Avia BH-16

In 1924, Avia released the BH-16, a light single-seat sport aircraft designed by Pavel Beneš and Miroslav Hajn. This model represented a significant development in Czechoslovakian sport aviation of its era.

Design and Initial Prototypes

Only two examples of the BH-16 were built, primarily differing in their power plants. The first prototype was equipped with a French Vaslin engine of 20 hp (15 kW), while the second featured a Blackburne Tomtit engine of 16 hp (12 kW).

First Flight and Registrations

The first Avia BH-16 took to the air on June 8, 1924. Subsequently, this aircraft received the civil registration number L-BONC, and the second aircraft was registered as L-BOND. These registrations highlighted their civilian and sporting use.

In 1932, the engine of the first BH-16 was replaced with an Orion LL-30 of 30 hp (22 kW). Following this upgrade, the aircraft was re-registered as OK-AVS, extending its operational life and performance capabilities.

Technical Specifications

Modification	BH-16
Wingspan, m	9.50
Length, m	5.13
Wing area, m2	10.60
Empty weight	13 0
Maximum takeoff weight	238
Engine type	1 Piston engine Vaslin
Power, hp	1 x 20
Maximum speed, km/h	116
Cruising speed, km/h	95
Practical range, km	500
Rate of climb, m/min	60
Service ceiling, m	2000
Crew, crew	1

Image and diagram gallery of the Avia BH-16

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