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Bloch-SNCASO MB 700-first flown in April 1940, the sole
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Bloch-SNCASO MB 700-first flown in April 1940, the sole
Bloch-SNCASO MB 700-first flown in April 1940, the sole MB 700 had only flown 10 hours when it was destroyed by German forces
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Media ID 14221480
© Hugh W. Cowin Aviation Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Bloch Destroyed Fighters Flown Forces Hours Secondflight Sncaso Sole
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the sleek lines and innovative design of the Bloch-SNCASO MB 700, the first example of this advanced French fighter aircraft to take to the skies. The MB 700, manufactured by the Société Nationale de Constructions Aérospatiales du Sud-Ouest (SNCASO) in collaboration with the Bloch Aviation company, was a groundbreaking development in the world of aviation during the early years of World War II. First flown on April 15, 1940, the MB 700 was a monoplane fighter featuring a retractable landing gear and a powerful Hispano-Suiza HS 12Y engine. With a top speed of over 300 mph, it outperformed many contemporary fighters and held great promise for the French Air Force. Tragically, the MB 700's brief tenure in the skies was cut short. After only 10 hours of flight time, this sole example of the type was destroyed by German forces during the early stages of the Battle of France. Despite its potential, the MB 700 never entered mass production, leaving aviation history with just a handful of photographs and test flight data to remember this intriguing aircraft. This image, taken during the MB 700's second flight on April 17, 1940, serves as a poignant reminder of the innovation and determination that marked the early days of military aviation during World War II. The MB 700's story is a testament to the risks and rewards of pushing the boundaries of technology and design, even in the face of adversity.
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