Potez 453

A contender to fulfil the 1933 Marine Nationale requirement for a single-seat float fighter suitable for catapult operation from 10,000-ton cruisers, the Potez 453 was based broadly on the design of the two-seat Potez 452 light observation flying boat. Competing with floatplanes tendered by Bernard (H.52), Loire (210) and Romano (R-90), the Potez 453 flying boat first flew on 24 September 1935. Of mixed construction, it was powered by an 800hp Hispano-Suiza 14Hbs radial engine and was intended to carry an armament of two 7.5mm machine guns. The engine was carried on bracing struts ahead of the wing, the thrust axis passing high above the CG of the flying boat with the result that, in view of the small dimensions of the aircraft, a considerable diving moment was induced at full throttle which could not be easily counteracted. Take-off was, in consequence, difficult and could be effected only by reducing engine power. Further development of the Potez 453 was therefore abandoned.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1280 x 980)