Avia BH-19 explained
The
Avia BH-19 was a
fighter aircraft built in
Czechoslovakia in 1924. It was a low-wing braced
monoplane derived from the
Avia BH-3 and reflected its designers' ongoing belief that the monoplane configuration was the most suitable for a fighter aircraft. Initial trials revealed excellent performance, but also displayed control problems and aileron flutter. Nevertheless, the Czechoslovakian Army was sufficiently impressed to inform Avia that it would order the BH-19 if the problems could be rectified. The first
prototype was destroyed in a crash during speed trials, and the second prototype revealed no better handling than its predecessor. At this point, the Czechoslovakian War Ministry stepped in and asked Avia to cease its attempts to develop a monoplane fighter.
References
- Book: Taylor, Michael J. H. . Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation . 1989 . Studio Editions . London . 86 .
- Book: World Aircraft Information Files . Bright Star Publishing. London . File 889 Sheet 86 .
- Němeček, V. (1968). Československá letadla. Praha: Naše Vojsko.