01/31/2011. Remarks by Claudio Delfini: "The initial piston engine powered PZL-130 Orlik (Eglet) was designed as a combat training aircraft for the Polish AF Officers College. The first prototype (SP-PCA, c/n 002) flew October 12, 1984, powered by a 330 hp Vedeneyev M-14Pm nine-cylinder air-cooled radial engine. In all three prototypes an two pre-production aircraft were build.

Subsequently the type was redesigned into the PZL-130T Turbo Orlik, the third PZL-130 prototype SP-PCC being re-engined with a 550 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-25A turboprop engine. It first flew July 13, 1986, but was lost in a crash in January 1987, both crew were killed. Development continued and designated PZL-130TB, a number of aircraft flew with a 750 shp Walter
M 601T turboprop engine.

The final version was the PZL-130TC-1 powered by a 950 shp PT6A-62 turboprop engine and fitted with Martin-Baker Mk.11 ejection seats. A variant equipped with modernized avionics, winglets, and other refinements was known as the PZL-130TC-2. Reportedly some 50 aircraft were produced of which some 35 are still in service."