| Pitts Model 14  The late Curtis Pitts spent over sixty years of his life designing aerobatic biplanes, and his Model 14 continues this grand legacy. Starting with a clean sheet, the design is 100% Curtis, and it incorporates innovative new architecture that he had been working on for some time. (Model 14 History)
The wingspan is very short at 21.5 feet, yet the wing area is greater than a Skybolt. The short wingspan will allow high roll rates without massive three-hinge ailerons. With the addition of extended ailerons, the roll rate will be spectacular.
The wing architecture is elegant. Unlike the Skybolt and earlier Pitts designs, the brace wire loads are kept in a single plane between the interplane struts. Elegant in-line simplicity of structure, low weight, ease of construction, and great strength are the advantages.
Two airfoils will be offered - NACA 23012 and a fully symmetrical SS type. The prototype is being built using the semi-symmetrical 23012 airfoil which was used by Leo Loudenslager in the design of the Laser. The rate of climb, fuel efficiency and approach speeds are all superior to a fully symmetrical wing section, and Curtis felt that any performance penalty in outside maneuvers will be negligible.
AIRSHOW AIRCRAFT COMPARISON:
Pitts Samson vs Pitts Model 14
| | | Samson | Model 14 | | Power (hp) | 450 | 400 | | Empty Weight (lb) | 1900 | 1500 | | Gross Weight (lb) | 2617 | 2250 | | Airshow Weight (lb) | 2307 | 1871 | | Max Aerobatic Weight (lb) | No Record | 2000 | | Wing Area (sq ft) | 185 | 157 | | Aspect Ratio | 5.76 | 5.73 | | Wing Loading - Gross wt. (lb/sq ft) | 14.14 | 14.33 | | Wing Loading - Airshow wt. (lb/sq ft) | 12.47 | 11.91 | | Power Loading - Gross wt. (lb/hp) | 5.86 | 5.63 | | Power Loading - Airshow wt. (lb/hp) | 5.12 | 4.68 | | Data courtesy Curtis Pitts | | Provisions have been made in the design to allow choices in some performance and esthetic features. The airplane will be an ideal platform for the serious airshow performer, offering two choices of airfoils and a straight or swept upper wing. A large smoke-oil pillow tank is hidden in the belly pan and features outboard filling. The tail feathers are completely removable in the field, and the shape may be altered to suit the builder. We plan to offer several profiles including a classic Samson style.
Plans Availability
The Model 14 prototype is currently under construction. We will begin offering plans and components after the prototype flies. Pitts 14 Info-Packs are now available in our Online Store.
Parts Availability
Flatwork parts, fuse and tail feather jigs and pre-formed tubing kits will be available after the prototype flies. Both tacked and finish-welded fuselages will be available, as will a wide variety of wing kits and most other components. | 
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