Avia BH-11

The Avia BH‑11 was a Czechoslovakian two‑seat sport and training biplane produced by the Avia company in the early 1920s. Developed from the successful BH‑9 racing design, the BH‑11 first flew in 1923 and entered series production the following year, with roughly 120 examples built before the type was superseded by more powerful monoplanes. Its structure combined a welded steel tube fuselage with wooden wings covered in fabric, giving a lightweight yet robust airframe. Powered by a 100‑hp Walter NZ‑120 radial engine, the aircraft offered a maximum speed of about 180 km/h, a service ceiling of 4 500 m and gentle handling qualities that made it popular with flight clubs and military training schools. The BH‑11’s open cockpit tandem arrangement provided excellent visibility, while interchangeable wings allowed conversion between sport and aerobatic configurations. Though modest by later standards, the BH‑11 played a pivotal role in expanding civilian aviation in interwar Czechoslovakia, serving as a reliable platform for pilot instruction, air‑show performances, and record‑setting flights that helped establish Avia’s reputation as a leading aircraft manufacturer in Central Europe. Its legacy continues to inspire vintage aircraft enthusiasts worldwide.

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