Avia BH-19

The BH-19 aircraft made its maiden flight in 1924, the same year “Avia” became part of “Milos Bondy a Spol”. This entity, in turn, joined the “Skoda” concern in 1926, after which the “Avia” brand was re-established.

Innovative Design and Initial Challenges

The aircraft was designed by engineers Pavel Beneš and Miroslav Hajn, who believed that a monoplane fighter was preferable to a biplane. The projected characteristics of the BH-19 were highly promising, and prototype tests fully confirmed these expectations. However, problems with the aircraft’s handling and a tendency for aileron flutter were also identified.

Military Assessment and Program Cancellation

The Czech military showed significant interest in the new aircraft, informing “Avia” that they would place an order if all detected shortcomings were fully addressed. Although the first prototype crashed during a high-speed taxi run, the company proceeded with the construction of a second prototype. Tests of this second unit again revealed unsatisfactory handling.

Consequently, the Czechoslovak Ministry of War strongly recommended halting all work on monoplane fighters, leading to the cancellation of the Avia BH-19 program.

Technical Specifications

Modification	BH-19
Wingspan, m	10.80
Length, m	7.34
Height, m	2.45
Wing area, m2	18.30
Empty weight	792
Normal takeoff weight	1155
Engine type	1 Piston engine Skoda HS 8Fb
Power, hp	1 x 310
Maximum speed, km/h	245
Cruising speed, km/h	215
Practical range, km	520
Rate of climb, m/min	333
Service ceiling, m	8000
Crew	1
Armament	2 forward 7.7-mm machine guns

Image and diagram gallery of the Avia BH-19

VN-19	VN-19
VN-19	VN-19