Operator’s Handbook
A
private venture (albeit based upon official
French specifications), the Dewoitine D.520
first flew in October 1938. It immediately
proved superior to any of the other fighters
commissioned by the government to the same
specifications, and was ordered for the front line. Metal
skinned, fast, manoeuvrable, and heavily armed, it was
seen as an equivalent to the RAF’s Supermarine Spitfire,
and a counter to the Luftwaffe’s Messerschmitt Bf. 109.
However, only small numbers had entered service with
the Armée de l’Air by the time Germany invaded France in
May 1940. Although the D.520 acquitted itself well, it was
simply too little too late.
After the fall of France, development and production
ceased. Although the factories would start up again in 1941,
development would always be curtailed and the D.520 would
never reach its full potential. Instead, the type would see
moderately successful combat with the Vichy French in Syria,
and less successful action in North Africa, as well as limited
service with other Axis powers. The D.520 was withdrawn from
French service in 1953, having been doomed by circumstances
to never achieve the greatness it perhaps deserved.RDSSTUART HADAWAY
France’s most modern fighter in 1940, was too little too late
LONG LEGS
The 396 litres (87 gallons)
main fuel tank coupled with
two wing tanks gave the
D.520 a longer range than
most contemporary fighters.HOT AND BOTHERED
Early D.520s suffered
engine overheating
problems, prompting
a rapid redesign of
the radiators.WOR
ON THENOSE
TheD.5 20 packeda 20 mm
cannonin thenose,firing
through the propellerhub.