The Ba 75 was an experimental prototype produced in 1939 for both the reconnaissance and ground attack roles. Bearing a family resemblance to the Ba 65, the Ba 75 was a shoulder-wing monoplane with a stalky, fixed and liberally strutted undercarriage, powered by the 900-hp (670kW) Isotta-Fraschini K.14 radial.
The bottom and lower sides of the fuselage were glazed to allow observation of the ground.
One prototype was built, intended to use structural components of the Ba.65. The only Ba.75 was built and test flown in 1939.
Engine: 900-h.p. Isotta-Fraschini K.14 Wing span: 15.60m Length: 11.20 m Height: 3.00 m Wing area: 36.15 m² Empty Weight: 2600 kg Takeoff Weight: 4600 kg Maximum speed: 375 km/h Cruising speed: 300 km/h Range: 1700 km Ceiling: 7000 m Crew: 2-3
By the time the Ba.64 had entered service, work had already begun on a more powerful evolution of the system which delivered the prototype for the much improved Ba.65 fighter-bomber. The prototype first flew in September of 1935, went into series production that same year and were essentially copies of the prototype version. The Italian Isotta-Fraschini license-produced the French Gnome-Rhone K-14 engine of 700 horsepower and the early Ba.65 production forms all were fitted with the type.
Design of the Breda Ba.65 was the engine in a forward compartment along the airframe with an identifiable oversized cowling. The cockpit was situated directly behind the engine and fitted well forward of the aircraft’s center. Wings were of a low-set monoplane design and their bulk fitted ahead of amidships, each wing sporting well-rounded tips. The fuselage was stout in appearance and tapered off gently to become the empennage. The tail was topped with a single, rounded edge vertical tail fin and a pair of high-set horizontal planes, these also well-rounded at their tips. The undercarriage consisted of two main landing gear legs and a tail wheel. Each leg was affixed with a single wheel and the main legs recessed rearwards though only partly under each wing, the wheels half-exposed during flight. The tail wheel unit remained lowered at all times, even during flight.
Armament for the Ba.65 was all contained in the wings and was primarily a mix of machine gun systems. These consisted of 2 x 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT heavy machine guns joined by a pairing of 7.7mm Breda-SAFAT general purpose machine guns. For its intended ground attack role, the Ba.65 could be fitted with up to 1,102lbs of conventional drop ordnance. Categorized a ground attack aircraft, the Ba.65 was the only such Italian aircraft to serve in this role during World War 2.
A second series of 137 aircraft was built by Breda (80) and Caproni-Vizzola (57), before production ended in July 1939. They differed from the first production batch by having Fiat A.80 RC.41 18-cylinder, twin row, air-cooled engine was introduced from the 82nd production airframe onwards, driving a three-bladed propeller. The Fiat engine improved output to a relatively impressive 1,000 horsepower. Six Fiat-powered Ba.65s and four more of the Gnome-Rhone-powered version were sent to the Aviazione Legionaria in Spain in 1938. Experience in Spain indicated that the Ba.65 was suited only to the attack role, and the type served with most of the eight squadriglie attached to the two Regia Aeronautica assault stormi (wings), the 5° and 50°.
Production of the Ba.65 would last until 1939 to which all were officially retired from 1941 onwards, the aircraft now being wholly outclassed by newer and better breeds of aircraft and limited the Ba.65 to the ground attack role when possible.
A large number of the Ba.65s serving with Italian units were of two-seat configuration, with an observer/gunner in an open cockpit above the trailing edge of the wing. A smaller number of the type had a Breda L type turret, but in either case the observer/ gunner operated a single 7.7mm machine-gun. While offensive armament could theoretically comprise up to 1000kg of bombs, the load usually carried was up to 300kg in the fuselage bomb bay or, alternatively, up to 200kg on underwing racks.
Following Italy’s entry into World War II in June 1940, Ba.65s were involved in the fighting in North Africa against the British. They had a low serviceability rate in desert conditions and the last serviceable aircraft was lost during the British offensive in Cyrenaica in February 1941.
Of 218 Ba.65 aircraft completed and delivered for use, exports included 25 Fiat-powered Ba.65 two-seaters to Iraq in 1938, two of them dual-control trainers and the remainder with Breda L turrets; 20 Ba.65s with Piaggio P.XI C. 40 engines to Chile later in the same year, 17 of them single- seaters and three dual-control trainers; and 10 Fiat-powered two-seater Ba.65 bis with Breda L turrets to Portugal in November 1939 (Fiat A.80 RC.41). A single Fiat-powered production aircraft was tested with an American Pratt & Whitney R-1830 engine in June 1937 in anticipation of an order from the Chinese Nationalist government, but this failed to materialize. The Iraqi Ba.65s saw limited action against the British during the 1941 insurrection in that country.
Ten were exported to the Soviet Union in 1939. Aviazione Legionairia Ba.65s were a mix of K.14- and A.80-powered types. Spain: 1939, 11 surviving Ba.65s* (of 23) transferred to Ejercito del Aire. But at least some (eg #551) were ‘doppio comando’ dual-control trainers.
The Ba.65 designation was used to signify the definitive single-seat production version while Ba.65bis marked both a two-seat bomber variant and its similar two-seat trainer derivative.
Ba.65 K.14 Engine: Isotta-Fraschini K.14, 900 hp Armament: 2 x 7.7mm + 2 x 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT Seat: 1
Ba.65 A.80 Engine: 1 x Fiat A.80RC.41 radial, 1,000 horsepower. Wingspan: 39.70ft (12.10m) Length: 30.51ft (9.3m) Height: 10.50ft (3.20m) Maximum Speed: 267mph (430kmh; 232kts) Maximum Range: 342miles (550km) Service Ceiling: 20,669ft (6,300m; 3.9miles) Armament: 2 x 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT heavy machine guns in wings. 2 x 7.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns in wings. Up to 661lbs of internal ordnance in bomb bay and 441lbs of external ordnance held underwing. Accommodation: 1 Hardpoints: 2 Empty Weight: 5,291lbs (2,400kg) Maximum Take-Off Weight: 6,504lbs (2,950kg) RAI Ba.65 A.80s were re-engined with 14-cyl. Isotta-Fraschini K.14s
Ba.65 bis 2-seat version with open gun position, increased fuel capacity
Ba.65 bis L 2-seat version equipped with enclosed Breda L dorsal turret
Ba.65 Dive-bomber conversions of 40 Ba.65bis by Caproni Vizzola
The 1934 Breda Ba.64 ground attack aircraft saw only a few years of service beginning in 1937 before being replaced in 1939 by the improved Ba.65.
1st prototype MM 249 700 hp AR Pegasus 4-blade prop 2-seat fixed u/c
2nd prototype MM 250 700 hp Pegasus single-seat semi-retractable u/c
1° serie 1936 combine MM 249’s open gun position & MM 250’s u/c 42 built
Engine: 1 x Alfa Romeo 125 RC.35 radial, 650 hp Wingspan: 39.70ft (12.10m) Length: 31.89ft (9.72m) Height: 10.30ft (3.14m) Empty Weight: 4,475lbs (2,030kg) Maximum Take-Off Weight: 6,689lbs (3,034kg) Maximum Speed: 217mph (350kmh; 189kts) Maximum Range: 559miles (900km) Service Ceiling: 22,966ft (7,000m; 4.3miles) Armament: 4 x wing-mounted 7.7 mm Breda SAFAT mgs
Ba.64 dc: Doppio Comando pilot trainer conversion incl. 2nd prototype, MM.250 Armament: 2 x 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT heavy machine guns 3 x 7.7mm Breda-SAFAT general purpose machine guns. Up to 1,200lbs of munitions. Accommodation: 2 Hardpoints: 2
The sole 1934 Ba.46 three engined low-wing monoplane bomber/transport I-SEBM was designed to carry 12 troops or a 2200 lb bombload. It was created based on the transport aircraft Breda Ba.32.
With fixed spatted main undercarriage, the Ba.46 was first flown with 3 x 320 hp P&W Wasp Junior air-cooled radials and NACA cowls in 1932.
It was modified to 3 x 500 hp IF Asso 500 liquid-cooled V-12s, and some sources say 3 x 650 hp AR Pegasus (possibly a third re-engining)
The aircraft successfully underwent testing; however, its flight characteristics were not militarily satisfactory and it was soon dismantled.
Engines: 3x Isotta-Fraschini Asso 500, 500 hp Span: 28.80 m Length: 10.60 m Wing area: 108.20 sq.m Empty weight: 5600 kg Normal takeoff weight: 8200 kg Maximum speed: 272 km/h Cruising speed: 226 km/h Service range: 840 km Service ceiling: 6000 m Crew: 5 Armament: 3x 7.7 mm machine guns
Developed from the Ba.39, the Ba.42 was powered by a 180 hp Fiat A.70 S radial, and slots replaced slats. It used the Breda-Mazzini “wing-valve”. A slot in front of the ailerons and flaps which, operating in conjunction with the trailing edge flaps, is closed by a movable section of the wing which lowers to act as an airflow deflector.
Built for the 1934 Challenge de Tourisme International, registrations: I-GOGA, I-OMBO
Ba.42 Engine: 180 hp Fiat A.70 S Wingspan: 33 ft 1 in Wing area: 170 sq.ft Length: 25 ft 7 in Empty weight: 1232 lb Loaded weight: 2002 lb Max speed: 163 mph Cruise: 138 mph Seats: 2
The 1932 Breda Ba.39 was a 2-seat low-wing braced-monoplane tourer, 10.40m span. An enlarged version of the Ba.33, powered by a 130hp Colombo S63 inline, 60 were built.
The Ba.39 Metr: Metropolitano, was a military version intended for home use. 20 were built.
The Ba.39 Col: Coloniale, military version was intended for use abroad. 20 were built.
Three Ba.39 S 3-seat version were built in 1934 (MM55848 / I-LUDA, I-LUDO, I-VICE).
I-SEBM c/n: 3232001 Ministero Aeronautica /Centocelle 17 June 1932
A 1931 trimotor low-wing monoplane light airliner
The Breda Ba.32 was an Italian three-engine medium civil/transport aircraft, which had room for 8/10 passengers or freight. The maiden flight was in 1931. Only one aircraft was built known to have gone in June 1932 to the Ministero Aeronautica and it was powered by 3 x 320 hp P&W Wasp Junior and demolished in March 1940.
Other sources record I-ADDB as registered on 3-12-34 to SAI, Torino, and it had gone to Militar Aviation August 1935, it should have Fiat engines.
Designed by Cesare Pallavicino, the unsatisfactory characteristics of the Breda 27 low-wing braced monoplane fighter prototypes led, in late 1933, to the complete redesign of the fighter by engineers Parano and Panzeri, and the construction of a further prototype. The first prototype, MM.216, powered by a 530 hp Alfa Romeo Mercury VI, originally was fitted with a 2-blade prop, later replaced by 3-blade metal prop.
The fuselage was of welded steel tube with corrugated light alloy skinning and the wing was of wood. Proposed armament comprised two 12.7mm synchronised machine guns.
Two prototypes were built, flight testing commencing early 1933, and the second prototype, MM.217, flying from Milan to Rome-Montecelio on 10 July of that year in 90 min at an average speed of 334km/h. The second prototype differed from the first in several respects, additional bracing struts being introduced between the wing and fuselage, and struts added to increase the rigidity of the tailplane. The tailplane enlarged compared with MM.216.
The characteristics were generally unsatisfactory, the poor view from the cockpit being the subject of particular criticism, and, Ing Pallavicino having meanwhile left Breda, a total redesign of the fighter was undertaken by engineers Parano and Panzeri as the Breda 27 Metallico, in late 1933, and the construction of a further prototype.
Breda 27 Metallico
Unlike preceding Breda 27s, the new prototype (I-BAWA / MM.218) was entirely of metal construction, the wing being of steel and duralumin with duralumin skinning, and the corrugated skinning of the fuselage gave place to a smooth duralumin covering. Criticism of forward view for take-off and landing was answered by moving the cockpit bodily forward and raising it by deepening the fuselage. The 540hp Alfa Romeo-built Mercury IVA engine was retained, but the two-bladed wooden propeller gave place to a three-bladed metal propeller. The new prototype was flown in June 1934, and in September of that year it was ferried from Milan to Oslo (for demonstration to the Norwegian air arm) at an average speed of 283km/h, being exhibited at the Salon de l’Aeronautique in Paris in November.
The fifth example was purchased by Italy’s Ministero dell’Aeronautica.
Similar to the redesigned third prototype, the series version was designated Breda 27 Metallico (signifying that it was of all-metal construction) and 18 were ordered by China. In the event only 11 were delivered (in 1936), these being assigned to the 29th Pursuit Sqn at Canton. An armament of two 12.7mm machine guns was carried.
The prototype was obtained by the Regia Aeronautica, serving with the 86a Squadriglia, 5° Stormo Assalto, until December 1937.
Breda Ba.27 Take-off weight: 1903 kg / 4195 lb Wingspan: 10.68 m / 35 ft 0 in Length: 7.75 m / 25 ft 5 in Height: 3.40 m / 11 ft 2 in Wing area: 19.60 sq.m / 210.97 sq ft Max. speed: 385 km/h / 239 mph
The Italian Air Ministry put forward a programme for the encouragement of Civil Aviation, with the result that the ” light ‘plane “, or medium-powered touring aeroplane, as it is classed in Italy, received a large share of attention from aircraft designers. Several were produced by various firms in Italy, among them the Breda Co., with the Breda 15.
The Breda 15 is a high wing monoplane, equipped with an 85 h.p. Walter air-cooled radial engine, although other power plants of similar horse-power can be installed. It is a two-seater tandem machine with an enclosed roomy cabin, formed by extending the top of the fuselage from the tail up to the level of the wings, the roof, front and sides, in the vicinity of the seats being composed of windows. The seats are designed that parachutes can be carried without discomfort. Access to the cabin, which is 2 ft 3 in. wide, and 4 ft. high, is by way of two doors in the side of the fuselage. Empty weight is 926 lb.
Construction is a combination of wood and steel tubing, emboding several features of previous Breda practice, incorporating many interchangeable parts. The wing has a factor of safety of 7. The incidence of the ailerons may be varied independent of and without interfering with their normal duties of lateral control.
The Breda patent dual control is fitted, in which the pilot, who normally occupies the rear seat, can disconnect the front controls during flight.
The cabin instruments include air speed indicator, revolution counter, compasses, altimeter, petrol and oil gauges, fire extinguishers, etc. Complete equipment for night flying is also fitted, including the regular four navigation lights, landing head light and cabin lighting, all supplied by a dynamo with ” buffer ” battery.
Gloster modified one Breda 15 with a variable-camber wing.
Variants:
Ba.15 1928 2-seat tandem high-wing monoplane light cabin a/c, 10.80 span Engines: Cirrus III, DH Gipsy, Colombo S.63, Walter Mars, IF Asso
Ba.15 idro Desig. for 1928 Ba.15 versione idro mounted on twin floats
Ba.15N 1937, I-APOL, I-AAAR
Ba.15S New elliptical wing; Walter 85, Venus, Colombo 118, 115 hp IF 8T
