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

Sources:

1. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998