Who are expert here can tell me more informations about Giuseppe-Belanca 77 that is a twin engine of variant of C-27 aircruiser. For example, when and why Colombia Nay bought some Model 77, how many they bought and how many M.77 has built. I knew that 14 C-27s has been biult, are those include Modell 77? :confused: :confused:
By: Consul - 27th February 2006 at 19:22
Hi Franc
“Bellanca’s Golden Age” recently published by Alan and Drina Abel has the following about the Bellanca 77-140 Bomber:
” In 1934-35 Bellanca also built the Bellanca 77-140 Bomber. While the US Army rejected the bomber, several were exported and saw service in Columbia, South America. Intended primarily as a patrol bomber, it carried a crew of four – pilot, navigator / bombardier and two gunners. The bomber was built as a landplane and a seaplane. Two 715-hp Wright Cyclone engines which provided a maximum speed of 165mph, powered the bomber. The initial rate of climb was 950 fpm and the range at maximum overload was 1,500 miles.”
The book has a picture of a floatplane version of the bomber. It is high winged with the aerofoil section 3/4 span strut arrangement of the Aircruiser origins are very evident. It has an open-topped nose turret. It has a single fin but with finlets, presumably to give increased directional control in view of the floats fitted.
Sorry I can’t scan in the picture , the book is of the perfect bound type. If you want to get a copy it is ISBN1-891118-46-3 and is published by Wind Canyon Books Inc. They have a website: www.windcanyonbooks.com.
Hope this helps.
By: franc - 27th February 2006 at 17:06
Well, thanks Jan:
In terms of I known totally 14 Bellanca C-27s has been built include seaplane type with single engine, but the Colombia’s is twin engine. So I want to know are those be refitted or are news? Why , when , and how many twin engine Model 77 has been built and how many to be transfer to Colombia?
By: Jan - 27th February 2006 at 15:22
According to www.worldairforces.com, Colombia received four Bellanca 77-140s in 1934, with the last being withdrawn in 1942. Apparently, one model 77-320 was received as well, a photo of which can be found here: http://www.aerofiles.com/bella77-320.jpg
More on the Bellanca Aircruiser can be found here: http://www.bellanca-championclub.com/menander/index.html
I would suggest that you also post a message on the Latin American Aviation Historical Society’s web site, www.laahs.com They might be able to provide much more information on these aircraft.
Regards,
Jan
Sign In
February 27, 2006 at 2:54 pm