Origins and Development
In 1930, engineers at Societe des Avions Bernard began developing the Bernard 70, a light fighter that was designed but never built. However, most of its structural solutions formed the basis for the Bernard 72 racing monoplane, built with a wooden load-bearing skin for the 1930 Michelin Cup competition. The Bernard 72 was withdrawn due to lubrication issues with its Gnome-Rhone Titan radial engine.
Later, a more powerful Titan-Major engine was installed, leading to the Bernard 73 modification. The basic design of the Bernard 70 family was retained for the single-seat light fighter, Bernard 74.
The Bernard 74 Prototypes
The first of two prototypes, Bernard 74.01, took to the air in February 1931, powered by a single Gnome-Rhone 7Kbs radial engine. The second prototype, Bernard 74.02, made its first flight in October of the same year, equipped with a 360 hp Gnome-Rhone 7Kd radial engine. This machine achieved a maximum speed of 350 km/h at an altitude of 4000 m and had a normal take-off weight of 1240 kg.
Later Developments and Fate
Had this fighter gone into series production, the Bernard 74.02 prototype would have been chosen as the production model; however, no orders were ever received. The Bernard 74.01 was re-equipped with a 500 hp Gnome-Rhone 9Kbrs Mistral radial engine, re-designated Bernard 75, and presented at the Paris Exhibition in 1932. It finished its career as an acrobatic training aircraft for a private company.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Bernard 74 |
| Wingspan, m | 9. 20 |
| Length, m | 6. 72 |
| Height, m | 2.50 |
| Wing area, m2 | 13. 45 |
| Empty weight | 825 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 1 106 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Gnome & Rhone 7Kbs |
| Power, hp | 1 x 280 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 310 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 280 |
| Service ceiling, m | 8000 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Armament | only planned |
Image and diagram gallery of the Bernard 74
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