Letov Kbely
Letov Š-20
The Letov Š‑20 was a Czech single‑engine biplane fighter developed by the Letov Kbely factory in the early 1920s. First flown in 1924, it entered service with the Czechoslovak Air Force in 1925 as a replacement for World‑war‑I types such as the Nieuport 17. The aircraft featured a conventional wood‑frame construction with fabric covering, a staggered two‑bay wing arrangement, and a fixed split‑axle landing gear. Power came from a 300 hp Hispano‑Suiza 8Fb V‑8 engine, delivering a top speed of roughly 230 km/h and a service ceiling of 7 500 m. Armament consisted of two synchronized .303‑in (7.7 mm) Vickers machine guns mounted on the fuselage.
Although only a limited batch of about 30 units was produced, the Š‑20 demonstrated Letov’s ability to transition from licence‑built aircraft to indigenous designs. Its relatively good handling and climb performance provided valuable experience that influenced later Letov models such as the Š‑31 and Š‑32. In the broader context of interwar aviation, the Š‑20 represents an early effort by a small nation to achieve self‑sufficiency and modernise its air force, marking a stepping stone toward the more advanced Czech fighters of the 1930s.
Although only a limited batch of about 30 units was produced, the Š‑20 demonstrated Letov’s ability to transition from licence‑built aircraft to indigenous designs. Its relatively good handling and climb performance provided valuable experience that influenced later Letov models such as the Š‑31 and Š‑32. In the broader context of interwar aviation, the Š‑20 represents an early effort by a small nation to achieve self‑sufficiency and modernise its air force, marking a stepping stone toward the more advanced Czech fighters of the 1930s.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 115
- First Flight
- 1925
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Letov Kbely
- Designer
- Alois Šmolík
- Engine
- Hispano-Suiza 8Fb
- Operator
-
Czechoslovak Air Force Lithuanian Air Force
- Wikidata ID
- Q355804