Bloch MB.170
Bloch · France · first flew 1939 · bomber
The Bloch MB.170 was a French twin-engine reconnaissance-bomber prototype of the late 1930s, representing an advanced all-metal design that formed the basis for the operational MB.174 and MB.175 variants. Its high speed for the period made it one of the most capable French aircraft of its era.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.23 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- French twin-engine reconnaissance bomber of late 1930s
- Led to the MB.174 reconnaissance aircraft family
- All-metal stressed-skin construction
A sleek mid-wing twin-engine monoplane with a glazed nose section, twin Gnome-Rhône radial engines, and a streamlined fuselage giving it a distinctly modern 1939-era appearance.
Specifications
- The Bloch MB.170 has a length of 12.23 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.92 m (59 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 530 km/h (329 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1939, the MB.170 was developed rapidly as France sought to modernise its air arm. The design was refined into the MB.174, which served as a high-speed reconnaissance aircraft with the Armée de l'Air and later Free French forces.
Variants
The MB.170 prototype led to the MB.174 (reconnaissance), MB.175 (bomber), and MB.176 (torpedo bomber) production variants.
Where you'll see it
The prototype itself did not serve operationally; the derived MB.174 saw active service during the Battle of France and continued with Free French units.
Related aircraft
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