Zmaj R-1

The Zmaj R‑1 was a Serbian‑designed light reconnaissance and trainer aircraft produced in the early 1940s by the engineering firm of Dušan Stankov. Conceived in 1939 as a response to the Yugoslav Air Force’s need for a low‑cost, versatile platform, the R‑1 combined a simple wooden‑fabric structure with a modest 240 hp Walter Minor engine. Its high‑wing monoplane layout provided excellent stability and short‑field performance, while the tandem open cockpits allowed both pilot and instructor clear visibility. Only a small batch of ten airframes were completed before the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia in 1941 halted production. Despite the limited numbers, the R‑1 demonstrated reliable handling and proved useful for liaison duties and basic pilot training during the brief period of operational use. The aircraft’s significance lies in its embodiment of indigenous Yugoslav aeronautical engineering under the direction of Dušan Stankov, showcasing a design philosophy that prioritized ease of manufacture and adaptability. Although the war curtailed its further development, the Zmaj R‑1 remains a symbol of pre‑war Yugoslav aviation ambition and the technical skill of its designer. Today a restored example is displayed at the Museum of Aviation in Belgrade, reminding visitors of the country's early attempts to achieve aircraft production.

Dušan Stankov

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Design & Classification