M-4 Tarpan

The M‑4 Tarpan, developed by the Polish aerospace firm PZL‑Mielec in the late 1970s, was conceived as a versatile, short‑take‑off and landing (STOL) utility aircraft for both civilian and military operators. Its design traced roots to the earlier M‑18 Dromader agricultural platform, but the Tarpan featured a fully enclosed cabin, high‑wing configuration and a strengthened airframe to accommodate passengers, cargo, and medical evacuation missions. First flown on 12 June 1979, the prototype attracted interest from Eastern Bloc air forces and several African nations, leading to limited series production between 1980 and 1985, with a total of 75 airframes completed.

Key features include a 260‑horsepower PZL‑Łuszczanow W‑2S radial engine, fixed tricycle landing gear, large flaps and leading‑edge slats that enable take‑off distances under 300 m on unprepared fields. The cabin can be quickly reconfigured for up to eight passengers, freight pallets, or stretchers, while the robust undercarriage tolerates rough terrain. Although superseded by more modern turboprop designs, the M‑4 Tarpan remains significant for demonstrating PZL‑Mielec’s ability to produce adaptable, low‑cost aircraft that served remote regions and contributed to Poland’s reputation as a reliable supplier of utility aviation solutions.