Fiat RS.14

Fiat · Italy · first flew 1939 · fighter

The Fiat RS.14 was an Italian twin-engine maritime patrol and reconnaissance floatplane that entered service in 1940, capable of carrying anti-submarine bombs and armed with defensive guns. Some 186 were built, making it one of Italy's most produced floatplanes of World War II.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Twin-engine Italian maritime patrol floatplane on large twin floats
• Two Fiat A.74 radials in wing nacelles
• 186 built; used for anti-submarine patrol and maritime reconnaissance

A low-wing twin-engine monoplane on twin large floats, with two Fiat radials in wing nacelles. The large floats, clean monoplane wing, and twin-fin tail distinguish it from biplane floatplane contemporaries of the period.

Specifications

• The Fiat RS.14 has a length of 14.1 m (46 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 19.54 m (64 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 390 km/h (242 mph).
• Typical crew: 5.

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

History

Designed in the late 1930s to replace older floatplane types in Regia Aeronautica service, the RS.14 first flew in 1939 and entered production for maritime patrol duties over the Mediterranean. It served throughout the Italian participation in World War II and continued in limited use after the 1943 armistice with Allied forces. The type proved reliable and effective for its intended role.

Variants

No significant production variants; all aircraft were built to essentially the same standard.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Regia Aeronautica and subsequently with co-belligerent Italian forces from 1940 to 1945, primarily in the Mediterranean maritime patrol role.

Related aircraft

• Fiat AS.1
• Fiat G.91R/1
• Arsenal VG-33
• Avia B-135
• Beriev MBR-7
• Bisnovat SK-1

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.