Bloch MB-152C-1

Unlike the gracefully elegant Dewoitine series, or the Caudrons, the Bloch MB-512 was decidely awkward. The prototype actually refused to fly, the frightened test pilot giving up on the craft on 17 July 1936. However, this bad start gave way to a truly spectacular career.

After redesign, and an upgraded powerplant, along with a larger wing; the aircraft left the ground. Bloch had been nationalized into SNCASO and five of the new group's factories had been put to work making 25. A problem arose: The detailed design was very hard to produce.

A simplified design was needed, so a new version of the stubby little craft was prepared. The MB-151's production was hoped to reach 180 each month from late 1938. Orders were also placed for the slightly more powerful MB-152, but when the Germans invaded, there were only 85 Blochs delivered, and not one was fit for service. All of them lacked gunsights, and most even lacked propellers! After overcoming desperate shortages and snags, 593 were delivered by the capitulation.

The Germans impressed 173 Blochs into service for the Luftwaffe, and then they passed 20 to Romania. The MB-155 had a 1,180 hp engine, and was used by Vichy France. The absolute ultimate model was the MB-157, with a 1,580hp 14R-4 engine. This engine gave the craft a 441mph (710km/h) maximum speed! Unfortunately, it was never put into production. By this time, the firm's owner had changed the name to Dassault.
A few also found their way to the Greek air force.

Technical Data
(Data for MB-152)

Origin: SNCASO/Bloch
Type: Single seat fighter
Engine: 1,080 hp Gnome-Rhone 14N-25 14-cylinder radial
Dimensions: Span 34ft 6 3/4 inches (10.5m); length 29ft 10in (9.1m); height 13ft 0in (3.95m)
Weights: Empty 4,453 lb (2020kg); loaded 5,842lb (2605kg).
Performance: Maximum speed 323mph (520km/h); climb to 16,400ft (5000m) in 6 minutes; service ceiling 32,800ft (10,000m); range 373 mph (600kms)
Armament: Two 20mm Hispano 404 cannon (60-round drum) and two 7.5mm MAC 1934 machine guns (500 rounds each); alternatively 4 MAC 1934s.