Design and Purpose
Specifically for the 1922 Grand-Prix des Avions de Transport competition, the Caudron company developed the Caudron C.74 transport aircraft. It was a twelve-seater, two-bay biplane of wooden construction with fabric covering. This aircraft was meticulously designed to participate in the prestigious transport aircraft competition of its time.
Technical Specifications
The powerplant consisted of four eight-cylinder V-shaped Hispano-Suiza 8Fb engines, each producing 300 hp, installed in pairs in a “push-pull” configuration. Two pilots were accommodated in open cockpits, while ten passengers occupied an enclosed cabin. This setup allowed it to carry a significant number of people for the era.
Tragic End of the Project
The sole Caudron C.74 built (registration number F-ESAB) participated in the competition in early November and received a good evaluation. However, on November 14, during a flight from Le Bourget, it crashed, taking the lives of all three crew members. Following this catastrophe, the project was entirely shut down, and no further units were built.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | C.74 |
| Wingspan, m | 25.00 |
| Aircraft length, m | 16.60 |
| Aircraft height, m | 4.64 |
| Wing area, m2 | 130.00 |
| Empty weight | 3850 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 6000 |
| Engine type | 4 Piston engine Hispano-Suiza 8Fb |
| Power, hp | 4 x 300 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 205 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Payload | up to 10 passengers |
Image gallery of the Caudron C.74
