The gorgeous NPC~

Potez 63

The Potez 63 family was a French twin-engined, multi-role combat aircraft series developed in the mid- to late-1930s to meet a French Air Ministry requirement for a versatile fighter that could serve as a heavy fighter, night fighter, reconnaissance aircraft, light bomber, and army cooperation machine.

Designed by Louis Coroller and André Delaruelle, the Potez 630 prototype first flew on 25 April 1936. It was a low-wing, all-metal monoplane with twin engines, twin fin/rudder tail, and a large glasshouse canopy that housed a crew of two to three (pilot, observer/commander, and rear gunner depending on variant). Multiple variants such as the Potez 631 night fighter, the Potez 633 light bomber, and the Potez 63.11 reconnaissance/army co-operation aircraft expanded its operational roles.

At the outbreak of World War II, the Potez 63 family was one of the most numerous French aircraft types in service and saw action during the Phoney War and Battle of France (1940). Despite pleasant flight characteristics and ease of maintenance, it suffered from underpowered engines and relatively low top speed—which made it vulnerable to faster German fighters such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109.

Many of the Potez aircraft were later relegated to reconnaissance, night patrols, liaison roles, or training, especially after France’s defeat in 1940, with some serving under Vichy French or captured German units.

Possible Aircraft Nicknames:

• “Bf 110-Twin Clone” : Many hobbyists on aviation forums note how its twin-engine layout and greenhouse canopy resemble the German Messerschmitt Bf 110, leading to tongue-in-cheek comparisons with that aircraft.

• “Elegant but Underpowered” : Reddit and warbird communities often praise the Potez 630/631’s streamlined and graceful lines but lament its lack of engine power (in fact only 700 hp each engine (50 hp/cyl)), sometimes joking it was “too pretty for the battlefield.”

• “French Friday Favorite” : Some enthusiast threads affectionately celebrate the aircraft as a lesser-known “hidden gem” of early WWII aviation, emphasizing its maintenance simplicity and handsome design despite its operational shortcomings.

• “Task Failed Successfully” : A few commenters humorously brand the Potez 63 series with ironic monikers reflecting its mixed success in combat and its capture and reuse by Axis forces after France’s defeat.

• I'm so sorry there above currently is the only nickname i found and no more information about any aircraft's nicknames. But just add yours in the comments, let's discuss :)

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