Avia BH-17

Development and Initial Characteristics

The BH-17 was a fighter aircraft developed by the Czechoslovak firm Avia. This aircraft was designed based on the BH-8 fighter by engineers Pavel Beneš and Miroslav Hain. The first prototype, equipped with a 310 hp Hispano-Suiza 8Fb engine, took its maiden flight in 1924.

Armament and Production

The BH-17 was armed with two 7.7-mm Vickers machine guns, mounted above the engine. Following the successful completion of military trials, a small series of 24 aircraft was ordered. The first BH-17 entered fighter squadrons in 1924.

Performance and Withdrawal

The BH-17 was lighter than the BH-8 and featured a smaller wingspan. Although it offered significantly better maneuverability than its predecessors, it proved to be temperamental and unreliable in operation, leading to its swift withdrawal from Air Force service.

Technical Specifications

Modification	BH-17
Wingspan, m	8.86
Length, m	6.86
Height, m	2.80
Wing area, m2	21.30
Empty weight	762
Normal takeoff weight	1072
Engine type	1 Piston engine Hispano-Suiza 8Fb
Power, hp	1 x 310
Maximum speed, km/h	235
Cruising speed, km/h	206
Practical range, km	500
Rate of climb, m/min	358
Practical ceiling, m	8000
Crew	1
Armament	2 forward 7.7-mm machine guns

Image and diagram gallery of the Avia BH-17

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