The aircraft was designed by Eugeniusz Stankiewicz in 1950, its primary purpose was towing gliders. The first prototype was named S-3 Kania ("kite" (bird), S for Stankiewicz, it probably had no PZL prefix). It was built in the "Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny" (SZD, Glider Experimental Works) in Bielsko-Biała and first flew on 17 May 1951. It appeared quite successful, and was cheaper in production and service, than the CSS-13 (licensed Polikarpov Po-2), but was not produced, because the Aviation Institute ("Instytut Lotnictwa", IL) found some lacks in calculations and too weak landing gear. The work ceased, while the prototype was abandoned to ruin.