Bloch MB 157

A development of the M.B.150/152, the Bloch M.B.157 was to be fitted with a Gnome-Rhone 14R. An air-cooled radial engine with a power output of 1186kW for take-off, and having a supercharger that could provide 1268kW at 8000m.

The increased size and weight of this engine meant that it could not be practical to install it in the existing M.B.152 airframe. This resulted in the design of a new airframe, although using the same structural techniques as the MB.152.

In March 1942, the M.B.157 was assembled and test flown under German supervision, achieving 710 km/h before being flown to Orly where the powerplant was removed for wind-tunnel testing. After the tests had been completed the engine was transported to Germany. The airframe was later destroyed during an Allied air raid.

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