1939 Bre 695

two P & W Wasp Junior SB 4 G

Translation of photo back

A Breguet dynasty

It was in 1935 that the Breguet firm began studying a project for a two-seater fighter, in accordance with a specification published by the French Air Ministry. In reality, the prototype that was developed, the Breguet 690, was a heavier, more powerful and versatile aircraft. The French authorities decided to adapt it for assault missions, the interest of which had been revealed by the Spanish War. First it was the Breguet 691, then the Breguet 693, which flew in October 1939. The last production version, which was very similar to the previous one, was the Breguet 695.

A late arrival

The Breguet 695 was distinguished from its predecessors by its American Pratt & Whitney engine. The Air Force staff did not want its aircraft to be dependent solely on French factories, which were very exposed to possible destruction. But the combination of the aircraft's airframe and engine posed problems. The plane lost maneuverability. The prototype flew at the beginning of 1940, the first production aircraft took off on April 23, on the eve of the German offensive. An aborted destiny 50 copies were hastily made. The first deliveries only took place at the beginning of June 40, within Assault Group No. 18. It was then too late to change the course of the battle. After the armistice, the Vichy Air Force used some Breguet 695s, which were seized