Admiral Beez
Banned
Starting up production of the Bloch MB.162 would be interesting, too late for the BoB, but good for Russia?
thaddeus
Donor
that's my pick for development but would not discount the LeO 45 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lioré_et_Olivier_LeO_45 it's a fast aircraft that French had built in numbers.
Admiral Beez
Banned
Do the French have transports that can be used to support Barbarossa? Some pics....
- Bloch MB.220
- Caudron C.440 Goéland
- Dewoitine D.338
- Potez 662
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thaddeus
Donor
did you check out figures for LeO 45? it's 100 mph faster with 1,000 mi. longer range than Bloch MB.220
Admiral Beez
Banned
the LeO 45 is a bomber, the Bloch MB.220 is a transport. Can we really compare them?
Seems akin to comparing a B-25 against a C-47, or a Ju-88 against a Junkers Ju 52.
thaddeus
Donor
it's long range and fast, remember LW pressed the HE-111 into transport role also ...
"LeO 451T
German-captured bombers modified for freight duty, seating for up to 17 troops. Around about 50 aircraft were modified."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lioré_et_Olivier_LeO_45
doesn't in any way preclude use of Bloch transport aircraft or using the LeO in its intended bomber role (although possibly easier to obtain Vichy cooperation to build transports and engines rather than warplanes)
Admiral Beez
Banned
Looking at French aero engines, I wonder if they could be pulled for use in German AFVs?
Admiral Beez
Banned
True, in a pinch you can use an aircraft for pretty much anything. But not all bombers are really cut out for transports - just look at the tight fit of the Whitley bomber below.
Whereas here's a proper RAF transport, albeit likely an American-built Dakota, though possibly a converted heavy bomber.
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