The Breguet company designed the Br.941, a four-engine short take-off and landing (STOL) transport aircraft that could be used for both civil and military purposes. This aircraft utilized the propeller slipstream deflection method to generate additional lift. Its four engines were installed in nacelles far ahead of the wing’s leading edge, so that the slipstream from their propellers continuously bathed the entire wing and the deployed double-slotted flaps along its span.
Since the entire trailing edge of the wing was occupied by flaps, leaving no space for ailerons, interceptors (four on the upper surface of each wing panel) were used for lateral control of the aircraft. The French Ministry of Aviation ordered a prototype on February 22, 1960. This aircraft featured a cantilever high-wing design with an upward-sloping rear fuselage, which included a loading and unloading ramp.
The Prototype and Series Production
The retractable tricycle landing gear had a nose strut with twin wheels and tandem wheels on the main struts, which retracted into fairings located on each side of the fuselage. The powerplant consisted of four Turbomeca Turmo IIID turboprop engines, each with a power output of 1200 hp. The prototype made its first flight on June 1, 1961.
Breguet received a contract for the supply of four Br.941S series transport aircraft. The production aircraft differed from the prototype with more powerful Turbomeca Turmo engines, an elongated nose for installing a large radar antenna fairing, and a modified rear cargo hatch. Operated by a crew of two, these aircraft could transport up to 57 passengers, 40 military personnel, or up to 24 stretchers.
Capabilities and Operational Service
The first series Br.941S aircraft flew on April 19, 1967. All four units entered service with the French Air Force, but no more aircraft were built. It was hoped that, with the help of McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, orders might emerge in the USA, but they never materialized.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Br.941S |
| Wingspan, m | 23.40 |
| Length, m | 23.75 |
| Height, m | 9.65 |
| Wing area, m2 | 83.80 |
| Empty weight | 13460 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 26500 |
| Engine type | 4 Turboprop Turbomeca Turmo IIID3 |
| Power, hp | 4 x 1500 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 450 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 400 |
| Range, km | 1000 |
| Service ceiling, m | 9500 |
| Crew, crew members | 2 |
| Payload: | 57 passengers or 40 soldiers or 24 stretchers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Breguet Br.941
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