Fiat B.R.

BR
Fiat BR
Role Bomber
Manufacturer Fiat
Designer Celestino Rosatelli
First flight 1919
Number built >250

The Fiat B.R. 1/4 was a series of light bomber developed in Italy shortly after World War I. It was a development of the SIA 9 reconnaissance aircraft, incorporating major strengthening of that design. Its general layout was identical with its predecessor: a two-bay biplane with tandem, open cockpits for pilot and observer, and tailskid undercarriage. Shortly after entering service with the Regia Aeronautica, however, Rosatelli developed an improved version using the Warren truss-style bracing that would become a hallmark of his designs over the next decade.

The B.R. was evolved into a number of increasingly capable variants; however, by the time the later members of the family were produced, 15 years had passed since the initial design, and the type was already obsolete. At its peak, the BR equipped 15 light bomber squadrons of the Regia Aeronautica. Two examples were also exported to Sweden, and one to Hungary.

In 1922, a specially modified BR designated the R.700 was used to set the world absolute airspeed record at 336 km/h (210 mph). The same aircraft was used to contest the Coupe Deutsch de la Meurthe in September that year.

Variants

Operators

 Hungary
 Italy
 Sweden
 China

Specifications (B.R.2)

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

References