Manufactured in Czechoslovakia during the early 1930s, the Avia B-34 served as a biplane fighter aircraft and marked František Novotný’s initial design for the Avia company.
Despite its limited production, this aircraft played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the subsequent Avia B-534 model 2.
In September 1934, the 37 Stíhací Letka of the Czechoslovakian Air Force introduced twelve B-34s into active service.
However, by 1937, these aircraft were reassigned to training duties before being retired.
Despite its subpar overall performance and lack of popularity, the aircraft proved to be highly durable and resilient.
This was evident until the end of the First Czechoslovak Republic in March 1939.
Following the dissolution of the Czechoslovakian state in March 1939, eight of the B-34s were transferred to the German Luftwaffe. At least three of these aircraft were involved in accidents, and it is likely that the remaining ones were retired from active service instead of being utilised for training purposes.
However, the new Slovakian Air Force decided to retain the three remaining B-34s for their own use.
It is believed that one or possibly two of these aircraft were still being employed for training purposes at Tri Duby Airfield as late as August 1944.
Variants
B-34.1
First prototype, flew Feb 1932
B-34.2
Second prototype, re-designated B-234 with Avia Rr 29 engine, then again as B-34.2 with Hispano-Suiza 12Ybrs engine, re-designated Avia B-534.1.
