Caudron C.714
Caudron · France · first flew 1937 · fighter
The Caudron C.714 Cyclone was a lightweight French fighter developed in the late 1930s as a low-cost interceptor, notable for its structural simplicity and use of an air-cooled Renault engine. Polish volunteer pilots flew it in combat during the Battle of France in 1940.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.63 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Ultra-lightweight French fighter of 1940
- Renault inline engine, very clean low-drag airframe
- Flown by Polish pilots in the Battle of France
A very clean, slim low-wing monoplane with a narrow in-line engine giving a pointed nose, retractable undercarriage, and a rather delicate airframe appearance contrasting with more robust contemporaries such as the D.520.
Specifications
- The Caudron C.714 has a length of 8.63 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 460 km/h (286 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The C.714 entered service in 1940 with the Groupe de chasse polonais (Polish fighter group) after France sought to exploit its racing aircraft heritage in a combat design. Although fast in level flight, it suffered from poor climb rate and mechanical reliability, limiting its effectiveness. Most were destroyed during the French defeat, though Polish pilots achieved a number of aerial victories.
Variants
The C.714 was the primary production variant; a C.714C.1 designation applied to the service aircraft; earlier C.710 and C.713 prototypes were related developmental aircraft.
Where you'll see it
Operated solely by Polish volunteer units within the Armée de l'air during the Battle of France in May–June 1940.
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- Bell YFM-1 Airacuda
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