Letov Š-2

The Letov Š‑2 was a Czechoslovak single‑engine biplane produced by the Letov factory in Kbely during the early 1920s. Designed by Alois Šmolik, the aircraft first flew in 1920 as a modernisation of the wartime Š‑1 trainer, targeting both military and civil markets. Its structure combined a wooden frame with fabric covering, a 120‑horsepower Walter NZ‑120 radial engine and a two‑seat, open‑cockpit layout that gave good visibility for pilot and instructor. The Š‑2 featured equal‑span wings with slight stagger and a fixed tailskid undercarriage, providing stable handling and short‑field capability, which made it popular for basic flight training, reconnaissance and light‑utility duties. Over 150 units were built, serving in the Czechoslovak Air Force and in several foreign air services, including Poland and Yugoslavia. The type’s reliability and ease of maintenance set a benchmark for interwar trainer aircraft in Central Europe and helped establish Letov Kbely as a prominent aircraft manufacturer. Although quickly superseded by more powerful monoplanes, the Š‑2’s contribution to pilot instruction and the development of Czechoslovak aviation industry remains noteworthy. A restored Š‑2 is exhibited at Prague’s National Technical Museum, highlighting its enduring influence on training practices.