Wilga Returns. Combat Variant In The Works?

On 3rd February, a letter of intent was signed regarding cooperation in development and design. The parties involved include: Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation, MZL (Łukasiewicz-ILOT subsidiary). and Draco Aircraft sp. z o.o. The latter was founded in 2023, specifically to manufacture the aircraft in question. The idea is based around Mike Patey’s design - he created a similar aircraft basing it on Wilga 2000. The airplane was modified and outfitted with Pratt & Whitney PT6A-28 engine (680 HP power output), along with redesigned wings, ailerons, flaps, elevator, and rudder. Those changes promoted the Wilga’s STOL properties. Following the implementation of those modifications, the “Wilga Draco” only needed 30 meters runway for take off, and 25 meters for landing.

The designer has lost the prototype in a crash. However, in 2023, he approved the design to be used in production of a modified Wilga, named Draco. Draco, as a business, has been established by former Airbus Vice-President, and Airbus Poland CEO Johannes von Thadden. Along with him, a number of Polish designers got involved, including Tomasz Wolf, former Airbus Poland Chief Designer, and designer of the PZL-130 Orlik trainer aircraft. Wolf was also a part of the team working on the last known variant of Wilga, the aforesaid PZL-104MA Wilga 2000.

The undertaking is young, but several significant milestones have already been achieved. Above all, on 9th September 2024, Airbus Poland and Draco Aircraft concluded an agreement announcing the transfer of IP rights regarding the PZL-104 Wilga aircraft, that had been previously manufactured at the PZL Warszawa-Okęcie facility, now owned by Airbus.

The current agreement is more inclusive for Polish entities, as it also includes new business and scientific stakeholders. The Institute of Aviation of the Łukasiewicz Research Network is a science and research facility with high level of expertise, within the scope of aerospace engineering. MZL (Mieleckie Zaklady Lotnicze) is a business that sells aircraft and spare parts. It also has agro-aviation and fire response divisions. MZL additionally maintains aircraft of class similar to PZL-104 Wilga, it is also the Institute’s subsidiary.

The current plan assumes that Draco production would be launched as of 2028. The aircraft is expected to be designed, perfected, and finally - produced - in Poland. The airframe is expected to have numerous applications. Apart from being a civil GA aircraft, variants for uniformed services (like the Border Guard) are also expected to be developed, for surveillance, patrol, and reconnaissance. CAS variant capable of engaging surface and aerial targets has also been proposed. In the latter case, this probably refers to rapid response counter-UAS capacity, with the aircraft being armed with guns or unguided rockets, and possibly lasers, laser-guided missiles, or drones in the future. Using a light, cheap to procure and operate aircraft that also remains independent from concrete runways or bases may indeed become an interesting addition, complementing the larger, manned aircraft, be it fixed- or rotary-wing.

The idea of a “combat Wilga” seems to have some reason behind it. In the Middle East Archangel aircraft, derived from an agricultural platform, are employed in a counter-insurgency role. Yak-52 was used in Odessa, to counter the Russian UAVs. Attack helicopters, or cargo aircraft with onboard gunners are often used in that role as well. In the era when lethal methods are needed to counter suicide drones, the concept seems to be interesting.