The Wilga, developed in the early 1960s, was becoming increasingly outdated despite its advantages. The concept for a new aircraft was developed by the team of engineer Andrzej Frydrychewicz. It was intended to be a continuation of the proven PZL-104, and the working name for the new aircraft was Wilga-88. The lead designer was engineer Roman Czerwinski, and from 1989, engineer Wojciech Wozniczka.
The prototype of the new aircraft was first flown on 19 December 1989. Three days later, the first public presentation took place. It was a multi-purpose aircraft of entirely metal construction, in a strut-braced high-wing configuration. In the aircraft, similar in size to the Wilga, a 6-seat cabin was accommodated, retaining wide doors convenient for parachutists and for transporting large cargo. The next prototype PZL-105L with a different engine was first flown in 1991 (pilot – Maciej Aksler). Certain technical changes were also made, including raising the horizontal stabiliser higher.
The aircraft was to be produced in the following versions: sport (glider towing, parachutist dropping), transport (4-5 passengers or 450 kg). Production for agricultural needs was also envisaged, as well as use as a patrol, ambulance, geological survey, and relay aircraft.
In the company’s plans, the PZL-105 Flaming was to be a modern machine intended primarily for export. The main buyers were expected to be the United States and Canada. For technical and economic reasons, production of this aircraft, planned by PZL for 1996, was never undertaken.
The aircraft with registration SP-PRD is the third Flaming prototype. Equipped with a Lycoming inline engine and an American avionics suite, the PZL-105L was to serve as the pattern for the export version. The aircraft was handed over to the Museum’s collection in 2006.
| Wingspan | 12.7 m |
| Length | 8.58 m |
| Takeoff weight | 1850 kg |
| Maximum speed | 260 km/h |
| Ceiling | 5000 m |
| Range | 950 km |
| Armament | – |
| Engine | Avco Lycoming IO-720A1B with fuel injection rated at 294 kW (400 hp) |
