France's Breguet Bre 690 Series Bombers1

Breguet 695:
France's Breguet 695

Design

The French air ministry issued a specification for a fighter that could also be used during the day or night in October 1934.1 The Breguet 690 prototype was 2,200 lb / 1,000 kg heavier than the specification and was initially rejected.1 However, it's rival was slower so the Breguet 690 was selected and developed into the Breguet 691.1 One hundred were initially ordered.1

The first flight was in 1937.1

The engines could be removed and overhauled in 90 minutes.1

Variants

Usage

By May 1940 a few units, mostly with the Groupement 18, were equipped with the Breguet 593.1

The Bre 695 did enter service in 1940 but was used by the GBA 151 of the Armée de l'Air Armistice (Vichy French Air Force) until late 1942.1

In 1943 the remaining Breguets were transferred to Italy and used by the Regia Aeronautica as trainers.1

  Breguet 6931
Type Attack bomber1
Crew 21
Engine (Type) 2: Gnome-Rhône 14M-5/71
Cylinders Radial1
Cooling  
Net HP 700 each1
Dimensions  
Span 51' 7"1
15.73 m1
Length 31' 9"1
9.67 m1
Height 10' 5"1
3.19 m1
Wing area 314 ft2 1
29.2 m2 1
Weight  
Empty 6,622 lb1
3,010 kg1
Loaded 10,780 lb1
4,900 kg1
Performance  
Maximum speed 304 mph1
490 kph1
Cruising speed 185 mph1
299 kph1
Climb  
Service ceiling 16,400'1
5,000 m1
Range 837 miles1
1,350 km1
Armament 1: 20 mm Hispano Suiza1
3: 7.5 mm Dame MG1
Bombs 880 lb1
400 kg1
Production 1301

Sources:

  1. Aircraft of World War II, General Editor: Jim Winchester, 2004
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