Monday, September 10, 2012

The D.520 fighter

D.520 French fighters from Axis & Allies War at Sea


The battle for France happened a little too early to suit the French air arm, which was in the middle of a much-needed upgrade.

The D.520 was a good, state-of-the art single-seat fighter that macthed up well with the German Bf 109 but was only starting to enter service in 1940.

The Germans allowed production of the plane to continue, however, and several squadrons equipped the Vichy French forces that garrisoned North Africa and in Syria. In both places the D.520 saw action against Allied planes, often P-40s and Wildcats. The planes were pretty evenly matched, although the French seemed to have a slight disadvantage compared to the Allies in pilot quality.

In any case, the D520 was an effective, first-line aircraft that Operation Torch planners would have to take into consideration.

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