Performing its very first flight on 2 October 1938, the Dewoitine D.520 ended up being a stylish and nimble monoplane with refined aerodynamics and outstanding performances. It absolutely was driven by an in line 12 cylinder Hispano Suiza 12Y45 engine yielding 935hp and permitting a top degree speed of 534km/h. Its armament comprised one 20mm HS404 gun firing through propeller hub and two 7.5mm machine weapons in each wing. The initial production aircraft made its maiden trip on 31 October 1939. Only 200 from the 437 aircraft produced ahead of the 25 June 1940 armistice could actually participate to the aerial flights associated with French Campaign. Their pilots advertised 108 official aerial victories and 39 probables. Had the Armee de l'Air possessed a few more squadrons of the superb fighter, the fate of this Luftwaffe within the skies of France might have been various.
Following the fall of France, the D.520 ended up being use extensively by the Vichy Air Force as well as Free French devices. Large numbers were used as advanced level trainers by the Luftwaffe.
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