The Letov Š-4 was a Czechoslovak single-bay unstaggared biplane fighter and trainer in the 1920s.

Production history

The Š-4 was first created in 1922 as an intended successor to the SPAD S.VII

SPAD S.VII

The SPAD S.VII was the first of a series of highly successful biplane fighter aircraft produced by Société Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés during the First World War. Like its successors, the S.VII was renowned as a sturdy and rugged aircraft with good climbing and diving characteristics...

 and S.XIII

SPAD S.XIII

|-See also:-Bibliography:* Bruce, J.M. The Aeroplanes of the Royal Flying Corps . London: Putnam, 1982. ISBN 0-370-30084-X.* Sharpe, Michael. Biplanes, Triplanes, and Seaplanes. London: Friedman/Fairfax Books, 2000. ISBN 1-58663-300-7....

 in service with the newly-created Czechoslovak Air Force

Czechoslovak Air Force

The Czechoslovak Air Force was the air force branch of the military of Czechoslovakia. It was known as the Czechoslovak Army Air Force from 1918–1939...

. It first flew in 1922, with fabric-covered wooden wings and a metal fuselage and tail.

Operational history

The Czechoslovak Air Force ordered 20 Š-4s in 1922 and these were delivered in early 1923. The plane lived out the 1920s as a fighter and trainer, but by 1927 difficulties were being experienced due to the low manufacturing quality of the Š-4. As a result all remaining Š-4s were upgraded to Š-4a trainer aircraft in 1928.

Specifications