IAR 14

The IAR 14 was a single‑engine, low‑wing trainer and sport aircraft built by the Romanian firm Industria Aeronautică Română (IAR) in the early 1930s. Designed by engineer Ștefan Protopopescu as a follow‑up to the earlier IAR 12, the prototype first flew in June 1933 from the Bucharest military aerodrome. Its construction combined a wooden frame with fabric covering for the wings and a steel tube fuselage, a common practice in Europe at the time. Powered by a 120 hp IAR 14 radial engine derived from the Wright Whirlwind, the aircraft achieved a maximum speed of 210 km/h, a service ceiling of 6 500 m, and a range of 720 km, making it suitable for both pilot training and light touring. The cockpit was fully enclosed, providing improved comfort and visibility compared with open‑cabin predecessors. Although only a small batch—five airframes—was produced, the IAR 14 demonstrated IAR’s growing design capability and served as a stepping stone toward more advanced types such as the IAR 15 and IAR 17. Its modest success helped solidify Romania’s independent aeronautical industry during the interwar period, laying groundwork for later military aircraft development.

Industria Aeronautică Română

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification