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From: Miloch <Miloch_member@newsguy.com>
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Subject: Bloch MB.150 - 157
Date: 21 Nov 2016 16:39:57 -0800
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloch_MB.150
The Bloch MB.150 (later MB.151 to MB.157) was a French low-wing, all-metal
monoplane fighter aircraft with retractable landing gear and enclosed cockpit,
Air Ministry competition for a new fighter design.
No production of the MB-150.01 occurred, the aircraft being unsuitable for mass
production. Redesign led to the MB.151.01 and MB.152.01 prototypes, developed
and produced in parallel. By the outbreak of World War II, some 120 had reached
and propellers.
The MB.153 and MB.154 were intended as testbeds for American engines, but only
the MB.153 flew, and when it crashed a few days later as damaged beyond repair,
pursuit of these alternatives also ceased. Instead, attention shifted to
extending the range of the MB.152. This was achieved by moving the cockpit aft
in order to make room for a new fuel tank. Other modifications included a
slightly broader wing and revised aerodynamics around the cowling. The result,
named MB.155 performed favourably in flight tests and was ordered into
production in 1940, but only 10 aircraft had been completed by the Fall of
France. Under the terms of the armistice, the remaining 25 on the production
line were completed and delivered into Vichy service. From there, some
eventually made their way into the Luftwaffe after 1942.
The final member of the family, the MB.157 had a far more powerful engine and
eventually became a very different aircraft as the design evolved from the
MB.152 to accommodate the larger and heavier motor. Unfinished at the time of
the armistice, it was ordered to be completed and flown under German
supervision. Demonstrating superb performance, it was taken to Orly where the
powerplant was removed for testing within a wind tunnel. The excellence in the
design was confirmed. It was later destroyed in an Allied air raid.
Role
single seat Interceptor Fighter
Manufacturer
SNCASO
Designer
Maurice Roussel
First flight
October 1937
Primary user
Number built
c.?663
MB.151s and MB.152s equipped nine Groupes de Chasse (fighter groups) during the
Battle of France. While they were outmatched by the faster Messerschmitt Bf 109
E, the pilots of Bloch MB.152s destroyed at least 188 enemy aircraft, for the
loss of about 86 Blochs. They proved tough aircraft, able to stand considerable
battle damage and a good gunnery platform. Their problems included poor agility,
unreliable guns, poor range (600 km [370 mi] compared to 660 km for the Bf 109E)
and being notably underpowered. Six groupes continued to fly in the Vichy French
Air Force until this was disbanded on 1 December 1942, the aircraft being passed
over to the Royal Romanian Air Force by the Germans.
Specifications (MB.152C.1)
General characteristics
Crew: 1
Length: 9.1 m (29 ft 10 in)
Wingspan: 10.54 m (34 ft 7 in)
Height: 3.03 m (9 ft 11 in)
Wing area: 17.32 m2 (186.4 sq ft)
Empty weight: 2,158 kg (4,758 lb)
Gross weight: 2,693 kg (5,937 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 2,800 kg (6,173 lb)
engine, 805 kW (1,080 hp)
variable-pitch propeller
Performance
Maximum speed: 509 km/h (316 mph; 275 kn)
Cruising speed: 450 km/h (280 mph; 243 kn)
Range: 600 km (373 mi; 324 nmi)
Service ceiling: 10,000 m (32,808 ft)
Time to altitude: 2,000 m (6,600 ft) in 3 minutes 24 seconds
Wing loading: 155.4 kg/m2 (31.8 lb/sq ft)
Armament
*
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