Letov Š-2
| Letov Š-2 | |
|---|---|
.JPG)
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| Type: | Reconnaissance plane |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
March 1921 |
| Number of pieces: |
64 |
The Czech Letov Š-2 aircraft is a single-engine, two-seat biplane that was used for military reconnaissance. The first flight of the machine took place in March 1921. The design is based on the also of Alois Šmolík created Letov SM-1 .
construction
In 1921 the Ministry of Defense was looking for an alternative to the Hiero L engines originally used and found this in the abundant, somewhat more powerful Maybach IVa. In addition, they also ordered 8 aircraft that were to receive a BMW engine, but this did not happen for the time being (they also received Maybach engines.). The machines designated as Šm.2 were given the hull numbers Š-M-1.29 to Š-M-1.50 (where the M refers to the engine used). According to the one-flyer Ježek, the new engine improved the Šm.1's performance only marginally, because the top speed decreased while the rate of climb increased. Nevertheless, the services met the requirements of the military, and another 40 Šm.2 were ordered. These were given the fuselage numbers Š-M-2.1 to Š-M-2.40. The production was outsourced by the Ministry of Defense to the company Aero, which had free capacities at that time. Aero delivered 9 machines by the end of the year.
The machine was built entirely of wood, which was covered with fabric. Behind the pilot's seat there was a place for an observer, who also operated the pivoting machine gun .
designation
The distinction between Š-1 and Š-2 based on the built-in engines was only introduced in 1923. The copies with the Maybach engine from factory number 28 were listed as Š-2.
Š-2 in the museum
The Š-2 built in 1922 with the serial number 44 is exhibited in the Kbely Aviation Museum .
Military use
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 2 |
| length | 8.52 m |
| span | 13.02 m |
| height | 3.20 m |
| Wing area | 36.17 m² |
| Wing loading | 41.4 kg / m² |
| Empty mass | 970 kg |
| Max. Takeoff mass | 1492 kg |
| Cruising speed | 165 km / h |
| Top speed | 190 km / h |
| Rise time | 29.30 min at 5000 m altitude |
| Service ceiling | 6500 m |
| Range | 667 km |
| Engines | 1 × 6-cylinder in-line engine Maybach Mb.IVa with 194 kW (264 PS) |
| Armament | 1 rigid 7.7 mm Vickers machine gun, 2 movable 7.7 mm machine guns on a turntable on the rear observer seat, up to 250 kg bombs under the wings |
See also
literature
- Jaroslav Zvěřina: Letov . 100 let od založení první československé továrny na letadla. Magnet Press, Bratislava, 2019, ISBN 978-80-89169-63-4
Web links
- [1] (Czech)
- Information about Letov Š 1 and Š 2 (Czech)
Individual evidence