The Zlin Z-137T Agro Turbos are essentially an updated turbine version of the piston engine Z-37 Cmelak, first flown in 1981. Modifications included strengthening the centre section of the wing, alterations to the tail surfaces and the installation of a rudder trim.
The first Z-137T was #029 and registered OK-UJM in July 1989.
The aircraft were built in batches. The first batch totalled six and from 1960 they were built in batches of 20 or 30, with production reaching its height in 1972 when some 65 aircraft were produced. Along with the agricultural aircraft, some two-seat trainers were built, with a second cockpit replacing the hopper. Production ceased in 1977 but in 1981 the production line was reopened at Kunovice, and a further 40 aircraft were built. Production ceased in 1995 with #053, which was sold to Hungary as HA-MFR. The constructor numbers are in batches — 00-01 through 00-06, then 01-01 to 01-20, 02-xx and so on depending on the number in the batch.
A modernized Z-137 Agro Turbo light aircraft equipped with air-to-air missiles was spotted in the Ukrainian sky in August 2025. The Czechoslovakian-made Z-137 civilian turboprop aircraft was converted to perform air defense missions. Its tail section was marked with a typical army aviation insignia of two white transverse stripes.
Two AKU-73 pylons were mounted under the wings of the aircraft, which made it possible to use R-73 short-range air-to-air missiles. The use of R-73 missiles from non-designated aircraft is possible due to its complete autonomy as it does not require complex integration with the radar or central radar of the aircraft. It uses an infrared guidance system to track the target. The missile head itself ‘captures’ a heat-contrasting object. Given the type of weaponry and the aircraft’s ability to reach speeds of 200-250 km/h, the tasks of such a combat unit could include intercepting Russian attack drones and tactical reconnaissance UAVs.
The use of turboprop aircraft for such tasks can significantly increase the capabilities of the Air Force, as well as unload full-fledged fighters for higher priority tasks.
137T Agro Turbo
Engine: Motorlet M601Z turboprop (520 hp)
Wing span: 44 ft 8.5 in
Length: 34 ft 4 in
Height: 11 ft 6 in
Empty wt: 2756 lb
MTOW: 5566 lb
All Aero 