- Yes
- No
Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today, I am presenting a new prototype of a French interwar light bomber: the Breguet Br.410.
During the 1920s, the French Air Force General Staff launched a new aircraft development program known as “Multiplace de combat” (Multi-seat Combat Aircraft). The goal was to create a versatile aircraft capable of performing a wide range of missions, including patrol, bombing, bomber escort, and potentially even fighter operations. Several French manufacturers responded to the program, resulting in a series of highly distinctive and unconventional aircraft.
Breguet, drawing on its long experience in military aviation, decided to participate in the program. The resulting design was the Br.410, a twin-engine monoplane that made its maiden flight in 1931.
The sole prototype subsequently underwent a series of flight and armament tests intended to evaluate its overall performance and suitability for the various missions envisioned by the program. These trials revealed that the aircraft was somewhat underpowered, limiting its overall performance.
In an attempt to address this issue, Breguet developed a second prototype, designated Br.411. Rather than simply installing more powerful engines, the new aircraft received engines offering a similar power output but with a lower weight, allowing the designers to improve the aircraft’s performance without requiring a complete redesign.
Although the Br.410 itself was never adopted for operational service, the experience gained from the prototype and its successors contributed to the continued development of the design. After several further prototypes, the work eventually led to the Breguet Br.414, which was produced in limited numbers.
Unfortunately, little information is available regarding the final fate of the Br.410 prototype. It is highly likely that the sole aircraft was eventually dismantled, either because it was no longer required or potentially to provide spare parts for other experimental aircraft.
Characteristics
Length : 11.30 m
Width : 20.20 m
Height : 5.09 m
Mass :
- Empty : 3,375 kg
- Full : 7,200 kg
The aircraft is powered by a pair of Hispano-Suiza 12Nb engines, each producing 650 hp, allowing it to reach a top speed of 240 km/h and a service ceiling of 7,700 m. Its range is estimated at 650 km.
The crew consists of four personnel: a pilot, an observer/bombardier, a front gunner, and a rear gunner.
Weapons
The aircraft’s armament is particularly noteworthy for its size, featuring a strong defensive setup alongside a light bomb load.
Defensive armament:
- 1 x twin 7.7mm Lewis machine gun (front turret)
- 1 x twin 7.7mm Lewis machine gun (rear turret)
Offensive armament:
- 1,300 kg of bombs
In-game, this uniquely shaped aircraft would be an interesting addition to the French tech tree, offering engaging gameplay with a well-defended airframe capable of ground-attack missions.
