UNDERSTANDING THE BREGUET 14 SERIES IN U.S. SERVICE

There were three Breguet 14 types in use by the U. S. Air Service excluding trainers.  The Breguet 14.A2 is a two-seat reconnaissance and observation version without bomb carrying gear.  This type was used in the French Aeronautique Militare for artillery spotting, photographic reconnaissance, and general observation duties.  The A2 version came into USAS use because the availability of the B2 bombing version was dedicated to French bombing escadrilles.  The USAS A2 version was modified to carry bombs and used by the 96th Aero Squadron.

The B2 as used by the USAS initially came from stocks of used Breguets and used to train the 96th Aero Squadron in early 1918.  This version was powered by the 285 hp Renault 12 Fev 12-cylinder engine.  Most of these were used up during the June-July period when the squadron conducted its introductory combat operations.  Finally, in late July 1918, the squadron began to receive upgraded A2 and B2 aircraft with Renault 300 hp Fev engines but operations were always limited to about 10 or so aircraft, no where near their combat allowance of 18, and later 24, aircraft.  

Known serial numbers listed below for the A2 and B2 issued to the U. S. Air Service are taken from American Military Aircraft by Robert D. Casari.  All serial numbers shown represent aircraft with the 300 hp Renault Fev engine.

Breguet 14.A2 (135):

4726 - 4732

4734 - 4743

4787 - 4800

4802 - 4809

4870 - 4899

4921 - 4956

8041 - 8068

8072 - 8074