Aircraft
Draco Set to Breathe New Life Into Polish STOL Aircraft Design
Plan is based on modifications by U.S. entrepreneur/engineer Mike Patey
Draco's STOL derivative of the PZL-Wilga aircraft
Draco's STOL derivative of the PZL-Wilga aircraft is expected to be able to takeoff in just 100 feet. © Draco Aircraft

Draco Aircraft has launched a funding round aiming to raise around $4.5 million to step up its work to bring what it calls a hyper short takeoff and landing model to market in 2028. The Polish-U.S. start-up’s plans are based on the out-of-production PZL-104 Wilga aircraft, which U.S. entrepreneur and engineer Mike Patey has already modified.

The four-seat Draco promises a takeoff distance of just under 100 feet, with a stall speed of only 38 knots and a climb speed of 4,000-feet-per-minute. It will be powered by a single Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop and a 102-inch five-blade MT propeller.