Single-seat biplane with fixed undercarriage and four synchronized machine guns
The B-534 evolved from the earlier Avia B-34, with significant improvements in speed, handling, and firepower.
The second prototype set a national speed record of 365.7 km/h in 1934.
Czechoslovak Service
Production
568 units built between 1935–1939 across four main series and one cannon-armed variant (Bk-534)
Role
Primary fighter of the Czechoslovak Air Force
Variants
Series I–III
Open cockpit, incremental aerodynamic and armament refinements
Series IV
Enclosed cockpit, improved pilot protection
Bk-534
Attempted cannon armament (Oerlikon FFS), mostly reverted to machine guns due to feed issues
The B-534 was a symbol of national pride and readiness during the Sudetenland crisis, though it never saw combat under Czechoslovak command due to the German occupation in March 1939.
German Use
Captured aircraft were used by the Luftwaffe for training and second-line duties.
A brief fighter squadron was formed using B-534s, but they were quickly outclassed by modern monoplanes like the Bf 109.
Slovak Air Force
After the breakup of Czechoslovakia, Slovakia inherited many B-534s.
Used in combat against Hungary in 1939 and later on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union.
Despite being outdated, they performed ground attack and escort missions.
Bulgarian Service
Bulgaria acquired B-534s and used them for air defence and training.
They remained in service until 1944, reflecting their durability and the limited availability of modern aircraft.
Combat Performance
Armament
Four 7.7 mm machine guns;
some variants carried up to six 20 kg bombs
Speed
~245 mph (394 km/h)
Ceiling
Over 10,000 m
Strengths
Excellent manoeuvrability, rugged construction
Weaknesses
Obsolete by WWII standards, vulnerable to faster monoplanes
Legacy
The Avia B-534 is remembered as one of the finest biplane fighters ever built.
It bridged the gap between WWI-era designs and modern WWII fighters.
Surviving examples are preserved in museums, commemorating its role in Czechoslovak aviation heritage.
