Polish startup moves to bring turbine Draco HyperSTOL into production

A Polish aviation startup company is aiming to bring the turbine-powered Draco HyperSTOL taildragger into certified production, reviving the rugged PZL-104 Wilga design with modern performance targets and a direct link to one of experimental aviation’s mosrt audacious STOL aircraft.

Draco Aircraft, based in Warsaw, is developing a four-seat aircraft inspired by DRACO, the heavily modified PZL Wilga built by Utah entrepreneur, engineer and aircraft builder Mike Patey.

The company is targeting a 2028 debut for the new Draco and plans to certify the aircraft under EASA and FAA Part 23 standards. Draco lists an estimated 2028 price of $2.9 million on its reservation page.

The aircraft is based on the PZL-104 Wilga, a Polish utility aircraft first developed during the Cold War and known for its short-field performance, high-wing layout, fixed tailwheel, and rugged landing gear.

More than 1,000 Wilgas were built in Poland by PZL Okęcie, which later became part of Airbus Poland. The aircraft was used for training, glider towing, parachute operations, observation and other utility roles.

Early Wilgas were powered by radial engines. Later versions included the Wilga 2000, which used a 300-horsepower Lycoming engine and introduced updates including a redesigned wing, integral fuel tank and revised cockpit.

Patey’s original DRACO began life as a Wilga 2000. He replaced the piston engine with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop and extensively modified the airframe, wing, flaps, controls and landing gear.

The result became a celebrity aircraft in the backcountry and STOL communities after its 2018 public debut. DRACO was later destroyed in a 2019 takeoff accident at Reno/Stead Airport in Nevada. Patey and his passengers were not injured.

Draco Aircraft says Patey has authorized the use of his concepts for the certified production program.

The production effort is being led by Johannes von Thadden, the former CEO of Airbus Poland. Draco says Tomasz Wolf, former head of design for the Wilga at Airbus Poland, is serving as chief engineering and design advisor.

Airbus Poland and Draco Aircraft signed an agreement in 2024 to transfer the Wilga intellectual property rights, type certificate and tooling to Draco Aircraft. Airbus Poland also agreed to support the program with EASA-required design services until Draco has its own certified design organization.

Upon the agreement being announced, von Thadden said: “Draco will be designed and built in Poland, but made available to customers worldwide.”

According to Draco, the new aircraft will use a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-135A turboprop engine driving a 102-inch, five-blade MT propeller.

The company is targeting an 80-foot takeoff distance, a 4,200-foot-per-minute climb rate and a stall speed of around 35 mph.

The aircraft is planned with seating for one pilot and three passengers. Draco has noted that the maximum takeoff weight will be defined during certification.

The company stresses that the aircraft will not be offered as a kitplane. It is planned as a factory-built certified aircraft, assembled in Poland and shipped to customers worldwide.

Draco’s reservation page lists production time as expected to be 12 to 14 months from order confirmation. The company also says that a final assembly and maintenance center is planned in Spanish Fork, Utah, to support the North American market.

In addition, Draco is studying versions of the aircraft beyond the private-owner market.

The company has described plans for public-service, electric-propulsion and military variants. Earlier in 2026, Draco declared that it was cooperating with Poland’s Military University of Technology and the Air Force Institute of Technology on military requirements for the aircraft.The post Polish startup moves to bring turbine Draco HyperSTOL into production appeared first on AeroTime.

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