[jim_trent]

> “bastardized Czech versions of the German Messerschmitt”

From memory, these were produced very late in WWII. At that time, the usual Me 109 engine was not available. So, they had a lot of airframes without engines. They decided to put some bomber engines that were laying around on the front of the airframes. They were supposed to be very difficult to fly because the Center-of-Gravity was in the wrong place. No one who could afford better wanted them after the war.

[tophat9000]

Czech version was post war production.. the post war stash of DB605 engines were sabotage... so they had to use some left over Jumo 211 bomber engines....the nickname for this aircraft...”The Mule” tells the story

[exit82]

Thanks for the added insight and information.