Letov Kbely
Letov Š-22
The Letov Š‑22 was a Czechoslovak prototype fighter‑bomber developed in the early 1930s by manufacturer Letov Kbely. Designed by engineers František Letov and his team as a response to the Czechoslovak Air Force’s demand for a fast aircraft capable of both air‑to‑air combat and light ground attack, the Š‑22 first flew on 12 May 1932. It featured an all‑metal low‑wing monoplane layout, a retractable undercarriage, and a cockpit, which were advanced for its time. Powered by a 750 hp Hispano‑Suiza 12Ybrs V‑12 engine, it could reach a top speed of 420 km/h (260 mph) and carried up to 300 kg of bombs beneath the wings, while retaining a pair of 7.92 mm machine guns for defensive fire.
Although the Š‑22 demonstrated excellent handling and respectable performance, the programme was halted in 1934 when the Czechoslovak military chose the more powerful Avia B‑35 and subsequent designs. Nevertheless, the Š‑22 contributed valuable data on aerodynamics, metal construction, and retractable gear, influencing later Letov projects and marking a transitional step between biplane fighters and modern monoplane combat aircraft in Central Europe. Today, only a few photographs and technical drawings survive, making the Š‑22 a rare example of Czechoslovak ingenuity that is studied by aviation historians.
Although the Š‑22 demonstrated excellent handling and respectable performance, the programme was halted in 1934 when the Czechoslovak military chose the more powerful Avia B‑35 and subsequent designs. Nevertheless, the Š‑22 contributed valuable data on aerodynamics, metal construction, and retractable gear, influencing later Letov projects and marking a transitional step between biplane fighters and modern monoplane combat aircraft in Central Europe. Today, only a few photographs and technical drawings survive, making the Š‑22 a rare example of Czechoslovak ingenuity that is studied by aviation historians.
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Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1926
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Letov Kbely
- Wikidata ID
- Q1821127