PZL-104 Wilga Revived as Next-Gen Turbine-Powered Draco

Draco Aircraft is aiming to raise $4.5 million to fund the development of its hyper short takeoff and landing (STOL) device, the Draco. This aircraft is a reinvention of the out-of-production PZL-104 Wilga.

Airbus Poland ceased production of the Wilga STOL utility aircraft in 2006, and signed over rights in September. Draco Aircraft will now be able to produce the next-gen, turbine powered version, dubbed Draco. The manufacturer hopes to bring the development to the market in 2028.

The Draco’s initial modification, completed by Mike Patey (who reports that he is not a part of this effort outside of his appreciation for what they are trying to do), was first introduced at the 2018 EAA Oshkosh Airventure. Though the original design was destroyed in a crash, it logged impressive performance characteristics. It has a takeoff distance of less than 100 feet, a stall speed of just 38 knots, and a climb rate of 4,000 feet per minute. It will be powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop and a 102-inch, five-blade MT propeller.

Draco plans to combine the original Wilga design with Patey’s updates to apply for Part 23 type certification with EASA and the FAA, with additional support from the Polish Institute of Aviation.

Though details are not set in stone, manufacturing of the Draco will likely take place in Poland, with final assembly for the North American market being developed at Utah’s Spanish Fork-Springville Airport.

The funds raised from this $4.5 million round will support Draco’s application for EU technology development funding, which could keep the company’s work moving until 2027. This is when Draco plans to complete a production-conforming prototype.

The initial turboprop-powered Draco will have an estimated range of 900 nautical miles. In the longer term, Draco aims to develop an electric version, called the "Green Draco." However, the electric aircraft's development will be on hold until electric propulsion technology advances.

Draco is positioning the aircraft for private, commercial, and defense applications due to its exceptional STOL capabilities.

FMI: www.dracoaircraft.com