BIC-14
The BIC-14 was a five-seater passenger “flying wing.” Its appearance in late 1934 was preceded by wind tunnel tests of the BIC-10 model, the first variant of a twin-engine parabolic aircraft. Subsequently, the project was slightly modified, and the aircraft received the designation BIC-14. It was built at the Central Design Bureau (TsKB) at the Menzhinsky Factory.
Initial Flights and Testing
The initial flights by Yu. I. Piontkovsky took place in late 1934. In 1936, the aircraft was transferred to the Air Force Research Institute (NII VVS) for testing. Test pilots P. M. Stefanovsky, M. A. Nyukhtikov, and I. F. Petrov conducted flights.
The aircraft exhibited insufficient stability and controllability. On the BIC-14, the flaperons and elevators had an almost symmetrical profile, proving less effective and requiring large control inputs for landing. Additionally, the rudder was outside the slipstream generated by the two engine propellers. The presence of two radial engines positioned in front of the wing’s leading edge also appeared detrimental. Testing continued until 1937.
Challenges and Unsuccessful Outcome
Test pilots disparagingly nicknamed the aircraft “half-pancake” and suggested it was an unsuccessful joke by aviation designers. Trials continued until 1937. Ultimately, the BIC-14’s tests concluded unsuccessfully. The aircraft suffered from inadequate stability and controllability, coupled with poor flight characteristics.
Design and Construction
Construction was primarily wood with fabric covering, except for the five-seater cockpit on the parabolic wing, which was made of duralumin and smoothly transitioned into the vertical empennage. Due to its large wingspan (16.2 m) and area (60 m²), connectors were incorporated into the wing; the center section span was 33 m. The wing featured four spars and 60 formed ribs. The engines were equipped with Townend rings.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | BICH-14 |
| Wingspan, m | 16.20 |
| Aircraft length, m | 6.00 |
| Wing area, m2 | 60.00 |
| Empty weight | 1285 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1900 |
| Engine type | 2 Piston engine M-11 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 100 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 220 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 190 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | up to 4 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the BIC-14
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