Be-50 Beta-Minor

The Beneš-Mráz Be‑50 Beta‑Minor was a Czechoslovak light sport and touring aircraft built in the late 1930s by the Beneš‑Mráz factory in Choceň. Designed by Vladimír Beneš, the Beta‑Minor derived from the earlier Be‑46 trainer but featured a fully enclosed cabin, a low‑wing cantilever monoplane layout and all‑wooden construction with fabric‑covered control surfaces. Power was supplied by an 85 hp Walter Minor four‑cylinder engine driving a two‑bladed fixed‑pitch propeller, giving a cruising speed of about 170 km/h and a range of roughly 600 km. The aircraft accommodated two side‑by‑side seats with dual controls, making it suitable for both pilot training and private touring. Production began in 1937; a total of 58 examples were completed before the outbreak of World War II halted civilian manufacturing. During the war the surviving machines were impressed into service with the German Luftwaffe for liaison duties. After the conflict the type became a symbol of the pre‑war Czechoslovak aeronautical industry, illustrating the nation’s ability to produce modern, low‑cost aircraft. Its simple design, economical operation and pleasant handling left a lasting influence on post‑war sport‑plane development in Central Europe overall.

Beneš-Mráz

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification