The resulting design is a single-engined low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction and a fixed nosewheel undercarriage.

The Z 43 shares 80% of its structure with the Z 42, but is fitted with a revised fuselage accommodating a four-seater cabin and a more powerful engine.

Pictures released by the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka indicate that they operated Czech-built Zlin Z-143 single-engine, four-seater light aircraft modified to carry four bombs mounted on the undercarriage.

Under heavy anti-aircraft fire, one of these aircraft crashed into the Sri Lanka Inland Revenue Department building in Colombo.

The other craft was shot down near Sri Lanka Air Force Base at Katunayake.