Avia S-199 (Bf 109G)

History of Avia S-199 (Bf 109G)

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 became one of the classic fighters of World War II (1939-1945) and was gradually updated throughout the conflict to maintain the viability of the production line. Manufactured in the tens of thousands, the type proved a perfect match for the British Supermarine Spitfire, as it was fully involved in the war.

The line was so successful that many forms continued after the war under different guise and different global operators.

Towards the end of the conflict, Avia in Czechoslovakia signed a contract to manufacture the single-seat Bf 109G (models G-6 and G-14) and the associated Bf 109G-12 two-seat flight training platform. Despite taking this move, but the war in Europe ended in May 1945, and Czechoslovakia had a large number of unowned Bf 109 airframes. This led the company to complete at least 21 Bf 109G-6 fighter jets under the factory designation "C-10", which were operated by the Czechoslovakians under the name "S-99".

The training version that completed 23 became "CS-99". The S-99 was issued to the Czechoslovak National Air Guard.

In general, these aircraft were faithful to their wartime counterparts, but the lack of additional Daimler-Benz DB605 inline engines soon forced Avia to find a suitable engine replacement - hence the Junkers Jumo 211F - 1,350 hp V-12 line engine, readily available to the company (also powered German wartime Heinkel He 111 medium bombers). The end result was a derivative of the Bf 109, locally known as the "S-199", which was essentially an improved Bf 109G model in form and function. Armament consists of 2 x 20mm MG151/20 cannons under the wings and 2 x 13mm MG131 machine guns over the nose.

The hub-mounted cannon is not included in the armor set. Beyond the standard, stationary weapons are envisaged to carry a single 551lb bomb or up to 4 x 155lb bombs.

The S-199 prototype first flew in March 1947.

The Czechoslovak Air Force received its first S-199 in February 1948, and Avia production eventually reached 559. The improved fighter was not a complete success, as it proved unmanageable compared to the original, mainly due to the modification of the spare engine.

It is also possible that the synchromesh mechanism of the hood machine gun failed, and the pilot's own propeller ignited during the flight. Nonetheless, it was in sufficient numbers to provide employment for local industry and a flying classroom for Czech pilots. Production of the S-199 continued until 1951 and beyond.

The S-199 fighter version is the CS-199 armed trainer form (built from the S-199 stock) and the C-210 unarmed trainer form. The D-199 is a specialized reconnaissance platform.

In May 1948, the country received an order for 25 fighter jets to house its newly formed Israeli Air Force (IAF), so Israel became another prominent S-199 operator. They quickly formed the IAF's first fighter squadron (101 Squadron) and, once ready, were forced to conduct combat missions against neighbouring Egypt. These aircraft were used for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and achieved the first aerial victory in the history of the Israeli Air Force.??? Despite their seemingly good performance, these fighters were not very popular with air and ground personnel due to their reliability and combat performance.

This type also proved difficult to fly in combat conditions.

When completed, the S-199 will have an overall length of 29.3 feet, a wingspan of 32.5 feet, and a height of 8.5 feet. Curb weight is 5,850 lbs and MTOW is 8,245 lbs. Features include a top speed of 370 mph, a combat radius of 530 miles, and a service ceiling of 28,500 feet.

The climb rate is 2,200 feet per minute.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes