Lioré et Olivier LeO 45
Lioré et Olivier · France · first flew 1937 · bomber
The Lioré et Olivier LeO 45 was one of France's most capable medium bombers of the early war period, featuring an advanced streamlined design that made it faster than most contemporary fighters when it first flew in 1937.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Streamlined cigar-shaped fuselage with glazed nose |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- French twin-engine medium bomber of WWII with distinctive twin-rudder tail
- Streamlined cigar-shaped fuselage with glazed nose
- One of France's best bombers in 1940, hampered by engine shortages
Distinguished by its streamlined fuselage with twin tail fins and rudders, a prominent glazed nose, and Gnome-Rhône radial engines in circular cowlings.
Specifications
- The Lioré et Olivier LeO 45 has a length of 14.25 m (47 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 22.6 m (74 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 495 km/h (308 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The LeO 45 emerged from a 1934 French Air Ministry requirement for a modern bomber. Although technically excellent, production was hampered by engine supply problems with the Gnome-Rhône 14N and the aircraft was still entering service in large numbers when France fell in June 1940.
Variants
LeO 451 was the main production version; the LeO 455 introduced more powerful Hispano-Suiza engines; over 450 were built by the armistice.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Armée de l'Air in 1939–40 and later by Vichy French forces; some served with Free French and allied air forces post-1942.
Related aircraft
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