ceased after the prototype had logged around 200 hrs, latterly by Polish airline pilots.
P.44
Engines: 2 x Wright Cyclone GR-1820, 735kW
Wingspan: 23.8 m / 78 ft 1 in
Length: 18.5 m / 60 ft 7 in
Height: 4.8 m / 15 ft 8 in
Wing area: 75.0 sq.m / 807.29 sq ft
Max take-off weight: 9500 kg / 20944 lb
Empty weight: 5990 kg / 13206 lb
Max. speed: 374 km/h / 232 mph
Cruise speed: 316 km/h / 196 mph
Ceiling: 6000 m / 19700 ft
Range w/max.fuel: 2200 km / 1367 miles
Range w/max.payload: 1840 km / 1143 miles
Endurance: 5 hr
Crew: 2
Passengers: 15
All Aero 