Breguet Br.17

Development and Initial Production

The experimental prototype of the two-seater Breguet Br.17 fighter made its maiden flight in the summer of 1918. Plans were set to produce at least 1,000 serial aircraft in 1919; however, following the end of the war, fewer than 100 units were built in the early 1920s. This aircraft represented a scaled-down version of the Br.14, offering a more compact design and an improved thrust-to-weight ratio.

Design and Prototype Specifications

Like the Br.14, the Br.17 was a two-bay biplane featuring wings of different spans. It was powered by a 420 hp Renault 12K engine, which contributed to its significantly superior flight characteristics compared to its predecessor. Ailerons were exclusively installed on the upper wing and incorporated horn balance for enhanced control. The experimental aircraft was also tested as a night fighter, though further development in this specific role did not proceed.

Serial Production and Armament

Production aircraft were equipped with slightly more powerful Renault 12KI engines and featured a modified vertical empennage. The rudder, for instance, had rounded contours and horn compensation. The Br.17 boasted impressive armament for its era, including twin synchronized Vickers machine guns mounted atop the engine cowling. Additionally, it carried twin Lewis machine guns on a ring mount in the observer’s cockpit, plus a single Lewis machine gun positioned to fire into the lower rear sector through a grate in the fuselage floor. Despite its capabilities, no military unit was ever fully equipped with Br.17 aircraft.

Technical Specifications

Modification	Br.17
Wingspan, m	14.28
Length, m	8.10
Height, m	3.42
Wing area, m2	43.30
Normal takeoff weight, kg	1840
Engine type	1 Piston engine Renault 12KI
Power, hp	1 x 450
Maximum speed, km/h	218
Cruising speed, km/h	187
Maximum rate of climb, m/min	350
Service ceiling, m	7500
Crew, crew members	1
Armament:	two synchronized 7.7-mm Vickers machine guns, located on top of the engine cowling; two twin 7.7-mm Lewis machine guns, mounted on a ring mount in the observer’s cockpit; and one 7.7-mm Lewis machine gun for firing at the lower rear sector through a grate in the fuselage floor.

Image and diagram gallery of the Breguet Br.17

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