Letov Š-39

The Letov Š‑39, designed by the Czech engineer Alois Šmolík in the early 1930s, was a single‑engine, low‑wing monoplane intended primarily for sport and training purposes. Developed at the Letov factory in Prague, the aircraft first flew in 1932 and entered limited production the following year. Its construction combined a wooden frame with fabric‑covered wings, while the fuselage employed a mixed steel‑tube and wood structure, giving the type a lightweight yet robust profile. Powered by a 120 hp Walter Vega radial engine, the Š‑39 could reach a maximum speed of 210 km/h and had a service ceiling of 5,500 m, making it suitable for basic aerobatics and cross‑country flights. Notable features included a fully enclosed cockpit, split flaps for improved low‑speed handling, and detachable dual controls that allowed an instructor to train novices safely. Although only about 30 units were built, the Š‑39 played a pivotal role in advancing Czechoslovak civil aviation by providing an affordable, reliable platform for pilot schools and flying clubs. Its successful design also informed later Letov models, cementing Šmolík’s reputation as a forward‑thinking aircraft designer. The aircraft’s modest performance and low operating costs made it a favorite among interwar aviators, preserving its legacy in Czech aviation history.

Alois Šmolík

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