Bullet Baguette~

Bloch MB.170 series

The Bloch MB.170 series, including the MB.170, MB.174, MB.175, and derived prototypes, represents a significant but often overlooked chapter in the story of French aviation during World War II. Developed by Société des Avions Marcel Bloch (which later became Dassault Aviation), these aircraft were intended to modernize the French Air Force (Armée de l'Air) with a fast, versatile reconnaissance bomber capable of outrunning enemy fighters. While ultimately outclassed by the rapidly evolving technologies of the era, the MB.170 series served gallantly and provided valuable service during the early stages of the war.

The MB.170's development stemmed from a 1936 requirement for a fast, modern reconnaissance bomber. Marcel Bloch's design prioritized speed and maneuverability over heavy armament, aiming for a sleek, all-metal monoplane capable of long-range reconnaissance and light bombing missions. The original MB.170 designation referred to the initial prototype, but the design quickly evolved, leading to the more refined and widely produced MB.174.

After the Armistice of 1940, some MB.170s continued to serve in the Vichy French Air Force, while others were seized by the Germans. Some of these captured aircraft were used for training purposes or even converted into transport planes. A small number of MB.170s escaped to North Africa and continued to operate with the Free French Air Force, participating in later campaigns in the Mediterranean theater.

Despite its relatively short service life and limited impact on the overall course of World War II, the Bloch MB.170 series represents a significant achievement in French aviation design. It demonstrated the potential for modern, high-performance aircraft and provided valuable experience that would later contribute to the development of French jet aircraft after the war. The aircraft's sleek lines and innovative design continue to captivate aviation enthusiasts. Unfortunately, no complete example of the MB.170 series has survived to the present day, making its history accessible only through historical records, photographs, and scale models.

Possible Aircraft Nicknames:

• "L'Hirondelle" (The Swallow): This nickname, translated from French, would be fitting due to the aircraft's sleek, graceful lines and speed. Swallows are known for their agility and speed, making it a suitable descriptor for the MB.170's intended performance.

• "Le Corse" (The Corsican): This nickname could be attributed to pilots or ground crew from Corsica that flew or maintained the MB.170. It's a common practice to associate aircraft with their origin or the people who operate them.

• "Moucheron" (Gnat): This nickname, while less flattering, refers to a small flying insect, and could have been used sarcastically to describe the aircraft's relatively light defensive armament and bomb load compared to heavier bombers. Forum discussions could imagine pilots joking about feeling like a gnat buzzing around bigger threats.

• "Le Rapide" (The Rapid): A straightforward and descriptive nickname based on the aircraft's key design feature - its speed. This is a natural choice for pilots and ground crew impressed by its performance.

• "Gnome's Grumble": A lighthearted, perhaps exasperated, nickname reflecting the reported unreliability of the Gnome-Rhône engines under stress of combat conditions. Forum posts might speculate about the endless engine troubleshooting.

- About the variant

MB.174
The most produced variant and the backbone of the MB.170 series. It featured improved engines, refined aerodynamics, and enhanced equipment.

C O N T R O L S
Trim : Flaps, cruising 'rotate' adjuster
VTOL : Further flaps
Cannon : "Bomb"