The Avia BH-1 was the very first aircraft designed by Avia Co.,which was
established in 1919. Pavel Beneš and Miroslav Hajn, who later both became
renowned aircraft designers, were the first partners in Avia - the aircraft
manufacturing and repair shop. In 1920, they commenced design
and structural work on the BH-1 aircraft. They devised and utilised
components which were revolutionary for that era - a thick wing airfoil,
a wing-to-fuselage fitting (which they patented) and a floating rudder.
In September 1921, the aircraft participated in the national
cross-country air competition, where it outperformed stronger
aircraft primarily due to its clean aerodynamics and advanced
manufacturing technology. The BH-1 remained in Avia’s ownership
and participated in various promotional events and airshows,
and was flown by a number of renowned pilots. The aircraft
crashed and was severely damaged in the spring of 1922, and
has never been repaired. Based on the successful design of
the BH-1, Avia then built the BH-3 series of fighter aircraft,
which served in the Czechoslovak Air Force.