{"title":"WWII French Naval Aviation","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"mistercraft-f-50-liore-et-olivier-leo-451-wwii-french-bomber","title":"Lioré et Olivier LeO 451 WWII French Bomber","description":"\u003ch2\u003eLioré et Olivier LeO 451 WWII French Bomber\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the Second World War, the Lioré et Olivier LeO 451 was considered one of the most advanced medium bombers in the French Air Force. The aircraft was notable for its modern all-metal construction and aerodynamic design. Designed from the outset with twin vertical tail surfaces to provide the dorsal gunner with an unobstructed field of fire, the prototype made its maiden flight on January 16, 1937, before undergoing flight trials, with the first production models completed in 1938.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary production variant, the LeO 451 B4, was assigned to various bomber groups, including GB I\/12, II\/12, I\/25, and I\/31. Upon introduction, these units operated the LeO 451 alongside older aircraft such as the Bloch 210.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe LeO 451 entered operational service at the onset of the Second World War. Initially utilized for reconnaissance, the units conducted night bombing operations against Germany and Italy, while tactical necessity during the Battle of France frequently required these medium-altitude bombers to conduct daylight low-level missions, resulting in substantial losses. The LeO 451 remained in service throughout the war and continued to be used for transport and flight-testing roles in the post-war period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specifications of the Lioré et Olivier LeO 451\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength — 56.33 ft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWingspan — 73.88 ft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight — 17.19 ft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWing area — 710 sq ft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePowerplant — 1 × Gnome-Rhône 14N-48 (port) and 1 × Gnome-Rhône 14N-49 (starboard) radial engines, 1,060 hp each\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaximum speed — 308 mph\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCruising speed — 261 mph\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eService ceiling — 29,528 ft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate of climb — 1,172 ft\/min\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOperational range — 901 miles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrew — 4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArmament — 1 × 20 mm Hispano-Suiza HS-404 dorsal cannon, 2 × 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns (1 nose, 1 ventral), up to 3,086 lb of bombs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"MisterCraft","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48005210013873,"sku":null,"price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0576\/3589\/7521\/files\/mistercraft-f-50-box-art.webp?v=1791214370"}],"url":"https:\/\/arcus-hobby.store\/collections\/wwii-french-naval-aviation.oembed","provider":"Arcus Hobby","version":"1.0","type":"link"}