Breda Ba.65

Breda · Italy · first flew 1935 · fighter

The Breda Ba.65 was an Italian single-engine ground-attack and fighter monoplane of the mid-1930s, used in both single-seat fighter and two-seat ground-attack configurations. It was exported to several countries and saw combat in multiple conflicts before and during the Second World War.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	9.3 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Italian interwar single-engine attack monoplane
Fixed spatted undercarriage
Optional rear gunner position

Low-wing monoplane with fixed spatted undercarriage, a round-cowled air-cooled engine and a relatively deep fuselage; the optional rear gunner position with a ring mount distinguishes attack versions.

Specifications

The Breda Ba.65 has a length of 9.3 m (31 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12.1 m (40 ft).
Its maximum speed is 430 km/h (267 mph).
Typical crew: 1-2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1935, the Ba.65 participated in Italy's colonial campaigns in East Africa and was exported to Iraq, Portugal, Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay, among others. It also served with the Aviazione Legionaria during the Spanish Civil War. By the time of Italy's entry into World War II the type was obsolescent, but it continued to serve in second-line roles in North Africa and East Africa.

Variants

Single- and two-seat configurations were produced; various engine fits (Fiat A.59, Bristol Mercury, Gnome-Rhône 9K) were used by different customers.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Regia Aeronautica, and with the air forces of Iraq, Portugal, Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay; largely retired or destroyed by 1942.

Related aircraft

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