The Avia S-199, a propeller-driven fighter aircraft, was manufactured post-World War II.
It holds significance as the initial fighter acquired by the Israeli Air Force and was utilized during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Originating from Czechoslovakia, the aircraft was assembled using leftover parts and plans from Luftwaffe aircraft production.
Unfortunately, the plane encountered numerous issues and was generally disliked by its pilots.
Despite an arms embargo against Israel, Israeli agents managed to secure the purchase of 25 Avia S-199s from the Czechoslovak government.
Nearly all of the aircraft were successfully delivered, with only two exceptions.
The cost for a fully equipped plane amounted to $190,000.
On May 20, 1948, the initial instances of this aircraft model were delivered, merely six days after Israel’s declaration of independence and five days after Egypt initiated hostilities.
These aircraft were organised to form Israel’s inaugural fighter squadron and were promptly deployed into combat on May 29.
Their first mission involved launching an attack on the Egyptian army positioned between Isdud and the Ad Halom bridge, located south of Tel Aviv.
A few days later, on June 3, the aircraft took off from Herzliya Airport and achieved the Israeli Air Force’s first aerial victories.
Modi Alon successfully shot down a pair of Royal Egyptian Air Force C-47s, which had just carried out a bombing raid on Tel Aviv.
However, as time progressed, it became evident that this aircraft model was unreliable and performed inadequately in combat situations.
Despite these shortcomings, it managed to secure victories against its adversaries, including the formidable Spitfire.
By the end of October, the majority of Avia aircraft were withdrawn from service, leaving only six operational units.
The remaining S-199 aircraft continued to carry out sporadic sorties until mid-December.
Variants
Avia S-99
Messerschmitt Bf 109G-10 variant assembled post-war in Czechoslovakia.
Avia factory designation was C.10, 21 aircraft completed.
Avia CS-99
Training variant of Avia S-99 based on the Messerschmitt Bf 109G-12 variant.
Avia factory designation was C.10, 23 aircraft completed.
Avia S-199
Avia S-99, powered by Junkers Jumo 211F engine, main production variant.
Avia factory designation was C.210, 559 aircraft completed.
Avia CS-199
Two seat training variant rebuilt from Avia S-199.
Avia D-199
Reconnaissance version.
Specifications
Crew
1
Length
8.94 m (29 ft 4 in)
Wingspan
9.92 m (32 ft 7 in)
Height
2.59 m (8 ft 6 in)
Wing area
16.5 m2 (178 sq ft)
Airfoil
Root
NACA 2R1 14.2
Tip
NACA 2R1 11.35
Empty weight
2,860 kg (6,305 lb)
Max take-off weight
3,736 kg (8,236 lb)
Powerplant
1 × Junkers Jumo 211F,
V-12 inverted liquid cooled piston engine,
1,010 kW (1,350 hp) for take-off
790 kW (1,060 hp) at 5,300 m (17,388 ft)
Propellers
3 bladed paddle bladed VS 11 constant speed propeller
Performance
Maximum speed
528 km/h (328 mph, 285 kn) at sea level
598 km/h (372 mph; 323 kn) at 6,000 m (19,685 ft)
Range
860 km (530 mi, 460 nmi)
Rate of climb
13.7 m/s (2,700 ft/min)
Wing loading
231 kg/m2 (47 lb/sq ft)
Power/mass
0.195 hp/lb (0.321 kW/kg)
Armament
Guns
2 × 13 mm MG 131 machine guns
2 × MG 151/20 cannon
Bombs
1× 250 kg (551 lb)
4× 70 kg (155 lb)
Sources Czechoslovakian Air Force, 1918-1970, Aircam Aviation Special 05-Richard Ward, Zdenek Titz & Gordon C. Davies.
Avia S-199 & Cs-199 In Detail-Frantisek Koran 7 Michal Ovcacik.
Camouflage & Markings of the The Israeli Air Force 1948-67, Part 1-Ray Ball.pdf
