RWD-14 Czapla

The RWD‑14 Czapla was a Polish army observation and liaison aircraft built by the RWD design bureau in the late 1930s. Developed from the earlier RWD‑8 trainer, the Czapla first flew on 27 October 1935 and entered service with the Polish Air Force in 1936. Its high‑wing monoplane layout, fixed tailwheel undercarriage and mixed wood‑metal construction gave it excellent short‑field performance and ruggedness, essential for reconnaissance missions from improvised forward airstrips. Powered by a 240 hp Argus As 10C air‑cooled inline engine, the Czapla could reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h, climb to 1 000 m in under six minutes and stay aloft for about four hours, carrying a pilot, observer and a modest radio set. The aircraft’s generous cockpit glazing provided unobstructed visibility for artillery spotting and battlefield scouting. Although only about 150 examples were produced before the outbreak of World War II, the Czapla saw extensive action during the 1939 defensive campaign, where its ability to operate from forests and fields proved valuable. The type epitomized Polish ingenuity in creating a low‑cost, versatile platform that influenced later liaison aircraft designs across Europe worldwide.

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