Ladies and gentlemen, today we present you first of subchapters. Smaller subchapters are design to show a single type of plane in Polish service, with all models and versions. Today it's famous PZL P.7 and P.7a
PZL P.7a
PZL P.7 was created alongside P.6, but with Bristol Jupiter VIIF engine (with compressor). Prototype was flown in October 1930 and trials eventually shown that it was superior to P.6, which led to decision of series production of even more refined PZL P.7a.
Between September 1932 and December 1933 150
P.7a were made, equipping total of 14 fighter squadrons from all air regiments and several training units. This in turn made Polish Military Aviation the first in the World to be equipped only with all-metal front-line fighters. Unfortunately, while a cutting-edge equipment when introduced, and one that served faithfully, P.7a got old relatively fast, yet it had to soldier until 1939, when 30 were still in front-line units (
123, 151, 162 Eskadra Myśliwska) and another 105 in schools and in reserve. Although badly outclassed, they still managed to gain 10 air victories in September 1939.
14 of them were evacuated to Romania, where they were pressed into service as operational trainers until 1944.
Also some numbers were pressed in to service of Luftwaffe.