|
Re: Photos Dewoitine HD.780
Yes Tom
It is tricky.
In the French literature it simply vanish.
Charles Claveau just says 'not finished before the Armistice'
Danel/Cuny says 'built at Bagnères-de-Bigorre, the HD.780-01 had to wait a long time for its engine. It was ready to move to Marignane for its test flight from Etang de Berre but the armistice intervened and it remained where it was.'
One internet site claims this:
The assembly of aircraft began in the autumn of 1939, and by March 1940 the first prototype was ready for testing. However, the situation on the Western Front sharply worsened and the power plant failed to start flight tests. The fighter stood for several months without moving, having waited in June 1940 for the arrival of German troops. Since Germany's maritime aviation was not interested in continuing the work on the float fighter, the only prototype of the HD.780 was dismantled for metal.
If that is correct it certainly supports Tom's thinking.
Cheers
Stig
|