The aircraft manufacturing company “Avia” was founded in Czechoslovakia in 1919. Pavel Beneš and Miroslav Hajn were the designers responsible for its aircraft. Their first creation, a single-seat sports aircraft, was named the BH-1 Exprevit (or BH-1 (exp)).
The Pioneering BH-1 Flight
This groundbreaking aircraft took to the skies for its maiden flight on October 13, 1920. The BH-1 was a wooden, braced low-wing monoplane, powered by a 30 hp Daimler motorcycle engine. Its innovative design quickly garnered significant interest within the aviation community.
Evolution and Technical Specifications
The interest in this initial development led to the emergence of the BH-1 with a similar flat-sided, plywood-covered fuselage and a tail unit featuring a rectangular rudder without a fin. Later, the two-seater BH-1bis variant was fitted with a more powerful 48 hp Gnome Omega engine.
This evolved aircraft demonstrated its capabilities and reliability by participating in various airshows throughout 1921. The BH-1 established itself as a significant milestone in the nascent Czechoslovakian aircraft industry.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | BH-1 |
| Wingspan, m | 10.08 |
| Length, m | 5.70 |
| Wing area, m2 | 10.40 |
| Empty weight | 270 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 490 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Daimler |
| Power, hp | 1 x 30 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 137 |
| Service ceiling, m | 3500 |
| Crew | 2 |
Image and diagram gallery of the Avia BH-1 Exprevit
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