Areal Staré Aerovky

Have you ever imagined stepping back in time to witness the birth of Czechoslovakian aviation? Right here at Areal Staré Aerovky in Prague, history comes alive. Areal Staré Aerovky isn’t just a collection of old hangars. It’s a portal to a bygone era, showcasing the architectural marvels that cradled the nation’s first forays into flight. The complex itself speaks volumes about the early days of Czechoslovakian aviation and the rapid advancements in aircraft technology during World War II. Areal Staré Aerovky houses a new exhibition from the Kbely Aviation Museum. Inside these historic hangars, you’ll find a fascinating display of Aero aircraft, from vintage models to more modern designs, alongside a collection of bomber planes. One hangar is dedicated to the Aero factory. Here, you’ll discover the history of Aero and witness the meticulous process of how these magnificent machines were brought to life. The exhibition includes both historic aircraft and contemporary marvels like the L-159 and L-39. Another hangar at Areal Staré Aerovky houses an impressive collection of bomber aircraft. These are from the collections of the Military History Institute in Prague. There’s also an exhibit detailing the Czechoslovak and Norwegian resistance movements during World War II. Military history enthusiasts will be thrilled to see the restored Petljakov Pe-2 aircraft. This plane was acquired from Norway. Only four of these aircraft remain in the world. You can also see the Ilyushin Il-28, the largest bomber ever used by the Czechoslovak Air Force. A true legend of the Areal Staré Aerovky exhibition is the Sukhoi Su-25 ground-attack aircraft. This powerful aircraft was used by both the Czech and Czechoslovak Air Forces and gained notoriety during the conflict in Afghanistan. Starting in the mid-1980s, Soviet-made Su-25s became part of the Czechoslovak Air Force’s arsenal, serving as their sole specialized platform for ground attack missions. Czechoslovakia became the first international user of this aircraft, eventually acquiring thirty-six of these impressive machines.