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Bloch MB.174 French Reconnaissance Bomber

Bloch MB.174 French Reconnaissance Bomber

The Bloch MB.170 was a prototype bomber and reconnaissance aircraft designed for the French Air Force. The first of two prototypes first flew on 15 February 1938 and was designed to fill the role of either a two-seat attack bomber or a three-seat reconnaissance aircraft. The second prototype, was a three seat bomber, with the ventral cupola removed, a revised canopy and larger tail fins.

After evaluation and many modifications, the second prototype was chosen for production as the MB.174 light bomber. The Air Force placed an order for 50 aircraft, with the first one entering service in March 1940. The MB.174 replaced the Potez 637 that had proved too vulnerable in the reconnaissance role during the Phoney war.

Replacing the MB.174 on the production line was the MB.175. This bomber version incorporated a longer and wider fuselage, to enable larger bombs to be carried. Bombs of 100 to 200kg cold now be carried, whereas the MB.174 was limited to bombs of only 50kg.

Only 25 MB.175 aircraft were delivered before the Armistice. At this time, most MB.174 and MB.175s had been relocated to North Africa. During the Vichy period, MB.174s frequently flew over Gibraltar to monitor the British fleet.

After the Armistice, the Germans found several MB.174s and 175s and used for pilot training. Production of the MB.175 version recommenced under the German occupation, with the aircraft exported to Germany for use by the Luftwaffe as trainers.

To avert a potential supply shortfall of French engines, a version was designed to use Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radials. This MB.176 proved to have poorer performance than the 175, but went into production anyway. In reality the supply of American engines proved difficult and only five were delivered before the armistice.

To enable the use of Hispano-Suiza 12Y31 engines, the MB.177 incorporated redesigned engine mounts. The engines proved to be underpowered. The sole example was captured by German forces and taken to Rechlin for evaluation.

After the war, SNCASO resumed production of the MB.175 for the Aéronavale as a torpedo bomber designated MB.175T (later SO.175T).