Bohumir Kudlicka follows the transition of Czechoslovakian production of the Messerschmitt Bf 109G “Mezek” and the Messerschmitt Me 262 “Turbina” from underground facilities for the Luftwaffe to production by Avia for the Czechoslovakian Air Force. Mr. Kudlicka weaves an interesting tale of how and why the Czechoslovakian Air Force came to use the ‘hated’ German designed aircraft in lieu of English and Russian aircraft that their returning pilots had been flying during the war.

There are many unpublished photos that describe in detail the selection, modification and production of these two aircraft. The text and photos are complemented with color profiles, 3-D plan views, 1/48 scale plans, and period scrap illustrations.

The Table of Contents focuses on three major chapters:

Mezek – “Mule”

• Introduction
• Messerschmitt Bf 109G
• Production of Bf 109s in Czech Territories
• Renewal of the Czech Air Force
• The C-10 Aircraft
• Testing the C-10 with Rockets (Rocket Assisted Take Off)
• The C-210, alias the S-199
• The CS-199 – training version of the S-199
• In Service
  • Police Air Force (Czech)
  • Air Force (Czech)
• Colours & Markings
• Museum Specimens
• Technical Description

“Turbines” – Avia S-92 and CS-92

• Production of the Me 262 in the Protectorate Bohmen and Mahren
• Genesis and Development of the S/CS-92
• “Turbines” for Yugoslavia
• The Second International Air Show – 1947
• Further Tests and Production
• Short Service
• Colours
• Museum Specimens
• Technical Description
• I Flew “Turbines” (From the memoirs of Frantisek Kraus)

The Avia S-199 in Israel

• Chel Ha’Avir
• The Fighting
• Waiting for the Second Round
• The Second Armistice
• Victory, but not the End
• Drawing up a Balance

Jose Fernandez provides the final chapter with a history of the acquisition and service of the Avia S-199 in the Israel Air Force.

Mezek a Turbina provides an interesting view into a lesser known chapter in aviation history. The text and captions are well translated into English thanks to Karel Dokoupil, alleviating the need to bone up on your Polish reading skills. Both Mr. Kudlicka and Fernandez are able to craft the storyline with interesting tidbits to prevent this from being simply a progression of facts. Indeed, I found the chapter on the Avia S-199 evaluation with RATO alone worth the price of picking up this tome before proceeding to read it cover to cover.

You can watch a page by page preview of the entire book at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvkKpWEIk_8

My thanks to Mushroom Model Publications and IPMS/USA for the chance to review this great book.

Highly recommended!