Avia BH-3

BH-3

Picture - 1/72 scale model by Robert Myers

Role: Fighter
Manufacturer: Avia
Designed by: Pavel Beneš and Miroslav Hajn
First flight: 1921
Introduced: 1923
Retired: 1927
Primary user: Czechoslovakian Air Force
Number built: 14

The Avia BH-3 was a fighter plane built in Czechoslovakia in 1921. Conceptually a descendant of the BH-1 sports plane, it was a braced, low-wing monoplane of conventional configuration and tailskid undercarriage. Following favourable trials in June 1921, ten examples were ordered by the Czechoslovakian Air Force. These were delivered in 1923 under the military designation B.3. The type proved temperamental in service and was soon relegated to training duties, where it served until 1927.

Units using this aircraft

1st Airborne Regiment, Czechoslovakian Air Force

Specifications

General characteristics

Crew: one pilot
Length: 7.00 m (23 ft 0 in)
Wingspan: 10.20 m (33 ft 5 in)
Height: 3.10 m (10 ft 2 in)
Wing area: 15.8 m˛ (170 ft˛)
Empty weight: 778 kg (1,715 lb)
Gross weight: 1,025 kg (2,260 lb)
Powerplant: 1 x— BMW IIIa inline, 138 kW (185 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 240 at 2000m km/h (150 mph)
Range: 500 km (300 miles)
Service ceiling: 7,800 m (25,600 ft)
Rate of climb: 7.9 m/s (1,560 ft/min)

Armament

2 x— fixed, forward-firing .303 Vickers machine guns

Related development BH-1

Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. pp. 86.
World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing. pp. File 889 Sheet 86.
airwar.ru

Avia BH-3 Pictures and Avia BH-3 for Sale.

Living Warbirds: The best warbirds DVD series.

Source: WikiPedia