The PZL-104 Wilga 35A is a multipurpose aircraft that served for many years as the basic equipment of Polish aero clubs.
In 1960, a design team led by Eng. Ryszard Orlowski began work on a four-seat high-wing monoplane of all-metal construction, intended for towing gliders and dropping parachutists. It was meant to replace the ageing Junak and CSS-13 aircraft in aero clubs. The prototype Wilga 1 made its maiden flight on 24 April 1962. It was powered by a flat-configuration WN-6B engine, which proved unsuccessful. Subsequently, under the direction of Eng. Andrzej Frydrychewicz and Eng. Bronislaw Zurakowski, a second prototype PZL-104 Wilga 2 with a new fuselage was built, making its first flight on 1 August 1963.
On 31 December 1965, the prototype PZL-104 Wilga 3 was flown for the first time, powered by a radial AI-14R engine of 260 hp, produced in Poland under licence. Based on this aircraft, serial production of the PZL-104 Wilga 35 began in 1968. These aircraft were produced in large numbers for aero clubs and for export. In aero clubs they were used for towing gliders, dropping parachutists and competing in precision and rally flying competitions. By the early 21st century, Polish competitors flying Wilgas had won numerous world and European championship titles in these disciplines.
In the 1990s, the PZL-104M Wilga 2000 was developed as an advanced version, powered by the American Lycoming IO-540 engine. These aircraft are used, among others, by the Border Guard aviation. The PZL-104 Wilga is the most widely produced aircraft of Polish design — a total of 1,003 examples were built (986 in Poland), including 867 Wilga 35s, 74 Wilga 80s and 23 Wilga 2000s.
The exhibited example, serial number 61134, registration SP-WEC, was manufactured in 1972. It was operated by the Kielce Aero Club. It was purchased for the Museum’s collection in May 2023.
| Wingspan | 11.14 m |
| Length | 8.03 m |
| Empty weight | 870 kg |
| Takeoff weight | 1,300 kg |
| Maximum speed | 194 km/h |
| Ceiling | 4,040 m |
| Range | 510 km |
| Engine | 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine AI-14RA of 260 hp |
