Polish Wings 3: PWS-10, Avia BH-33, & PZL P.7a
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
PWS-10, Avia BH-33, & PZL P.7a
Authors: Bartlomiej Belcarz & Tomasz J. Kopanski
Publisher: Stratus
ISBN: 978-83-89450-89-0
Binding: Softbound
Pages: 56
The newest title in the growing Polish Wings series examines a trio of lesser-known aircraft: the PWS-10, Avia BH-33, and PZL P7a. These aircraft filled a niche in pre-war Polish aviation from 1930 to 1939. The first section covers the Avia BH-33, also known as the PWS A. This Czech biplane aircraft was developed from the Avia BH-21, and while it was not markedly better in performance over the SPAD aircraft it was destined to replace, it was much more reliable. This reliability led to a license production contract in 1929, and the BH-33 (redesignated PWS A) flew in the Polish Air Force until mid-1938, when the last few were scrapped.
The second aircraft covered in this title is the PWS-10, which was the first Polish fighter to enter production. This parasol aircraft began in the late 1920s as a design study, and by the end of 1930 had finished its factory testing. Production began in 1931, and for the next couple of years, the PWS-10 was the most numerous aircraft in the Polish Air Force. Advances in aircraft technology saw the PWS-10 relegated to training units in 1933, though, where it continued to soldier on. The PWS-10 also managed to get some combat experience, with a handful sold to Spain in 1936, where they took part in the Spanish Civil War.
The third and final aircraft in this book is the PZL P.7a. The P.7a marked the beginning of a long line of gull-wing parasol fighters from PZL. Production began in 1931, and follow-on orders soon followed to bring the total aircraft to over 100. Initially delivered to training units, the P.7a soon found its way into fighter regiments. By mid-1935, the P.7a was with a large number of fighter regiments, although it was beginning to be replaced by the more advanced PZL P.11. The P.7a was still in service when the war with Germany began, and although outdated, it still managed to fight well in the hands of a good pilot. Kpr. Jan Malinowski of the 162nd Fighter Flight shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110, for example, and six other German aircraft fell to P.7a aircraft.
In addition to the background history of these aircraft, this book provides extensive color and marking information. There are dozens of color profile illustrations, along with extensive photos showing the various aircraft. In addition to the illustrations and photographs, comprehensive tables outline the individual aircraft histories. Overall, this is a very thorough book on three lesser-known aircraft types, and makes a great addition to a small air force library. My thanks to Mushroom Model Publications for the review copy.