French Military Aircraft Of World War 2

The outbreak of World War 2 in 1939 marked a significant turning point in the history of military aviation. As the war unfolded, various countries, including France, invested heavily in the development and deployment of military aircraft. Despite being invaded by Germany in 1940, France continued to produce and operate a range of aircraft throughout the war. In this article, we will explore the various French military aircraft of World War 2, their characteristics, and their contributions to the war effort.

Early French Military Aviation

In the early 20th century, France was a pioneer in military aviation. The country had established its air force, the Aéronautique Militaire, in 1909, and by the outbreak of World War 1, it had become a significant player in military aviation. However, by the mid-1930s, the French air force was in decline, with many of its aircraft becoming outdated. The outbreak of World War 2 served as a catalyst for the modernization of the French air force.

Fighter Aircraft

France produced a range of fighter aircraft during World War 2, including:

• Dewoitine D.520: The Dewoitine D.520 was a French fighter aircraft that entered service in 1940. Although it was not as well-known as some other French aircraft, it was a formidable opponent, with a top speed of over 320 mph.
• Morane-Saulnier M.S.406: The Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 was a French fighter aircraft that entered service in 1939. Although it was not as fast as some other aircraft, it was highly maneuverable and played a significant role in the early years of the war.
• Potez 630: The Potez 630 was a French fighter aircraft that entered service in 1937. Although it was not as well-known as some other French aircraft, it was a reliable and versatile aircraft that played a significant role in the early years of the war.

Bomber Aircraft

France also produced a range of bomber aircraft during World War 2, including:

• Lioré et Olivier LeO 451: The Lioré et Olivier LeO 451 was a French bomber aircraft that entered service in 1937. It was a twin-engine aircraft with a top speed of over 250 mph and played a significant role in the early years of the war.
• Amiot 143: The Amiot 143 was a French bomber aircraft that entered service in 1935. Although it was not as well-known as some other French aircraft, it was a reliable and versatile aircraft that played a significant role in the early years of the war.

Reconnaissance Aircraft

France also produced a range of reconnaissance aircraft during World War 2, including:

• Potez 637: The Potez 637 was a French reconnaissance aircraft that entered service in 1938. It was a twin-engine aircraft with a top speed of over 200 mph and played a significant role in the early years of the war.
• Breguet 691: The Breguet 691 was a French reconnaissance aircraft that entered service in 1938. Although it was not as well-known as some other French aircraft, it was a reliable and versatile aircraft that played a significant role in the early years of the war.

The French Air Force in Exile

Following the invasion of France by Germany in 1940, many French airmen fled to the United Kingdom, where they formed the Free French Air Forces. The Free French Air Forces played a significant role in the war effort, operating a range of aircraft, including:

• Supermarine Spitfire: The Supermarine Spitfire was a British fighter aircraft that was operated by the Free French Air Forces. It was a highly successful aircraft that played a significant role in the war.
• North American Mustang: The North American Mustang was an American fighter aircraft that was operated by the Free French Air Forces. It was a highly successful aircraft that played a significant role in the war.

Gallery of French Military Aircraft of World War 2

French Military Aircraft of World War 2 Image Gallery

Conclusion

The French military aircraft of World War 2 played a significant role in the war effort, despite the country's invasion by Germany in 1940. The French air force produced a range of aircraft, including fighter, bomber, and reconnaissance aircraft, and many French airmen continued to fight alongside the Allies following the invasion. Today, the legacy of French military aviation continues to be celebrated, and the aircraft of World War 2 remain an important part of history.

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