The PZL.43 Czajka was a Polish reconnaissance and low-flying bomber of the interwar period and World War II. The aircraft was first tested in 1936, and its production continued in 1937-1939. The power unit was provided by a single Gnome-Rhone 14Kfs or 14NO1 engine with a capacity of 930 and 980 hp. The aircraft was 9.95 meters long and had a wingspan of 13.95 meters. The deck armament consisted of four 7.92 and 7.7 mm machine guns. The aircraft could also carry a bomb load weighing up to 700 kilograms.
The PZL.43 Czajka was developed at Państwowe Zakłady Lotnicze as an export version of the PZL P.23 Karaś aircraft, which was operated in Poland. It differed from its predecessor mainly in a completely different power unit, changed dimensions, a modernized cockpit, a new propeller and significantly strengthened on-board armament. As a result of the tests, the PZL.43 aircraft also received a second oil cooler on the right side of the fuselage, and also had enlarged air plugs for the carburetor and a modified exhaust manifold. The machine was exported to Bulgaria, where it received favorable reviews and was liked by the pilots. PZL.43 aircraft remained in service with the Bulgarian aviation until the beginning of 1945. The latter were decommissioned in the summer of 1946. It is worth adding that several such aircraft, which were not sent to Bulgaria until September 1939, participated in the September campaign as part of the Polish aviation.
