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Why is the Aero A.12 numbered after the A.11 even though it flew first?
Short answer
The numbering doesn't follow chronological order: the A.12 flew first, in 1923, while the A.11 didn't fly until 1925. Despite what its designation suggests, the A.11 was actually developed from the earlier A.12. Antonín Husník based his design on it and improved on the older aircraft.
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Two biplanes and a reversed numbering
The Aero A.12 was a Czechoslovak light bomber and military reconnaissance biplane, built in small series shortly after the First World War. Its first flight took place in 1923. The A.11 did not fly until 1925. Despite what the numbering of the designs might suggest, the A.11 was a development of the Aero A.12. The model with the lower number was thus based on the company's earlier design.
From the A.12 to the A.11
The A.12 proved to be a popular and reliable aircraft. That reliability made it a solid basis when the Czechoslovak army needed a new light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. Antonín Husník (1894–1948) developed the A.11 from the A.12. In doing so, he managed to improve on the older design. The A.11 was very successful and gave rise to several derivatives.
Domestic engines in the A.11
The German-built Maybach engine of the A.12 was replaced in the A.11 by superior domestic alternatives. These included the Breitfeld-Daněk Perun and the Walter W-IV.
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