Letov Š-1

The Letov Š‑1 was the first aircraft produced by the Czech firm Letov Kbely in the early 1920s. Designed by Alois Šmolík, the single‑seat, low‑wing monoplane served as a training and sport platform for the newly formed Czechoslovak Air Force. Its wooden frame was covered with fabric, and the aircraft was powered by a 60‑horsepower Walter NZ 60 air‑cooled radial engine, giving a maximum speed of about 150 km/h and a service ceiling of 3,500 meters. The Š‑1 featured a simple fixed landing gear with a tail skid, dual control sticks for instruction, and a cockpit positioned just ahead of the wing leading edge for optimal visibility. Only a handful of units were built, but the type marked a crucial step in establishing Letov Kbely’s reputation for reliable, low‑cost aircraft manufacturing. The Š‑1’s successful flight tests in 1921 demonstrated the viability of domestically designed trainers, influencing later Letov models such as the Š‑2 and Š‑3. Its contribution lies not in combat record but in fostering a national aviation industry during the inter‑war period, paving the way for Czechoslovakia’s later aircraft exports.