Bellanca 14-7
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| 14-7 | |
|---|---|
 Model 14-9 |
|
| Type | Civil utility aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Bellanca |
| Maiden flight | December 1937 |
| Number built | ca. 50 |
The Bellanca 14-7 and its successors were a family of light aircraft manufactured in the United States shortly before World War II. Bellanca already had established itself in the market for aircraft in the 6-8 seat size, but now believed that it could also successfully sell smaller (3-4 seats) aircraft. The 14-7 was a modern, low-wing cantilever monoplane with a fuselage intended to contribute lift to the design. Although the prototype flew with fixed tailwheel undercarriage, the 14-9 production version was the first US light aircraft to be mass-produced with retractable undercarriage - the main wheels rotated aft, up into wells in the wings.
Development culminated in the 14-12 of 1941, at which point production ceased to allow Bellanca to work as a military subcontractor for the duration of the war when an attempt to market a militarised version as a trainer was unsuccessful. After the war, Bellanca returned to the design to create the Bellanca 14-13 and its successors.
[edit] Variants
- 14-7 - Prototype with fixed undercarriage and LeBlond 5E engine
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- 14-7L - 14-7 with Lenape LM-5 engine
14-9 - Main production version with retractable undercarriage and Ken-Royce 5F engine
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- 14-9L - with Lenape Brave engine
- 14-10L - with 100 hp (75 kW) Lycoming engine
- 14-12 - with Franklin 6AC engine
- T14-14 - militarised trainer version (single prototype only)
[edit] Specifications (14-9)
General characteristics
- Crew: one pilot
- Capacity: 2 passengers
- Length: 34 ft 2 in (10.42 m)
- Wingspan: 21 ft 3 in (6.48 m)
- Powerplant: 1 × Ken-Royce 5F radial engine, 90 hp (67 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 133 mph (214 km/h)
- Range: 475 miles (764 km)
- Service ceiling: 14,750 ft (4,500 m)
[edit] References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 150.
- World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing, File 890 Sheet 24.
- aerofiles.com
[edit] See also
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