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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