Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Aero-space => Topic started by: pigflyer on March 16, 2017, 10:39:35 PM

Title: Dewoitine 460 China
Post by: pigflyer on March 16, 2017, 10:39:35 PM
In 1933 Dewoitine received an order from the Chinese for a ground attack aircraft, along with the specifics of the requirement.
Fortunately, the model 460 was being tested just then, and with a few mods this was deemed acceptable.
Armed with 2 x 7.7mm  guns under the wings, to suit the Chinese, a 9mm gun was added in front of the pilot. Various bombs could be carried
up to 990lb on three racks while attaining a speed of 225mph, or 235 downhill, flat out with a tail wind.
The overseas order allowed the French to buy 45 for training, while 45 more model 461s went to China.

The remaining  29 French models, without the 9mm, were in Africa when WW2 broke out, and were used with limited success against all comers, the last being 11 reverting to training in 1942 and written off in 1943.
The Chinese used theirs with great success against the Japanese, Lt Kim Wong, Chinese American ex U.S. Navy pilot, even shot down three Ki 27s while flying one.
The fast roll and tight turn ability of the 461 kept it in use until 1943 in the front line, and the last 18 in second line rolls until 1944 when spares ran out.
Lt Wong was once heard to say that "I knew it would be good as soon as I saw it. It's the spats you know!"  ;)
   

Title: Re: Dewoitine 460 China
Post by: Old Wombat on March 17, 2017, 12:55:24 AM
Nice build & gives BdB a run on his spat monopoly! :) :)
Title: Re: Dewoitine 460 China
Post by: Brian da Basher on March 17, 2017, 01:24:55 AM
If that's Wong, I don't wanna be right!

Great stuff, Mr Flyer and my what lovely spats your D-460 has!
 :-* :-* :-*
The intimidation factor is off the charts!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Dewoitine 460 China
Post by: apophenia on March 17, 2017, 01:37:41 AM
The intimidation factor is off the charts!

Agreed. The spats alone would have made the D.460 a terrifying ground attack aircraft for its opponents  :)
Title: Re: Dewoitine 460 China
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 17, 2017, 02:09:10 AM
 :)