- Yes
- No
Bloch M.B.152-01 Prototype
Background
History
The M.B.152C1 originated from the 1934 C1 program, and the competing planes included the Loire 250, Dewoitine 513, Nieuport 161, Morane 405, and Bloch 150. However, from 1935 to 1938, the Bloch 150 prototype went through multiple modifications but still performed poorly. In March 1938, the Air Force realized it lacked fighters and started to quickly push the development and production of the Bloch 150 project. Despite numerous development challenges, production was completed at the cost of several reorganizations.
The initial Bloch M.B.150 proved very unsuitable for mass production. Improvements included reducing the wing area, updating the design, cutting armament to four 7.5mm machine guns, moving the radiator under the left wing, and introducing the new engine, which led to the creation of the Bloch M.B.151. Its first flight was on August 18, 1938, highlighting the main issue of the plane: engine cooling. Although the MB151 was still produced, its replacement, the MB152, was born as a result.
The Prototype M.B.152-01 was modified from a M.B.151 taken from the assembly line. It had the more powerful Gnome et Rhône 14 N 21 compared with Gnome et Rhône 14 N 35 of M.B.151 (and 14 N 25 of early M.B.152C1). The maiden flight took place on 15th December, 1938. After intensive test flights, it was brought to the series standard and resumed service under serial number 433.
Following the Armistice, the Vichy Air Force briefly used M.B.152. By April 1941, the German Armistice Commission had agreed with a proposal to standardize the Vichy Air Force onto the Dewoitine D.520, resulting in all other single-engine fighters being phased out. The Germans seized around 173 fighters, 83 of which being reportedly serviceable, which were impressed into service with the Luftwaffe.
Technical data
Specifications
- Wingspan: 10.542m
- Length: 9.104m
- Height: 3.96m
- Wing Area: 17.32m²
- Empty Weight: 2103 kg
- Weight in Charge: 2693 kg
- Maximum speed: 520 km/h at 5000m
- Fuel tank: 425 L
- Powerplant: Gnome et Rhône 14 N 21
Armament
- 2x 7.5mm MAC 34 machine guns in the wings, 500 rounds per gun
- 2x 20mm cannons Hispano Suiza HS-404 in the wings, 60 rounds per gun
Images
Sources
Profile Publications Number 201
NOTICE TECHNIQUE DES MOTEURS D’AVIATION GNOME-RHONE Types 14 N EN ADDITIF PARTICULARITÉS DES MOTEURS A COMPRESSION 6,8