The SAB AB-80 was a French bomber built in 1934 by the Société Aérienne Bordelaise (SAB) in Bordeaux.[1]

AB-80
SAB AB-80
Role Bomber
National origin France
Manufacturer Société Aérienne Bordelaise (SAB)
First flight 23 June 1934
Number built 1

Design edit

The SAB AB-80 was a high-wing monoplane bomber development that was intended to eventually also carry troops. It was built wholly of metal and was powered by two 640 kW (860 hp) Hispano-Suiza 12Ybrs engines.[1]

The aircraft had roofed fighting platforms and the sides were protected by armour plate and bulletproof glass. The gunner's cockpit in the nose had many windows, giving full visibility. It had a non-retractable tailwheel undercarriage.[2]

Development edit

The first flight of the AB-80 took place on 23 June 1934. Only one unit was built.

Specifications edit

Data from Aviafrance[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: four
  • Length: 18.52 m (60 ft 9 in)
  • Wingspan: 24 m (78 ft 9 in)
  • Height: 6.10 m (20 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 81.75 m2 (879.9 sq ft) including the central body area of 88 m2 (947 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 7
  • Empty weight: 4,300 kg (9,480 lb)
  • Gross weight: 8,100 kg (17,857 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Hispano-Suiza 12Ybrs V-12 water-cooled piston engine, 640 kW (860 hp) each
  • Propellers: 3-bladed

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 330 km/h (210 mph, 180 kn)
  • Range: 1,100 km (680 mi, 590 nmi) with a 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) bombload
  • Service ceiling: 8,000 m (26,000 ft)[all figures estimated]

Armament

  • Bombs: maximum load 2,500 kg (5,500 lb)

See also edit

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Bruno.parmentier. "Avions SAB - Aviation française". Aviafrance.com. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  2. ^ "Huge French Bomber Also Transports Troops". Popular Mechanics. June 1935. Retrieved 10 May 2013.

External links edit