Heller 1/72 Caudron 714

The Caudron Renault C.710 series was one of the emerging types out of a French 1936 specification, calling for a light fighter of wooden construction that could be built rapidly in large numbers without upsetting the production of existing types, thus quickly raising the number of much needed "modern" aircraft in French service.

The original C.710 model was an angular design, itself developed from an earlier series of air racers. In order to house the relatively long 450 hp Renault 12R-01 supercharged air-cooled inverted V-12 engine, the plane featured an extremely long nose that set the cockpit far aft on the fuselage.

The landing gear was fixed and spatted and the vertical stabilizer was a WWII era semicircle design. Armament consisted of two 20 mm Hispano-Suiza HS.9 cannons, each housed in a small pod under each wing .

Despite the conservative design, the minuscule prototype initially showed a promising potential, being able to reach a level speed of 292 mph during flight testing.

Further development continued with the C.711 and C.712 with more powerful engines, while the C.713, which flew by the end of 1937, introduced retractable landing gear and a more conventional triangular vertical stabilizer.

The definitive C.714 Cyclone, in essence an improved C.713, first flew in April 1938, introducing a new wing airfoil profile and a strengthened fuselage, also featuring four machine guns instead of two cannons in the wing gondolas. Its latest 12R-03 version of the Renault engine was fitted with a new carburettor that allowed it to operate in negative g.

The French Air Force immediately ordered 20 examples with a further 180 follow-along order, but, even as early as January 1940, where the first production units were delivered, it became apparent that, though light in response and with acceptable top speed, the plane seriously lacked in climb rate and maneuverability.

In desperate need for power, but with its wooden construction not permitting a more powerful engine to be fitted, the type had no other option but to be hastily withdrawn from active service next month!

Due to the disappointing performance, production order was reduced to 90, with plans to divert 80 of them to Finland to fight in the Winter War, flown by French pilots.

The events in France, however, resulted in only six aircraft being delivered in Finland. Those machines were assembled and tested by Finnish pilots, where they were found severely limited and were not committed to combat whatsoever. By the end of June, where France fell, the total number of delivered units had been somewhere between 53 and 98.

Projected versions included the C.720 trainer, the C.760 fighter with a 750 hp Isotta-Fraschini Delta engine, and the C.770 fighter with a 800 hp Renault V-engine, none of which materialized. Luckily, one full C.714 airframe as well as one additional fuselage were preserved in Finland. The fuselage was offered back to the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace where it is currently (as of 2022) undergoing restoration.

On 18 May 1940, 35 Caudrons were delivered to the I/145 "Groupe de Chasse Polonais", stationed at the Mions airfield. After just 23 sorties, the expected adverse opinion of the fighter was confirmed by the Polish front line pilots who expressed concerns not only regarding its lack of power, but also its general inability to match contemporary German fighters.

Next week's order of French Minister of War Guy La Chambre for all C.714s to be immediately withdrawn from active service came as no surprise.

However the petite Caudron's little star was about to flicker: having no other aircraft available, the brave and potent Polish pilots ignored the withdrawal order and continued to operate the plane! Despite flying a lesser fighter, they managed to score 12 confirmed and 3 unconfirmed victories in three battles between 8 and 11 June, with four Do 17s, five Bf 110s and even three Bf 109s included among the aircraft shot down! Losses included 9 in the air and 9 more on the ground. The type was also used by the Polish training squadron based in Bron near Lyon, with the pilots managing to disperse several bombing raids. They did not score any kills, but did not lose any aircraft either.

The C.714 was a classic example of an aircraft with a promising initial design that ultimately failed to perform its specified role. At least, it was granted a chance to show some credible potential at the hands of the brave and skillful Polish pilots.

This kit cannot be more “Heller”...

...an oldie, depicting a French “esoteric” subject, correct overall shape, sparse or soft or nonexistent details (the key areas included), well molded with not too much flash, low parts count, adequate decals and sufficient instructions that promise an uncomplex build. It was completely hand painted, to remember the good old days.

Should you wish to read the full build review of this petite model, you may do so by visiting my beloved site Modelingmadness:
https://modelingmadness.com/review/allies/fr/pen714.htm

The model now resides in Bordeaux, France, in the house of a much loved ex-colleague and friend.

Happy Modelling!