[1] footnotes = Source: DAFIF[1][2] The first evidence of a military presence in the village of Kuchyňa dates back to 1918, with records of an airfield and shooting range appearing in 1922.

The range operated seasonally, hosting all squadrons of the Czechoslovak Air Force once or twice a year, while the Plzeň arms factory used it for weapon and ammunition testing.

The airfield and range provided essential training for Czechoslovak Air Force, supported by specialized infrastructure and equipment.

During World War II, the Luftwaffe took over the airfield starting in March 1939, even though an agreement between Slovakia and Germany was retroactively signed on January 21, 1941.

In March 1939, German forces seized the facilities, fuel reserves (79,797 liters), and 18 aircraft stationed there, including types such as Š-328, Š-616, Š-16, A-230, and A-330.