Developed from the structurally similar Ba. 64 (42 built, single or two seater), like many other multi-role airplanes of those years the Ba.65 was a failure, in all the three duties (interceptor, assault and reconnaissance) it had been projected for. As a fighter the main problems came from an extremely low climb rate (18’ to reach 4.000 m. = 13,100 feet) and the long time the engine needed in the preheating phase, that prevented the airplane to be used for scrambles. In fact, tested in Spain, it was able to intercept and shoot down a single Tupolev SB-2. During that war he performed enough well in attack role, especially in dive bombing; but without air superiority (the situation he found in North Africa) it had poor chances of success. Its only strongpoint was the 4 x 12,7 mm. (0.50”) machine guns: that proved effective against armoured vehicles in low level assaults, in a confront with the results obtained by the obsolete fighters (C.R. 42 and G. 50 for the best part) converted to emergency fighter-bombers.
Jorge Mondion C., e-mail, 26.09.2015 03:36
DFo you have not a total view of the underside of this plane? because the drawing shown it is not clear. Thanks a lot
Barry, 11.01.2013 18:53
Specification for Breda 65 / A80 single seat version Powerplant: 1 x 1000h.p. (746kw) Fiat A80 RC41 18 cylinder radial engine Span 39ft 81/2in (12.10 m) Length30ft 61/4in (9.30m) Height 10ft 6in Weights Empty equipped 5,291lb (2400kg) maximum take off weight 6,504lb (2950kg)