Loire 46

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Loire 46
Type	Trainer/fighter
Manufacturer
Primary user	Armee de l'Air

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

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.

[edit] Specifications (Loire 46)

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Length: 7.88 m (25 ft 10 in)
Wingspan: 11.83 m (38 ft 9 in)
Height: 4.13 m (13 ft 6 in)
Empty weight: 1,450 kg (3,197 lb)
Loaded weight: 2,100 kg (4,630 lb)
Powerplant: 1× Gnome-Rhône 14Kis 14-cylinder, air-cooled radial piston engine, 694 kW (930 hp)