Loire 210

In 1933, the Marine Nationale formulated and issued a requirement for a modern float-equipped fighter that could be launched from the rotatable catapults of such cruisers as the Foch and the Richelieu. Contenders were built by Loire, Bernard (H.52), Potez (452) and Romano (R-90). The Loire 210, first flown on 21 March 1935, was of all-metal construction with metal skinning apart from the outboard sections of the wings which were fabric covered. It employed a fuselage essentially similar to that of the Loire 46. Powered by a 720hp Hispano- Suiza 9Vbs nine-cylinder radial, the Loire 210 began official trials in June 1936. A production order, which called for 20 aircraft, was not placed until 19 March 1937, the first series aircraft flying on 18 November 1938. The production model carried an armament of four wing-mounted 7.5mm Darne machine guns, two escadrilles forming with this fighter in August 1939. However, after several accidents resulting from wing structural failures, the remaining aircraft were withdrawn from service and their units disbanded.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1232 x 1012)