The Avia BH-9, which originated from the BH-5, was a sports aircraft manufactured in Czechoslovakia in 1923.
Similar to the previous models in the BH-1 series, the BH-9 featured a low-wing braced monoplane design with tandem, open cockpits for the pilot and passenger.
Notably, the BH-9’s structure was reinforced to accommodate a more powerful engine, marking the first instance of a domestically produced power plant being utilized.
Recognising its potential, the Czechoslovakian Army expressed interest in the BH-9 as a trainer and liaison aircraft, subsequently placing an order for ten units designated as B.9.
Specifications
Crew
One pilot
Capacity
One passenger
Length
6.64 m (21 ft 10 in)
Wingspan
9.72 m (31 ft 11 in)
Height
2.53 m (8 ft 3 in)
Wing area
13.6 m2 (146 sq ft)
Empty weight
345 kg (761 lb)
Gross weight
550 kg (1,213 lb)
Powerplant
1 × Walter NZ 60 radial,
45 kW (60 hp)
Performance
Maximum speed
158 km/h (98 mph, 85 kn)
Range
470 km (290 mi, 250 nmi)
Service ceiling
4,500 m (14,800 ft).
Sources Czechoslovakian Air Force, 1918-1970, Aircam Aviation Special 05-Richard Ward, Zdenek Titz & Gordon C. Davies. Ceskoslovenské Letectvo, 1918-1924-Jiří Rajlich & Jiří Sehnal.