In the late 1920s, the idea of a single-seat trainer aircraft began to prevail among the Polish military. Colonel Ludomil Raisky, head of the aviation department, even proposed converting the numerous old Fokker D-VIIs into such aircraft.
Initially, it was intended to use 180 hp HS engines from the same stocks, but later, 220 hp Wright J-5B engines were considered. Although the endeavor seemed like an adventure from the start, it spurred the development of the Bartel BM-6. According to the contract, two prototypes were built.
Initial Concept and Development
The new aircraft incorporated the best ideas from the BM class. It was fitted with an HS-180 engine, which was a modification of the HS-220 used in the SPAD-XIII. Its armament consisted of a Vickers wz. 18 machine gun, caliber 7.7 mm.
The first prototype made its maiden flight on April 8, 1930. The second prototype was already modified to meet the military’s specific requirements, aiming to optimize its performance and adaptability for training missions.
Public Demonstration and Evolution
In September 1930, the Bartel BM-6 was showcased at the international exhibition in Bucharest. There, Major Stefan Pawlikowski performed a series of impressive aerobatic maneuvers, demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities. However, even then it was clear that the future of trainer aircraft lay with two-seater machines.
Consequently, Bartel urgently began developing a two-seater modification of his creation. The new variant, the BM-6b, received a Wright J-5B engine and a firm order for 23 aircraft: 18 for flight schools and 5 for fighter squadrons (one for each).
An Unexpected End
Unfortunately, a fire at the factory made the construction of the production series impossible. The two existing prototypes were acquired by the Air Force and served for training purposes at least until 1933, marking the end of a promising initiative.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | B M- 6a2 |
| Wingspan, m | 8.09 |
| Length, m | 6.35 |
| Height, m | 2.80 |
| Wing area, m2 | 17.60 |
| Empty weight | 687 kg |
| Normal takeoff weight | 950 kg |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Hispano-Suiza 8Ab |
| Power, hp | 1 x 180 |
| Maximum speed at sea level, km/h | 192 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 165 |
| Practical range, km | 450 |
| Service ceiling, m | 3800 |
| Crew | 1 crew member |
| Armament | one 7.7 mm Vickers machine gun |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bartel BM-6
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