PZL.43 Evaluated by Germany

When Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, several examples of the PZL.43 light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft—built for Bulgaria but not yet delivered—were caught in Poland. These aircraft, part of the second Bulgarian order, had been completed or were in final assembly at the PZL factory in Warsaw and at Okęcie. Instead of being shipped to Sofia, they were captured intact by German forces.

Of the six captured aircraft one was sent to the Luftwaffe’s main test and evaluation centre at Rechlin, while the other five were sent to Bulgaria. The evaluation machine was also sent once testing was completed.

Photos of PZL.43 operated by Bulgarian can be found here.