Burnelli UB-14

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnelli_UB-14

The Burnelli UB-14, also known as the Cunliffe-Owen Clyde Clipper, was a 1930s
American prototype lifting-fuselage airliner designed and built by Vincent
Burnelli.

Following on from his earlier designs Vincent Burnelli designed a commercial
transport version using the lifting-fuselage concept. Burnelli's designs were
based on the idea that an airfoil-section fuselage would contribute to the lift
generated. The Burnelli UB-14 first flew in 1934, the airfoil-section fuselage
was the centre-section of the wing. The aircraft had twin tailbooms and a
widespan tailplane and elevator fitted with twin fins and rudders. The UB-14 had
retractable landing gear and was powered by two Pratt & Whitney radial engines.
An enclosed cockpit for the crew of two was located on the centre wing's upper
surface. The cabin held 14 to 18 passengers.


Role
Civil transport

Manufacturer
Burnelli

Designer
Vincent Burnelli

First flight
1934

Number built
3

Developed into
Burnelli CBY-3

The first prototype, UB-14, was destroyed in a 1935 accident attributed to
faulty maintenance on the ailer
on control system. Burnelli then designed and built an improved version, the
UB-14B. A modified version of the UB-14B design was built under licence in the
United Kingdom by Cunliffe-Owen Aircraft, powered by two Bristol Perseus XIVC
radials as the Cunliffe-Owen OA-1. A contemporary photo shows the mockup of the
original UB-14B, to be built by Scottish Aviation before bankruptcy. This design
was to have had streamline inline engines. The OA-1 used radial engines.

In September 1936, Burnelli applied to the CAA for approval to fly a
transatlantic flight with Clyde Edward Pangborn as the selected pilot.

The Cunliffe-Owen failed its airworthiness certification due to excessive
takeoff run and poor workmanship. It was performance tested at the A&AEE
Boscombe Down in 1939.

After appropriate work, in June 1941 Jim Mollison and an Air Transport Auxiliary
crew delivered Cunliffe-Owen OA-1 G-AFMB to Fort Lamy, Chad. The aircraft was
fitted out as a personal transport for General De Gaulle. It was later abandoned
at RAF Kabrit in Egypt, and burned during VJ-Day celebrations. The other one
aircraft landed in Vichy France en route to Fort Lamy.

Variants

UB-14 Prototype, powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. Built by Burnelli Company.
Destroyed 13 January 1935, without injury to those aboard.

UB-14B Second prototype with modifications. Built by Burnelli Company.

UB-14B Third prototype, modified from second unit. Built by Cunliffe Owen
Aircraft in United Kingdom


Specifications (UB-14B)

General characteristics
Crew: two
Capacity: 14-18 passengers
Length: 44 ft 0 in (13.41 m)
Wingspan: 71 ft 0 in (21.64 m)
Height: 10 ft 0 in (3.05 m)
Wing area: 686 ft2 (63.73 m2)
Empty weight: 9,200 lb (4173 kg)
Gross weight: 17,500 lb (7938 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Hornet radial piston engines, 750 hp (560 kW)
each

Performance
Maximum speed: 210 mph (383 km/h)
Cruise speed: 205 mph (330 km/h)
Range: 1240 miles (1996 km)
Service ceiling: 22,000 ft (6705 m)

Airfoils:
Fuselage: NACA 4323
Exterior wing, root: NACA 2412
Exterior wing, tip: NACA 2409




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