- Bellanca 14-13
-
14-13 Cruisair Senior 
Bellanca 14-13-2 Role Civil utility aircraft Manufacturer Bellanca First flight 13 November 1945 Number built around 600 Developed from Bellanca 14-7 Variants Bellanca 17-30 
Bellanca 14-13-2
The Bellanca 14-13 Cruisair Senior and its successors are a family of light aircraft that were manufactured in the United States after World War II. They were a follow-on to the pre-war Bellanca 14-7 and its derivatives.
Contents
Design and development
While retaining the Bellanca 14-7's basic design, the 14-13 featured an enlarged cabin, a horizontally opposed Franklin 6A4-335-B3 150 hp (112 kW) engine in place of the earlier models' Le Blond radial and an oval vertical endplate on each horizontal stabiliser. This latter feature gained the type the affectionate nickname "cardboard Constellation", because the arrangement is similar to the contemporary Lockheed Constellation airliner.[1]
Taking its name from the Bellanca tradition of identifying the series from the wing area in square feet, dropping the final digit, while the second number is the aircraft's horsepower, again dropping the final digit, the 14-13 does not quite fit the naming convention. The Bellanca 14-13 wing is constructed of wood, while the fuselage is welded steel-tube framework with a fabric covering.[1]
The 14-13 was introduced in 1946; in its improved 14-13-3 version the aircraft remained in production until 1956.[1]
Model 14-19
A higher performance design revision was granted FAA approval as the 14-19 Cruisemaster on September 26, 1949,.[2] The new model featured structural upgrades, a 190 hp (142 kW) Lycoming O435-A engine, an increased gross weight of 2,600 lb (1,179 kg), hydraulically operated landing gear and flaps, and a deluxe interior. 99 of these airplanes were produced between 1949 and 1951. Externally, a near-look-alike to the earlier models, this version was distinguished by its larger, oval-shaped endplates.[3] All production ceased in 1956 as Bellanca wound up its operations.
Bellanca 14-19-2 Cruisemaster, built 1958Model 14-19-2
The 14-19 design was revived by Northern Aircraft and granted FAA approval on January 7, 1957 as the 14-19-2 Cruisemaster. The new model featured a 230 hp (172 kW) Continental O-470K engine, an increased gross weight of 2,700 pounds,[2] an updated instrument panel as well as new paint and upholstery schemes.[4] 104 of these airplanes were produced between 1957 and 1958 [3]
The company was renamed Downer Aircraft in 1959. Inter-Air acquired the production rights in 1962 and was renamed as the Bellanca Sales Company, a subsidiary of Miller Flying Service.[1] Further development of the design by Inter-Air resulted in the modernized Viking series introduced in 1962.[5]
1946 model Bellanca 14-13 Cruisair Senior at the Western Canada Aviation Museum- note the large endplates of the initial 14-13Operational history
Designed and produced in the post-World War II era, the Bellanca 14-13 Cruisair Senior was aimed at a general aviation market. Pilot/owners were offered a combination of performance, low engine power and a modest price. Its performance and structural strength also made it attractive for utility work, but in many ways the Bellanca design was an anachronism, relying on a conventional landing gear configuration and wood and fabric construction that harkened back to an earlier age. Postwar economics along with a glut of surplus military aircraft precluded heavy sales although about 600 were produced.[5]
Despite its introduction into a period where private aircraft sales were stagnant, the aircraft remained popular through all of its incarnations and today is considered a classic cabin monoplane and is much in demand.[6]
Variants
- 14-13
- Initial model introduced in 1946[1]
- 14-13-2
- Improved model introduced in 1947. Featured a longer span stabilizer with smaller endplates and an external baggage door.[1]
- 14-13-3
- Improved model introduced in 1948, which remained in production until 1956[1]
- 14-13W
- "Wagon" version with plywood-lined cabin and removable rear seats
- 14-19
- 190 hp (142 kW) version introduced in 1949[2]
- 14-19-2
- 230 hp (172 kW) version introduced in 1957[2]
- 14-19-3
- 260 hp (194 kW) tricycle gear version introduced in 1959 by Downer Aircraft[1]
- 260C Model 14-19-3C
- Version built in the late 1960s by Inter-Air with revised empennage and 260 hp (194 kW) Continental IO-470-F engine
Specifications (14-13-2)
General characteristics
- Crew: one pilot
- Capacity: 3 passengers
- Length: 21 ft 4 in (6.5 m)
- Wingspan: 34 ft 2 in (10.42 m)
- Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
- Gross weight: 2,150 lb (975 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Franklin 6A4-335-B3, 150 hp (112 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 165 mph (266 km/h)
- Range: 600 miles (970 km)
- Service ceiling: 16,000 ft (4,900 m)
See also
- Related development
References
- Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g h 1978 Aircraft Directory 1977, p. 20.
- ^ a b c d "Specification 1A3." Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft.
- ^ a b Bellanca Champion Club Literature.
- ^ 1957 Bellanca 14-19-2 Owners Manual.
- ^ a b Palmer 2001, p. 51.
- ^ "Bellanca 14-13 Cruisair history." Pilotfriend.com, 2009. Retrieved: May 17, 2009.
- Bibliography
- Davisson, Budd. "We Fly the Cardboard Constellation" Air Progress Vintage Buyer's Guide, 1989.
- Mondey, David. The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World's Aircraft. Secaucus, NJ: Chartwell Books Inc, 1978. ISBN 0-89009-771-2.
- Palmer, Trisha, ed. "Bellanca Viking Series". Encyclopedia of the World's Commercial and Private Aircraft. New York: Crescent Books, 2001. ISBN 0-517-362856.
- "Plane and Pilot." 1978 Aircraft Directory. Santa Monica, CA: Werner & Werner Corp, 1977. ISBN 0-918312-00-0.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 1989, p. 150.
- World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing, File 890, Sheet 24.
External links
Bellanca Aircraft CH-200 • CH-300 • Aircruiser • 28-70 • 28-90 • 14-7 Junior • 17-20 • X-855e • 14-13 Cruisair • 14-19 Cruisemaster • Champion • Citabria • 17-30 Viking • 77 Bomber • Decathlon • Scout • T-250 Aries • Skyrocket
Companies People Giuseppe Mario Bellanca · August BellancaLists relating to aviation General Aircraft (manufacturers) · Aircraft engines (manufacturers) · Airlines (defunct) · Airports · Civil authorities · Museums · Registration prefixes · Rotorcraft (manufacturers) · TimelineMilitary Accidents/incidents Records Categories:- United States civil utility aircraft 1940–1949
- Bellanca aircraft
- Single-engine aircraft
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