Breda Ba.79S

Template:Infobox aircraft The Breda Ba.79S was an Italian-designed, single-engine, high-wing private aircraft from the late 1930s, accommodating four occupants. Production numbers were limited.

Design and development

Distinct from most Società Italiana Ernesto Breda creations of the late 1930s, which primarily served military purposes, the Breda 79S was crafted for civilian use. This model featured a single-engine high-wing monoplane layout with a well-appointed cabin designed to seat four individuals comfortably. The wings attached to the upper fuselage longeron and were supported by streamlined V-shaped struts connecting to the lower longeron, following conventional design principles. The wing structure included nearly straight leading edges with tapered trailing edges and rounded wingtips. The aircraft incorporated interconnected trailing edge flaps and leading edge slots to enhance control. Its tailplane was positioned midway along the fuselage height and braced against a rounded vertical fin that housed a broad, unbalanced rudder. These tail components were constructed with wooden frames covered in fabric.

Propulsion was provided by a 200 hp (149 kW) Alfa-Romeo 115 six-cylinder inverted inline engine, enclosed within a neat cowling that gave the Breda 79S its characteristic elongated nose profile. This engine powered a two-bladed propeller. The fuselage consisted of a welded steel framework covered in fabric, shaped to present an oval cross section. Located behind the engine and beneath the wings, the cabin featured two rows of seats accommodating four passengers in total. Extensive glazing included an operable roof window, while the cabin was insulated for both temperature and sound, equipped with adjustable ventilation systems. The seats were designed deep enough to permit occupants to wear parachute backpacks. For emergencies, the pilot could simultaneously open both large side doors and the roof hatch using a single lever. The cockpit was fitted with instruments suitable for night operations, complemented by onboard lighting.

The landing gear was divided and featured widely splayed legs attached at the base of the wing bracing struts. The wheels were semi-spatted—streamlined but exposing the outer sides for visibility.

The initial Breda 79, chassis number 78001, received registration I-ABFU on April 20, 1936, alongside a second unit registered as I-ABFT with chassis number 78002; however, their exact first flight dates remain unclear. Although documentation is incomplete, it appears that three units were flown and utilized by the Ministero Aeronautica.