Letov Kbely
Letov Š-14
The Letov Š‑14 was a Czechoslovak single‑engine biplane developed by Letov Kbely in the early 1920s as an experimental platform for testing new air‑frame concepts and powerplants. Designed by engineers Václav Štěpánek and František Škoda, the Š‑14 first flew in spring 1923 and immediately attracted attention for its all‑metal fuselage, a rarity in an era dominated by wood and fabric construction. The aircraft featured a compact sesquiplane wing arrangement, with a larger upper wing and a smaller lower wing, providing a blend of strength and reduced drag. Powered by a 150 hp Walter Castor radial engine, it achieved a maximum speed of 170 km/h and a service ceiling of 5,500 m, demonstrating the potential of metal structures for light combat and reconnaissance roles.
Although only a handful of prototypes were built and the type never entered mass production, the Š‑14 served as a vital testbed for Letov’s later successful models such as the Š‑20 and Š‑31. Its innovative construction methods influenced Czechoslovak aircraft design throughout the interwar period and contributed to the country's reputation for engineering ingenuity in European aviation. Today, the surviving fragments of the Š‑14 are displayed in the National Technical Museum in Prague, symbolizing a pioneering chapter in Czechoslovak aeronautical history.
Although only a handful of prototypes were built and the type never entered mass production, the Š‑14 served as a vital testbed for Letov’s later successful models such as the Š‑20 and Š‑31. Its innovative construction methods influenced Czechoslovak aircraft design throughout the interwar period and contributed to the country's reputation for engineering ingenuity in European aviation. Today, the surviving fragments of the Š‑14 are displayed in the National Technical Museum in Prague, symbolizing a pioneering chapter in Czechoslovak aeronautical history.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 1
- First Flight
- 1924
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Letov Kbely
- Wikidata ID
- Q117441