The Avia S-199 was difficult to handle on the ground, in the air, and especially during take-off and landing. An Israeli ...

No one loved the Avia S-199 at first sight. Perched on narrow, splayed-out landing gear, the Czech-built fighter had a sinister look that made pilots and potential buyers wary.

The Avia S-199 saw limited use on into 1949, but the acquisition of better types soon replaced most of the aircraft’s duties. Soon the Israelis would have Spitfires, putting them on a more level ...