France's Bloch 131 reconnaissance bomber1
Bloch 131 RB4 pi:
Design
The Bloch 131 was designed to meet a a 1933 specification for a multi seat, multipurpose aircraft that could perform reconnaissance, bomber, and escort duties.1
The Bloch 131 was clean aerodynamically.1 The undercarriage retracted.1 The Bloch 131 was of all metal construction.1
Prototype
The first Bloch 131 prototype flew on August 12, 1936.1 There was a second prototype that had a crew of five.1
Production
- Prototypes: 21
- Bloch 131 R4: 131
- Bloch 131 Ins: 51
- Bloch 131 RB4: 1191
- Total: 1391
Variants
- Prototypes: Had Gnome-Rhône 14K radial engines (900 HP) initially.1 Replaced by Gnome-Rhône 14N radial engine (950 HP).1
- Bloch 131 R4: First production aircraft.1 First flew in May 1938.1 Used only for reconnaissance.1
- Bloch 131 Ins: Trainer with dual controls.1
- Bloch 131 RB4: Had internal bomb bay.1 Main wheels were larger than the R4.1 Armament was also increased.1
- Bloch 133: Prototype with Hispano-Suiza engines.1 The tail had twin fins and rudders.1 Only one produced.1
Usage
Armée de l'Air started to receive the Bloch 131s in September 1938.1
Start of World War II
There was one reconnaissance group in North Africa and six groups in France.1
The Bloch 131s were used in daytime reconnaissance missions over Germany, but due to heavy casualties they were switched to night missions.1
Replaced
The Potez 63 replaced the Bloch 131s in all the units located in France by May 1940.1
Vichy France
The Vichy French used the remaining Bloch 131s as target tugs.1
| Bloch 1311 | Bloch 131 RB41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Reconnaissance bomber1 | |
| Crew | 41 | |
| Engine (Type) | 2: Gnome-Rhône 14N1 | |
| Cylinders | Radial 141 | |
| Cooling | ||
| Net HP | 950 each1 | |
| Propeller blades | 3 each1 | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Span | 66' 6"1 20.27 m1 |
|
| Length | 58' 7"1 17.85 m1 |
|
| Height | 13' 5"1 4.09 m1 |
|
| Wing area | ||
| Weight | ||
| Empty | 10,340 lb1 4,690 kg1 |
|
| Normal load | 17,438 lb1 7,910 kg1 |
|
| Loaded | 18,960 lb1 8,600 kg1 |
|
| Performance | ||
| Speed at sea level | 188 mph1 302 kph1 |
|
| Speed @ 12,300' / 3,750 m |
217 mph1 350 kph1 |
|
| Cruising speed | 168 mph1 270 kph1 |
|
| Climb to 13,120' / 4,000 m |
13 minutes1 | |
| Service ceiling | 23,785'1 7,250 m1 |
|
| Range | 620 miles1 998 kg1 |
|
| Range - maximum | 808 miles1 1,300 km1 |
|
| Armament | ||
| Nose | 1: 7.5 mm MG1 | |
| Dorsal turret | 1: 7.5 mm MG1 | |
| Ventral gondola | 1: 7.5 mm MG1 | |
| Bombs | 1,764 lb1 800 kg1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
