Breda A.14

The Breda A.14 was a prototype three-engined biplane, designed by Società Italiana Ernesto Breda as a night bomber in 1928. The aircraft was proposed to the Regia Aeronautica, but failed assessments, and was abandoned. The aircraft was designed after the failure of the A.8. It was designed to solve the flight problems experienced on the A.8. The A.14 was tested in 1928, powered by three 450 hp Alfa Romeo Jupiter engines. Although performance was improved, the Regia Aeronautica decided not to accept the A.14. To make up for the costs, it was suggested that a demilitarised version be sold to civilians, but a lack of civilian interest resulted in the abandonment of the project.

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: 4
• Capacity: 2600kg
• Length: 15.7 m (51 ft 6 in)
• Wingspan: 23.06 m (75 ft 8 in)
• Wing area: 148 m² (1,590 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 3,900 kg (8,598 lb)
• Gross weight: 6,500 kg (14,330 lb)
• Powerplant: 3 × Alfa Romeo Jupiter piston radial engine, 340 kW (450 hp) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 190 km/h (118 mph; 103 kn)
• Endurance: 6h 30min
• Service ceiling: 5,000 m (16,404 ft)
• Wing loading: 44 kg/m² (9.0 lb/sq ft)

Armament

• Bombs: 800kg

References

• da Badia Polesine, Jotti (1930). Annuario dell'Aeronautica Italiana 1929-1930 (in Italian). Milan: Libreria Aeronautica. 
• Jackson, George Gibbard (1930). The world's aeroplanes and airships. S. Low, Marston & co., ltd. p. 88.