Avia BH-3 & BH-4

Avia BH-3

The Avia BH-3, a fighter aircraft, was constructed in Czechoslovakia in 1921.

This aircraft had a traditional design, with a braced, low-wing monoplane setup and a tailskid undercarriage.

It was considered a direct successor to the BH-1 sports plane.

After successful trials in June 1921, the Czechoslovakian Air Force ordered ten units of the aircraft.

These units, designated as B.3, were delivered in 1923.

Despite its initial potential, the aircraft exhibited erratic behaviour during service and was eventually reassigned to training duties.

It continued in this role until 1927.

BH-4

The Avia BH-4, a prototype fighter aircraft, was created in Czechoslovakia in 1922.

It was an enhanced version of the BH-3 model, featuring a Hispano-Suiza 8 engine for improved performance.

Significant adjustments were made to the front fuselage to accommodate this new engine, strengthening the aircraft’s structure and undercarriage.

However, despite these modifications, the BH-4’s performance was only slightly superior to the BH-3.

As a result, the development of the BH-4 was promptly discontinued.

Specifications

BH-4

Crew

One pilot

Length

7.00 m (23 ft 0 in)

Wingspan

10.20 m (33 ft 5 in)

Height

3.10 m (10 ft 2 in)

Wing area

15.8 m2 (170 sq ft)

Empty weight

778 kg (1,715 lb)

Gross weight

1,025 kg (2,260 lb)

Powerplant

1 × BMW IIIa inline engine,

138 kW (185 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed

225 km/h (140 mph, 121 kn) at sea level.

240 km/h (150 mph; 130 kn) at 2,000 m (6,600 ft)

Range

500 km (300 mi, 260 nmi)

Service ceiling.

7,800 m (25,600 ft)

Rate of climb

7.9 m/s (1,560 ft/min)

Armament

2 × fixed forward firing .303 Vickers machine guns.

Sources

Czechoslovakian Air Force, 1918-1970, Aircam Aviation Special 05-Richard Ward, Zdenek Titz & Gordon C. Davies.

Ceskoslovenské Letectvo, 1918-1924-Jiří Rajlich & Jiří Sehnal.

Avia Motors s.r.o.