Developed from the Avia B-534 biplane fighter, for the Czech Air Force, the B-634 incorporated numerous modifications in order to increase performance. Despite these changes, and the airframe being significantly more aerodynamically cleaner, it was only marginally faster than its predecessor. This was primarily due to increased weight resulting from the changes. As a result only two prototypes were built.
Germany confiscated a large number of Avia B-534 fighters from Czechoslovakia, subsequently using them as fighter trainers in several fighter pilot training schools. They were also used as glider tugs and target tugs.
Three aircraft were fitted with arrester hooks and had their structure strengthened for evaluation as a carrier based fighters to equip the Graf Zeppelin. As the aircraft carrier was not completed this project went nowhere.
In 1940 B-534s were used to represent Polish PZL P-11 fighters in the propaganda film Kampfgeschwader Lützow.
Developed from the Avia B-34, the Avia B-534 was a single-seat biplane fighter designed for the Czechoslovak Air Force. First flying o 25 May 1933, it entered service in 1935 with production continuing until 1939. A total of 538 were built serving several air forces during the Second World War.
On 14 March 1939, Germany forced the partition of Czechoslovakia, with Slovakia being declared as the nominally independent Slovak Republic with Germany annexing the remaining “Czech” part of Czechoslovakia as the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia the next day. . At tis time, 328 B-534s and Bk-534s equipped 21 fighter squadrons of the Czechoslovak Air Force. The abrupt nature of the partitioning meant that no B-534s took part in combat with Czechoslovakia.
Most of the Czech Avia B-534s were pressed into service with Germany, mainly as fighter-trainers.
