The Avia BH-21, which took its first flight in 1925, was a sturdy biplane fighter that played a significant role in the period between World War I and World War II.
A specialised training variant, known as the BH-22, was also developed.
Both models were powered by Hispano-Suiza V8 engines, with the BH-22 using the 180 HP version and the BH-21 utilizing the 224 kW (300 hp) Hispano-Suiza 8fb, manufactured under license by Škoda.
Avia commenced production of the BH-21 in 1925, delivering a total of one hundred and thirty-nine aircraft to the Czechoslovak Air Force.
In June 1925, it successfully underwent trials conducted by the Belgian Air Force.
Avia constructed one BH-21 for Belgium, while an additional thirty-nine were manufactured under licence by the Belgian firm Société Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aéronautiques SABCA, and five by the Société d’Etudes Général d’Aviation SEGA.
Despite not engaging in combat during its service, the BH-21 was retired well before the onset of World War II.
Nevertheless, it played a crucial role in paving the way for the more advanced BH-33 and B-34 aircraft models.
Variants
BH-21
Single seat fighter aircraft.
BH-21J
One BH-21 fitted with a Bristol Jupiter radial piston engine.
