Bellanca 14 7

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. 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.

Variants

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)

Data from Flying Equipment: Bellanca 14-9

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 (104 kn; 193 km/h) at 3,000 ft (910 m), 75% power

Range: 420 mi (365 nmi; 676 km)

Service ceiling: 14,000 ft (4,267 m)

Rate of climb: 750 ft/min (3.8 m/s)