RWD-14 Czapla
LWS · Poland · first flew 1936 · fighter
The RWD-14 Czapla was a Polish army co-operation and observation aircraft of the late 1930s, a high-wing monoplane designed to replace the older Lublin R-XIII in the artillery spotting and reconnaissance role.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- Polish army co-operation and observation monoplane of the late 1930s
- High-wing parasol layout for good downward visibility
- Named 'Czapla' (Heron); served during the September 1939 campaign
A braced high-wing monoplane with a glazed observer's cabin, fixed undercarriage with large wheel spats, and a radial engine — typical of army co-operation types of the 1930s.
Specifications
- The RWD-14 Czapla has a length of 9 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.9 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 247 km/h (153 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1936 and entering service in 1938, the Czapla equipped several Polish liaison and observation squadrons. It saw active service during the German invasion of Poland in September 1939, where its slow speed made it vulnerable to fighter interception.
Variants
The Czapla was produced in a single main production variant; earlier development versions differed in detail.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Polish Air Force during the September 1939 campaign; surviving aircraft escaped to Romania following the Polish defeat.
Related aircraft
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