Bloch MB.152 C1

Bloch / SNCASE · France · first flew 1938 · fighter

The Bloch MB.152 C1 was a French single-seat radial-engine fighter that formed a significant part of the Armée de l'Air's frontline strength during the Battle of France in 1940. Despite a troubled development, it proved to be a respectable, rugged machine.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Stubby French radial-engine fighter of 1939-1940
• Short rotund fuselage with large Gnome-Rhône 14N radial cowling
• Short tapered wings with wide-track retractable undercarriage

Identified by its very short, round radial-engined fuselage, short tapered wings, wide-track undercarriage retracting outward, and the characteristic French fighter cockpit canopy of the period.

Specifications

• The Bloch MB.152 C1 has a length of 9.1 m (30 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 10.5 m (34 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 509 km/h (316 mph).
• Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Development of the MB.152 was delayed by persistent engine and armament problems, so that only a handful were truly combat-ready in September 1939. By May 1940 enough had been delivered to equip several fighter groups, and the type claimed numerous aerial victories before the French armistice. After 1940, some aircraft flew with Vichy forces and others with the Free French.

Variants

The MB.151 was a slightly smaller predecessor; the MB.155 was a refined follow-on with an uprated engine that arrived too late to see significant action.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Armée de l'Air during the Battle of France (1940) and subsequently with Vichy French units in North Africa.

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