Mezek a Turbina: Messerschmitts in Czechoslovakia
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Author: Bohumir Kudlicka
Publisher: Mushroom Model Publications
ISBN: 978-83-63678-08-1
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 64
As a major site of German aviation manufacturing, Czechoslovakia was in a good position for rebuilding their air arm after the end of the Second World War. With skilled labor and a plentiful supply of German aircraft, the transition went well and the nation ended up one of the first to add jet aircraft to their air force. This latest title from Mushroom Model Publications examines the integration of two Messerschmitt designs, the Bf 109 and Me 262, into Czech service as the Mezek and Turbina.
The Mezek was the name given to the post-war Bf 109 built by Avia. Initially these were powered by the Daimler DB 605 engine, but problems with the engines, and later the supply chain, led to engineers adapting the Jumo 211 engine to the Bf 109 airframe. The Jumo engine was designed for bombers, and thus was not well suited for fighter aircraft. However, the Czech engineers made the best of it and the result was a solid interim aircraft.
The Turbina was simply a stock Me 262, with very little changing from the original design. A healthy stock of engines kept the handful of planes in the air, but the problems with the original equipment continued to plague the Czech post-war operations. Still, the S-92 was the Czech Air Force's first exposure to jet fighters, and despite the teething troubles it provided some excellent experience in handling that new technology.
This book provides a detailed look at the overall history of these two aircraft in Czech service, with an additional section covering the Mezek in Israeli service. In addition to the text, the book is peppered with lots of photographs, very likely the most thorough photo coverage of both of these types currently available in English language print. There are also scale drawings of both types, as well as color profile illustrations.
For those interested in post-war operations of German aircraft, or for those who just have a fascination with smaller air forces, this book is a great one to pick up. My thanks to Mushroom Model Publications for the review copy.