Bellanca 14-7

The Bellanca 14-7 and its successors were a family of light aircraft manufactured in the United States shortly before World War II.[1]

14-7
Model 14-9
Role Civil utility aircraft
Manufacturer Bellanca
Designer Giuseppe Mario Bellanca
First flight December 1937
Introduction 1937
Number built ca. 50

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
Bellanca 14-9
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)
Bellanca 14-9

Data from Flying Equipment: Bellanca 14-9.[3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 2 passengers
  • Length: 21 ft 4 in (6.50 m)
  • Wingspan: 34 ft 2 in (10.41 m)
  • Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) (over cabin, tail down)
  • Wing area: 140.2 sq ft (13.03 m2)
  • Empty weight: 975 lb (442 kg)
  • Gross weight: 1,700 lb (771 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × LeBlond radial engine, 90 hp (67 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 132 mph (212 km/h, 115 kn) at sea level
  • Cruise speed: 120 mph (190 km/h, 100 kn) at 3,000 ft (910 m), 75% power
  • Range: 420 mi (680 km, 360 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 14,000 ft (4,300 m)
  • Rate of climb: 750 ft/min (3.8 m/s)

See also

References
Notes
  1. Palmer 2001, p. 51.
  2. Bob Newton (October 1979). "Bellancas Super Viking". Air Progress: 33.
  3. Aviation September 1939 pp. 36, 42.
Bibliography
  • "Flying Equipment: Bellanca 14-9". Aviation, Vol. 38, No. 9, September 1939, pp. 36, 42.
  • 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.

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