Bloch MB.480

Bloch MB.480 Floatplane

Bloch MB.480 Floatplane

Designed as a twin-engined torpedo-bomber/reconnaissance floatplane for the French Navy, the Bloch MB.480 first flew in June 1939. Although testing was successfully completed, the Navy had decided to use landplanes for its intended role. The navy placed an order for 68 of the much faster Lioré et Olivier LeO 451 although none of these were delivered before the armistice.

Of the two prototypes built, one was destroyed in a collission with a pier on Étang de Thau on 23 June 1940. The second was placed into storage in Jul9 1940 and later scrapped.