Bellanca 14-7
| 14-7 | |
|---|---|
_-_1.jpg) | |
| Model 14-9 | |
| Role | Civil utility aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Bellanca |
| Designer | Giuseppe Mario Bellanca |
| First flight | December 1937 |
| Introduction | 1937 |
| Number built | ca. 50 |
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The Bellanca 14-7 and its successors were a family of light aircraft manufactured in the United States shortly before World War II. [1]
Design and development
Bellanca had already established itself in the market for aircraft in the 6–8 seat size, but believed that it could also successfully sell smaller (3–4 seats) aircraft. The first example flew in 1937.[2] 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.
Operational history
Development culminated in the 1941 14-12, 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 militarized version as a trainer was unsuccessful. After the war, Bellanca returned to the design to create the Bellanca 14-13 and its successors.[1]
Variants
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- Junior 14-7
- Prototype with fixed undercarriage and LeBlond 5E radial piston engine.
- 14-7L - 14-7 with Lenape LM-5 engine.
- 14-9
- Main production version with retractable undercarriage and 90hp Ken-Royce 5F radial piston engine.
14-9L - Fitted with a Lenape Brave engine.
- 14-10L
- fitted with a 100 hp (75 kW) Lycoming engine.
- 14-12
- with Franklin 6AC engine
- T14-14
- Militarized trainer version (single prototype only).
Specifications (14-9)
General characteristics
- Crew: one pilot
- Capacity: 2 passengers
- Length: 21 ft 3 in (6.48 m)
- Wingspan: 34 ft 2 in (10.42 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)
See also
References
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Palmer, Trisha, ed. "Bellanca Viking Series". Encyclopedia of the World's Commercial and Private Aircraft. New York: Crescent Books, 2001. ISBN 0-517-36285-6.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 1989. p. 150.
- World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing. p. File 890 Sheet 24.
External links
Media related to Bellanca 14-9 at Wikimedia Commons
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