Tag: Military

  • Dewoitine D.520 in Vichy French Service

    Dewoitine D.520 in Vichy French Service
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    Dewoitine D.520 in Vichy French Service In April 1941, the German Armistice Commission allowed Vichy authorities to resume domestic aircraft production, provided that France later manufactured 2,000 German-designed aircraft for delivery to Germany. Under this arrangement, 550 Dewoitine D.520 fighters were ordered to replace all other single-seat types, though they were prohibited from basing such Read more

  • Dewoitine D.520 in Italian Service

    Dewoitine D.520 in Italian Service
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    Dewoitine D.520 in Italian Service Roughly 60 Dewoitine D.520 fighters entered service with the Regia Aeronautica (RA). Italian pilots generally respected the type for its handling qualities and its Hispano-Suiza HS.404 20 mm cannon, which was competitive by 1940–41 standards. The first three airframes were allocated to 2° Stormo at Turin-Caselle for point-defence of the Read more

  • Dewoitine D.520 in French Service

    Dewoitine D.520 in French Service
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    Dewoitine D.520 in French Service The Dewoitine D.520 entered frontline service in early 1940, with Groupe de Chasse I/3 becoming the first operational user. Initial deliveries in January were unarmed and used for conversion training. Combat-standard aircraft began arriving in April and May 1940; 34 such airframes reached frontline units before major operations commenced. Pilots Read more