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.
The Bloch MB.700 was a light-weight fighter designed for the French Air Force. It used a wooden frame, to conserve strategic materials and a 700hp Gnome-Rhône 14 M6. First flying on 19 April 1940, it subsequently undertook a series of evaluation flights. When German forces occupied the airfield it was based at, they burned it. A second partially built aircraft was never completed.
Although based on the previous MB.310 design, the Bloch MB.311 was a more modern and aerodynamic design. The first prototype flew on August 12, 1936, followed by a second prototype on May 7, 1937. This second aircraft added a fifth crewman, relocated the dorsal turret, and added a ventral turret.
During 1937 the Société Avions Marcel Bloch became part of the Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Sud-Ouest (SNCASO). A total of 141 machines were delivered to the French Air Force (including the reworked MB.131, 132 and 133 prototypes).
The MB.131 fared poorly against the Luftwaffe. Used for unescorted long range reconnaissance missions many were shot down. As a result, starting in October 1939, aside from a few aircraft in the GR I/36 and II/36 units, they were withdrawn from the front line and relegated to training units.
At the Armistice, 53 were inventoried in unoccupied France and in 1942, the Germans captured 21 that were then scrapped. Photos of French operated aircraft can be found here.
Bloch MB.131 captured after the fall of France June 1940Bloch MB.131 captured after the fall of France June 1940Bloch MB.131 captured after the fall of France June 1940Bloch MB.131 abandoned at Nevers after the fall of France. June 1940Bloch MB.131 abandoned at Nevers after the fall of France. June 1940Captured Bloch MB.131Bloch MB.131 in Luftwaffe markingsBloch MB.131 in Luftwaffe markings
