Breguet 941

Breguet Aviation · France · first flew 1961 · transport aircraft

The Breguet 941 was a French four-turboprop STOL military transport demonstrating exceptional short-field performance through a cross-shafted propulsion system and full-span blown flaps. It represented a bold exploration of STOL technology in the 1960s.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, straight
E — Engines4 × turboprop, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage22 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

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Four very large-diameter slow-turning propellers on a high straight wing, combined with an extensively slotted flap system and a box-like rear-loading fuselage, are the hallmarks of this unusual French STOL transport.

Specifications

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

History

First flown in 1961, the Br.941 developed from the earlier Br.940 demonstrator. The cross-shafting ensured all four propellers maintained power even if one or two engines failed, central to its STOL safety case. Four development aircraft were built; McDonnell evaluated the type for US military interest as the McDonnell 188.

Variants

The Br.941S was an uprated production-standard prototype with more powerful Turbomeca Turmo turboprops. The McDonnell 188 was an Americanised derivative proposal that did not enter production.

Where you'll see it

Never entered full production service; the four aircraft flew extensively as demonstrators for the French Air Force and US military evaluation. The programme highlighted STOL potential but was ultimately shelved in favour of conventional transports.

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