Letov Š-428
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Š.428 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Ground attack |
| Manufacturer | Letov Kbely |
[edit] History
The Letov company of Prague was the principle aircraft manufacturer in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s. The firm designed several different aircraft both for the Czech Air Force and for export. Letov designed two series of two-seat observation and light bomber biplanes based on the Š.16 and the Š.28. Both of these designs had a quickly detachable engine mounting permitting the installation of any engine of similar power or type. For example, there were nine versions of the Š.16, each with a different engine and a unique type designation. The Š.16 derivatives included "16" as part of the type number resulting in Š.116, Š.216, Š.316, Š.416, Š.516, Š.616, Š.716, Š.816, and Š.916.The Letov Š.428 was designed as a close ground support aircraft covering armies on the battlefield. The engine was an Avia VR-36 545 kW, V-12 liquid-cooled inline piston engine of 740 hp. Like the Š.128, Š.228, Š.328, and Š.538, the Š.428 was a development of the Š.28. The Š.328 was the most common of the Š.28 versions and entered operational service in 1934. Its performance was considered good and it was used not only as a ground support machine but also what the Czech Air Force subsequently came to describe as a "heavy fighter." By the time of the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in March of 1939, the Letov Š.328 was hopelessly obsolete and could not survive against modern monoplane fighters in either of its intended roles. Nonetheless, the machine remained in front line service with the Czech Air Force throughout the 1930s and even after the German occupation. The records of Czech aviation during World War II are meager, so little is known about the operational history of the Letov Š.328 aside from the fact it remained on the Czech roster of aircraft well into the war. Some of these aircraft were handed over to Germany's allies Bulgaria and Slovakia but nothing is known of their activity in those hands. None is known to have survived the war.
