Dewoitine D-520 "France 1940"

The first prototype of the D.520 made its maiden flight on October 2, 1938, powered by a new liquid-cooled Hispano-Suiza 12Y-21 engine producing 890 hp. However, during flight tests, it only achieved a speed of 480 km/h, significantly less than the expected 520 km/h. The original prototype and two subsequent aircraft were fitted with a new sliding canopy. and larger tail surfaces in 1939. These prototypes were armed with a 20 mm cannon firing through a hollow propeller shaft and two 7.5 mm machine guns in small capsules under the wings. Flight tests went relatively well, and in March 1939 the company received an order for 200 production aircraft powered by the newer Hispano-Suiza 12Y-31 engine.
The aircraft saw service on both sides of the war; both the Vichy and Free French air forces operated a number of these aircraft. It was used with good results against the Luftwaffe and the Italian Air Force during the Battle of France, and in 1941 in Syria against British and Free French forces alongside the German Luftwaffe.

Plastic model kit

• 5 marking options:
• 1. D-520 (No. 302), Cpt. Jean Assollant (2 victories in a Fiat CR-42), of GC III/6, Chartres, June 1940
• 2. D-520, flown by Mieczyslaw Mumler (4 aerial victories), of 3. Escadrille GC II/7, Ounans, June 1940
• 3. D-520 "6" (No. 266), S/Lt. René Pomier-Layrarques, 4. Esc. GC II/7
• 4. D-520 "3" (No. 273), pilot Denis Ponteins, 4. Esc. GC II/7, Meaux-Esbly, June 1940
• 5. D-520 C (No. 207), flown by Adj. Chef M.E. Leblanc (7 aerial victories), 5th Esc. GC III/5, Relizanne, June 1940
   

Scale 1:72

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included