Avia BH-17

The Avia BH-17, a biplane fighter aircraft, was constructed in Czechoslovakia in 1924.

It was an advancement of the BH-6 and BH-8, with the latter aircraft’s development being terminated in preference of the BH-17.

After operational trials in 1924, the Czech Air Force was impressed with its performance and consequently ordered 24 units.

Regrettably, the BH-17 exhibited unreliability during its active service and was subsequently decommissioned.

Specifications

Crew

One pilot

Length

6.86 m (22 ft 6 in)

Wingspan

8.86 m (30 ft 0 in)

Wing area

21.3 m2 (229 sq ft)

Empty weight

762 kg (1,680 lb)

Gross weight

1,155 kg (2,546 lb)

Powerplant

1 × Skoda-built Hispano-Suiza 8Fb V-8,

230 kW (310 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed

235 km/h (146 mph, 127 kn)

Range

500 km (310 mi, 270 nmi)

Service ceiling

8,000 m (26,000 ft)

Rate of climb

5.9 m/s (1,170 ft/min)

Armament

2 × fixed forward firing .303 Vickers machine guns.