Aero A.104

The Aero A.104, a product of the Czech firm AERO Vodochody Aerospace, first flew in 1965 as a lightweight, single‑engine trainer and liaison aircraft. Developed from the earlier A.100 series, the A.104 was designed to meet the post‑war demand for a simple, low‑cost platform that could operate from short, unprepared fields. Its all‑metal airframe incorporates a high‑mounted wing with a slight dihedral, providing stable handling at low speeds, while the 160‑horsepower Lycoming O‑320 engine delivers reliable performance for both student pilots and utility missions.

Key features include a spacious, dual‑seat cockpit with modernized instrumentation, retractable tricycle landing gear, and a generous payload capacity of 500 kg for supplies or light cargo. The aircraft’s fuel efficiency and rugged undercarriage made it popular with air clubs, military training schools, and remote‑area operators throughout Central Europe and the Middle East.

The A.104’s significance lies in its role as a bridge between classic piston trainers and newer turboprop types, showcasing AERO Vodochody’s ability to blend proven engineering with cost‑effective solutions. Its long production run, from 1965 to 1982, helped solidify the company’s reputation as a versatile aircraft manufacturer.