Although largely overshadowed by the Z.506 and SM.79, the Fiat RS.14 was a highly effective torpedo bomber and reconnaissance floatplane which sadly was built in too few numbers to effectively make a difference in the conflict. It began life as a land-based ground attack bomber with a retractable undercarriage and a single 45-mm gun but was eventually developed as a floatplane with the ability to carry torpedoes, bombs, and depth charges for both coastal recon and bombing missions. Primarily based in the Miditerranean and Aegean Seas, the RS.14 was even used for naval support and defensive fighter missions as Italy's position in the war became ever more precarious. By the end of the war, many RS.14s had been converted to the air-sea rescue role and went on to equip Allied and Axis forces after the surrender as well as post-war service until the late 1940s.

The AS.14 was initially developed in 1938 as a land-based bomber and was converted into the RS.14A prototypes by replacing its undercarriage with twin floats and carrying a different armament configuration. Initial production versions were designated RS.14B with a modified nose while the RS.14C was a conversion of earlier units for air-sea rescue and recon duties and lacked the ventral weapons tray of the RC.14B.