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Re: Avias B534 with 1. and 2./JG 70?
Sinisa
According to Czeck sources both 3./JG 70 and 3./JG 71 operated the Avias for a short time in late 1939 before re-equipping with the Bf 109.
Since the Luftwaffe was still expanding at the time, I have always assumed the use of the Avias in "frontline" units (and these two units were in fact in the rear) was a stop gap measure before they got their intended 109s.
I can't believe that the Luftwaffe had any intention of using the Avias on operations, unless forced to do so by enemy attacks. One source specifically says the Avias were intended to be used in the case of night attacks. The evaluation made by these two units was no doubt to ensure the type could be used as an advanced trainer by the Jagdfliegerschulen, which also became the case. After all the type was the most numerous Czeck type captured by the Luftwaffe. It also fits Prien's statement that these Staffeln were called Reservestaffeln and used for training of reserve pilots.
Cheers
Stig
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