| Colmar | |
|---|---|
| Role | Airliner |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Breguet Aviation |
| First flight | 27 February 1945 |
| Retired | October 1947 |
| Primary user | French Air Force |
| Number built | 1 |
The Breguet 500 Colmar was a 1940s French airliner designed by Breguet Aviation.[1] Two prototypes were built during the Second World War but only one survived to fly in 1945. The prototype went on to operate as a VIP transport with the French Air Force but no others were built.[1][2]
Originally started under the designation 483T the Colmar was designed as a twin-engined airliner or VIP and staff transport based on the earlier four-engined Breguet 482 bomber.[2] It was an all-metal mid-wing cantilever monoplane with twin fins and rudders and a retractable tailwheel landing gear. The fuselage cabin was divided into two due to the main spar, up to six passengers in the forward cabin and 17 in the rear.[2] Work started at Montaudran on two prototypes during the German occupation which were given the designation Breguet 500 Colmar.[2] In April 1944 one of the almost completed prototypes was destroyed by the British Royal Air Force during a bombing raid on the factory.[2]
Following the liberation of France the surviving prototype powered by two Gnome-Rhône 15R.5 radial engines first flew on 27 February 1945.[2][3] Plans to put the type into production as the Breguet 510 Colmar were abandoned and after testing the sole Colmar was delivered to the French Air Force for use as a VIP transport.[2] The Colmar was withdrawn from service in October 1947 and scrapped.
Data from [1]Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft
General characteristics
Performance
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