This early post-war utility light aircraft design proved a great export earner for Czechoslovakia; over 700 were built, of which more than 600 were exported. A good start was made with the Aero 45 's first public appearance, when an early model won the Norton- Griffiths Trophy in the National Air Races held at Coventry in 1949. Underlying the type's popularity and success was the design - the Aero 45 was an all-metal design, the cockpit had single or dual controls (in versions), and the rear bench carried up to three passengers or could be folded away to stow freight or luggage. The Aero 45 was progressively updated to Super 45 standard; the last version (the 145) had a larger powerplant, but retained the tail wheel. Production ended in 1963.