| Type |
Two seat cabin tourer |
| Engine |
1 Walter Mikron II |
| Dimensions |
Length 7,31 m , height 1,90 m , span 11,51 m , wing area 14,0 m2 , |
| Weights |
Empty 330 kg, loaded 560 kg, max. take off weight |
| Performance |
Max.. speed 200 km/h at 100 m, cruising speed 175 km/h , range 780 km, endurance , service ceiling 5200 m , climb 6 min. 30 sec. to 1000 m |
| Type |
Werk.Nr |
Registration |
History |
|
|
BW+AA |
|
|
|
BW+AB |
|
|
|
BV+AS |
|
|
|
BV+AW |
|
|
|
BV+AY |
|
After testing the Be.501 and Be.502 aircraft, the designers of the company "Benes & Mraz Tovarna na Letadla" developed an aircraft with crew accommodation (side by side) and with a lightweight wing structure, designated Be.550 Bibi .
Structurally, the aircraft was a free-carrying monoplane with a low wing, a single-fin tail and a tricycle landing gear with a tail wheel. The main landing gear and wheels were equipped with fairings. The Be.550 was equipped with a Walter Mikron II in-line engine with a power of 60 hp. (44 kW) and a closed cabin that could accommodate 2 people.
The aircraft's first flight took place on December 28, 1936. Despite the prototype disaster, a small series of Be.550 was ordered.
Before the annexation of Czechoslovakia, approximately two and a half dozen vehicles were built. The planes were delivered to flying clubs and took part in various competitions.
One car was sold to Egypt. It had a factory cream color with red and black elements. The car ended its career in Palestine in 1947 with registration VQ-PAQ.
Several aircraft fell into German hands and were subsequently used in Luftwaffe flying schools.
In 1939, another plane managed to leave occupied Czechoslovakia. The car with the registration code OK-BET flew to the UK and received a new registration G-AGSR. This Be.550 remained in RAF service for several years but was subsequently sold to a private owner. The aircraft's career ended in 1951 after an accident.
