PZL-Mielec, then known as WSK-Mielec, began to design the Dromader in the mid 1970s, with help of United States aircraft manufacturer Rockwell International.

PZL-Mielec asked for Rockwell's help because of the political situation at the time: operating in an Eastern Bloc country, PZL wanted the aircraft to sell well worldwide, and the company realized that certification by the United States Federal Aviation Administration would be important in reaching that goal.

Rockwell on the other hand wanted to fit Polish high-power radial engines into its agricultural planes.

The cooperation led to the Dromader sharing outer wing panels and part of the fuselage with the Thrush Commander.

[2] The Dromader is in service with aerial agriculture and other companies in many countries, operating in a variety of roles.