The Avia BH-21, first flown in 1925, it was a robust biplane fighter that served an important role during the period between World War I and World War II.
A special training version, designated the BH-22, was also created.
Both versions utilized Hispano-Suiza V8 engines, the BH-22 the less powerful 180 HP version, the BH-21 the 224 kW (300 hp) Hispano-Suiza 8fb , built under license by Škoda.
The BH-21 was put into production by Avia in 1925, giving one hundred and thirty-nine aircraft for the Czechoslovak Air Force.
In June 1925 it was successful in trials staged by the Belgian Air Force.
One was built for Belgium by Avia, another thirty-nine were produced under license by the Belgian company, Société Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aéronautiques SABCA and five by the Société d’Etudes Général d’Aviation SEGA.
While in service, the BH-21 saw no combat as it was retired long before the outbreak of World War II.
In spite of this, it served as an important stepping stone to the more advanced BH-33 and B-34 types.
Variants
BH-21
Single seat fighter aircraft.
BH-21J
One BH-21 fitted with a Bristol Jupiter radial piston engine.
