Loire 46

Last updated
Loire 46
Loire 46.jpg
General information
TypeTrainer/fighter
Manufacturer Loire Aviation
Statusretired
Primary user Armee de l'Air
Number built61
History
Introduction date1936
First flight1 September 1934
Retired1940
Loire 46 of the Spanish Republican Air Force Loire 46-Spanish Republican AF-Madrid.jpg
Loire 46 of the Spanish Republican Air Force

The Loire 46 was a French single-seater fighter aircraft of the 1930s. A high-winged monoplane designed and built by Loire Aviation, it was purchased by the French Air Force. It was also supplied to the Spanish Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War, but was almost out of service by the outbreak of World War II.

Contents

Design and development

The Loire 46 was an improved modification of two previous Loire fighters—the Loire 43 and 45. Although improved, it resembled the earlier machines retaining their gull mono-wing configuration, open cockpit, and fixed landing gear. The first of five prototype Loire 46s flew in September 1934. It demonstrated excellent handling characteristics and 60 production aircraft were ordered by the Armée de l'Air .

Operational history

The initial machines arrived at fighter Escadrilles in August 1936. In September 1936, the five prototype Loire 46s were sent to the Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War. [1]

By the beginning of World War II, the Loire 46's gull wing configuration was recognized as obsolete and most of these fighters had been relegated to Armée de l'Air training schools, where they were used as advanced trainers. However, one fighter Escadrille was still equipped with the Loire 46 during the early weeks of the war. Their performance against modern German fighters was predictable.

Variants

Loire 46.01
First Loire 46 prototype.
Loire 46
Single-seat fighter/trainer aircraft.

Operators

Flag of France.svg  France
Flag of Spain (1931-1939).svg  Spain

Specifications (Loire 46)

Data fromThe Complete Book of Fighters [2]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Comparable and similar aircraft

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References

  1. Taylor and Alexander 1969, pp. 106–107.
  2. Green and Swanborough 1994, p. 353.
  3. Donald 1997, p. 588.

Bibliography