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Hello everyone
Today I’m introducing a new French aircraft, the Sipa S.111A
In 1944, the SIPA aircraft factory was requisitioned by Germany to begin production of the Arado Ar 396, itself derived from the German Arado Ar 96 training aircraft. However, following the Normandy landings and the rapid collapse of German forces in France, these aircraft were never delivered to Germany. After the war, the unfinished aircraft were taken over by the French manufacturer. SIPA redesignated them SIPA S.10 and offered them to the rebuilding French Air Force as training aircraft, at a time when France urgently needed new equipment to modernize its aviation units.
The aircraft made its first flight at the end of 1945. Early tests showed that it had good flight characteristics and a solid structure, combining both wood and metal in its construction. This hybrid design made the aircraft relatively robust and suitable for intensive training use. Only minor changes were initially required, the most notable being the replacement of the propeller, which improved overall performance. Over time, the aircraft received several upgrades. These included the installation of new onboard equipment, a modified canopy, and eventually a different engine. These improved versions were designated S.11, which introduced a sliding canopy, and later S.111, which incorporated additional electronic equipment.
Although originally designed as a training aircraft, the situation in Algeria soon changed its role. At the beginning of the Algerian War, French forces lacked sufficient ground-attack and close support aircraft. As a result, part of the fleet was adapted for combat operations. In 1956, the, CEV (Centre d’Essais en Vol) modified several aircraft so they could carry weapons and operational equipment, allowing them to support troops on the ground. These modified aircraft received the designation S.111A, with the “A” standing for Armed.
The S.111A operated during the Algerian War, flying alongside aircraft such as the T-6 Texan. In this role it provided fire support and light attack capabilities, and overall the aircraft delivered satisfactory results in service. However, as the conflict progressed, more modern aircraft specifically designed for counter-insurgency and ground-attack missions began to replace it. These newer platforms were better suited to the operational demands of the war, and the S.111A gradually returned to secondary roles.
Characteristics
Length : 11.00m
Width : 9.32m
Heignt : 2.45m
Mass :
* Empty : 1679.00kg
* Max : 2070.km
The aircraft is powered by a 580 hp Renault 12.S.00 engine, produced during World War II, allowing it to reach a top speed of 340 km/h and an altitude of 8,500 m. Its estimated range is 700 km.
The crew consists of two people: a pilot and a navigator/radio operator in the rear seat.
Weapons
The Sipa S.111A has four hardpoints and a machine gun under each wing.
The machine guns used are 7.5mm MAC 34/39s, each with 600 rounds of ammunition.
The hardpoints allow for the carriage of various types of armament (all armaments are available on all hardpoints), including:
- Matra T-10 rocket
- Matra T-14 rocket
- 50kg Alkan bomb
- 10km Alkan anti-personnel bomb
Pictures
In-game, this aircraft would be a particularly interesting addition, bringing a completely unique small light combat aircraft to the French tree, thus complementing the French tree which has only a few aircraft of this type.
