VEF I-14

The VEF I-14 was a Latvian Air Force trainer aircraft prototype, built by VEF.

I-14
Role trainer
National origin Latvia
Manufacturer VEF
First flight 19 November 1937
Introduction 1937
Status Prototype destroyed
Number built one

Design and development

Kārlis Irbītis began work on the I-14 in 1936 in response to an order placed by the Latvian Air Force for a new trainer aircraft. Taking inspiration from Miles aircraft, the I-14 was a low-wing monoplane with fixed, conventional landing gear. The single pilot sat in an enclosed cockpit. It was powered by a 200 hp Menasco B6S Buccaneer.[1][2]

Operational history

The I-14 made its maiden flight on 19 November 1937. On 23 April 1938, the aircraft was destroyed in a crash, its pilot, Bandenieks, was unhurt.[1] Development of the I-14 was abandoned in favor of the more advanced VEF I-15.[2]

Specifications (I-14)

Data from [1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 7.3 m (23 ft 11 in)
  • Wingspan: 8 m (26 ft 3 in)
  • Height: 2 m (6 ft 7 in)
  • Empty weight: 410 kg (904 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 665 kg (1,466 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Menasco B6S Buccaneer air-cooled inline engine, 150 kW (200 hp)

References
  1. "VEF Irbitis I-14". latvianaviation.com. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
  2. "VEF Irbitis I-14 Учебно-тренировочный истребитель". aviArmor (in Russian). 2 September 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
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