Letov S-1

Letov S-1
Country	Czechoslovakia
Role	Surveillance
First flight	1920
Built	28+64

The Letov Š-1 was a Czechoslovak single-engined, two-seat biplane surveillance aircraft. It was the first military aircraft built in Czechoslovakia. It was designed by Alois Šmolík at Letov Kbely. The Š-1 first flew in 1920. Letov Š-2 is a re-engined of Š-1.

Source: Letov S-1 on Wikipedia

Letov S-2 Walk Around
Photographer	Pavel Senk
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	20

Letov S-2 1

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Letov S-2 9

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General Characteristics

The Letov Š-1 (initially designated Šm-1) was a Czechoslovak single-engined, two-seat biplane. It holds a significant place in history as the first military aircraft designed and built in Czechoslovakia after the country’s formation following World War I. Designed by Alois Šmolík at Letov Kbely, it was primarily used by the Czechoslovak Air Force for surveillance, reconnaissance, and light bombing duties.

Property	Typical Value (Š-1)
Role	Surveillance / Reconnaissance / Light Bomber
Manufacturer	Letov Kbely (Czechoslovakia)
First Flight	1920
No. Built	28 (Š-1 variant)
Crew	2 (Pilot and Observer/Gunner)
Length	8.3 m (27 ft 3 in)
Wingspan	13.23 m (43 ft 5 in)
Max Takeoff Weight	1,375 kg (3,031 lb)

Design and Powerplant

Engine: One Hiero L 6-cylinder water-cooled in-line piston engine (of Austrian design).
Power Output: 169 kW (227 hp) to 172 kW (230 hp).
Structure: The Š-1 featured an all-wood construction, with the fuselage notably made from molded plywood. This was an advanced and unusual construction method for the time, though it complicated maintenance.
Propeller: Two-bladed fixed-pitch propeller.
Successor: The design led to the Š-2 variant (originally designated SM-1), which was re-engined with a more powerful 194 kW (260 hp) Maybach Mb.IVa engine.

Performance and Armament

Maximum Speed: Up to 194 km/h (121 mph, 105 knots).
Service Ceiling: 6,000 m (20,000 ft).
Range: Approximately 715 km (444 mi, 386 nmi).
Fixed Armament:
- Forward: One 7.70 mm Vickers machine gun (for the pilot).
- Rear: Two 7.70 mm Lewis machine guns on a ring mount (for the observer/gunner).
Ordnance Load: Could carry up to 120 kg (265 lb) of bombs for its light bomber role.