Potez 25
Potez · France · first flew 1924 · transport aircraft
The Potez 25 was a highly successful French two-seat biplane of the 1920s used for reconnaissance, light bombing, and mail-carrying, produced in large numbers and exported widely. Its adaptable design allowed it to accept many different engines.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.02 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine biplane of the 1920s
- Two-seat open cockpit reconnaissance layout
- Wide variety of engine options across operators
Conventional single-engine biplane with slightly unequal wings and open tandem cockpits; distinguished by the relatively clean fuselage and the wide choice of engines that give each operator's aircraft a slightly different nose profile.
Specifications
- The Potez 25 has a length of 9.02 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.02 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 215 km/h (134 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1924, the Potez 25 was ordered in huge quantities by France and sold to over 20 countries, making it one of the most prolific biplanes of the interwar period. It gained fame through the pioneering Aéropostale mail routes across the South Atlantic, with pilots such as Jean Mermoz and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry flying it over the Andes and across the ocean on experimental flights. The type served in numerous small wars and colonial campaigns through the early 1930s.
Variants
Numerous engine variants existed, designated by the engine fitted; the Potez 25 TOE (Théâtres d'Opérations Extérieures) was a tropicalized version for colonial service.
Where you'll see it
Served with France and over 20 other air arms including those of Brazil, Argentina, Portugal and Yugoslavia; used on both European and colonial routes.
Related aircraft
- Potez 23
- Potez 25 TOE
- Potez 15
- Potez 31
- Aero A.24
- Canadian Vickers Vedette
- GAZ-5 AK-1
- Naval Aircraft Factory PN-7
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