PZL.43 in Bulgarian Service
The PZL.43 was a Polish light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft developed as an export derivative of the PZL.23 Karaś. Its origins lay in the Polish Air Force’s need to produce an improved model for foreign customers, especially since the PZL.23 was not offered abroad. The PZL.43 incorporated a more powerful engine and several refinements, making it more suitable for export. Importantly, the use of the Gnome-Rhône 14K engine enabled the aircraft to be exported, as the Bristol Pegasus had licence restrictions.
Bulgaria became the main operator of the PZL.43. In 1936, the Bulgarian government ordered the type to modernise its outdated air fleet. The aircraft, designated PZL.43A and later PZL.43B, was delivered in batches between 1937 and 1939, with about 42 reaching Bulgarian service before the German invasion of Poland halted production. A number of machines originally intended for Bulgaria were seized by the Luftwaffe in September 1939 (photos can be found here), but most eventually made their way to the Bulgarian Air Force.
In Bulgarian service, the PZL.43 was used mainly by reconnaissance and bomber units. It equipped the 2nd Orlyak (Bomber Wing) and operated during the early years of the Second World War. While Bulgaria was not directly involved in the conflict until 1941, the aircraft were used in patrol, training, and readiness duties. Following Bulgaria’s entry into the war on the Axis side, the PZL.43 carried out limited bombing and reconnaissance missions over Yugoslavia and Greece searching for partisans in 1943-44.
The type remained in service throughout the war, though increasingly relegated to secondary roles such as training and coastal patrol. By the time Bulgaria switched sides in 1944, the surviving PZL.43s were obsolete and worn, but some were still operational. They were withdrawn soon after the war ended, marking the end of their career.
