Avia S-199
Avia · Czechoslovakia · first flew 1947 · fighter
The Avia S-199 was a Czechoslovak-built variant of the Messerschmitt Bf 109G, assembled post-war from remaining components but fitted with the Junkers Jumo 211 bomber engine and VS-9 propeller — a mismatch that gave it severe handling vices. It was nicknamed 'Mezek' (Mule) by its pilots.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.94 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Czech Bf 109 copy with Junkers Jumo 211 bomber engine
- Notorious for poor handling due to engine-propeller torque
- Exported secretly to Israel in 1948 — nicknamed 'Mezek' (Mule)
Visually resembles the Bf 109G closely — low-wing monoplane, retractable undercarriage with characteristic splayed main legs, and a deep cowling — but identified by the larger-diameter propeller needed for the Jumo 211 engine.
Specifications
- The Avia S-199 has a length of 8.94 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.92 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 528 km/h (328 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
After World War II, Czechoslovakia found itself with Bf 109G airframes but insufficient DB 605 engines. Avia fitted the available Jumo 211 engines intended for He 111 bombers, paired with a large-diameter paddle-bladed propeller. The resulting aircraft was dangerous to fly due to severe swing on take-off and vicious torque effects. Crucially, Czechoslovakia sold a number of S-199s to Israel in 1948 where, despite its failings, it provided the new Israeli Air Force with its first fighter capability.
Variants
The CS-199 was a dual-control trainer version; both shared the same troublesome engine-airframe mismatch.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Czechoslovak Air Force in the late 1940s and by the Israeli Air Force during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, where it flew combat missions despite its poor handling characteristics.
Related aircraft
- Avia Av-36 Bojar
- Avia S-92
- Avia S-102
- Avia S-103
- Alekseyev I-215
- Grumman F9F Panther
- Hawker Sea Fury FB.11
- Hawker Sea Hawk
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.