Breda, Ba 65 K-14, 101-2, 101-10, 102-4, 102-9 and unknown
700 hp Gnôme-Rhône K-14
Aeroplane Photo Supply No. 33
Same photo from another source
Translation of photo back
A multi-purpose aircraft
The Breda Ba.65, which flew for the first time in September 1935, was an aircraft intended for varied tasks. It had to be able to be used for both interception and light bombing missions and to carry out reconnaissance or ground support actions. Low-wing cantilever monoplane, equipped with rearward-folding landing gear and constructed entirely of metal, the Ba.65 appeared within the Regia Aeronautica in 1936.
Combat-proof
Used in 1937 by the units of the Italian expeditionary force participating in the Spanish War, they proved incapable of carrying out the various missions assigned to them. Confined to assault bombing actions, the Ba.65 was produced until 1939 in 318 examples. Many of the aircraft used by the Italian military aviation were transformed into two-seater versions. An observer machine gunner station was installed on this version, more in line with the capabilities of the aircraft. It was located in the open air or under the turret vertically to the trailing edge of the wings. During the Second World War, the Breda Ba.65s were mainly engaged against the British in North Africa. The last aircraft still in flying condition were destroyed during the English offensive in Cyrenaica in February 1941.
Main versions
Breda Ba.65, single-seater version initially equipped with a 700 hp Gnome-Rhône K14 engine then with a Fiat A.80 engine; Breda Ba.65 bis, two-seater version equipped with a Gnome-Rhône engine built under license.
Main user countries
Italy, Iraq, Chile, Portugal.
CHARACTERISTICS
Breda Ba. 65/A. 80.
Type: single-seat ground attack aircraft.
Engine: 1 Fiat A. 80 RC.41 radial 1,000 hp.
Performance: maximum speed, 430 km/h; practical ceiling, 6,300 m; traversable distance, 550 km.
Weight: maximum takeoff, 2,950 kg.
Dimensions: wingspan, 12.10 m; length, 9.30 m; height, 3.10 m.
Armament: 2 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns in canopy; 300 kg of bombs in the hold or 200 kg under the wings.
This photograph issued by the propaganda services of fascist Italy shows us a Breda Ba. 65 of the first generation.
