History of the Latecoere 298

The Latecoere 298 (sometimes abbreviated as Late 298) was a French seaplane in service during World War II. It was primarily designed as a torpedo bomber, but also as a dive bomber against land and sea targets and as a maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

With its robust and reliable construction and good maneuverability, it was the most successful French military seaplane and served in various camouflages during the war.

The first Late 298 entered service in October 1938 with the Escadrilles (Squadron) of the French Naval Air Force Aeronautique Navale. Some are stationed at naval bases, others at Commandant Teste seaplane tenders.

Four squadrons flew the aircraft at the outbreak of the war, and by May 1940, when the German offensive in the west began, 81 aircraft were manning six squadrons.

Late 298 was first used in 1940 during the French campaign. They were initially used for maritime patrol and anti-submarine missions, but did not encounter any German ships. Later, when the Wehrmacht drove through France, they were used to harass and intercept tank columns.

While not designed for this role, they suffer fewer casualties than units equipped with other types.

Following the armistice in June 1940, the French Navy was allowed to retain some Late 298 units under the Vichy regime, and the captured aircraft were used by the Luftwaffe.

After Operation Torch, French troops in Africa sided with the Allies. In this form, the Late 298 is used with the RAF Wellington for North Africa Coast Command missions.

The last combat mission of the Late 298 was during the liberation of France, when it was used to attack German shipping operating out of strongholds on the Atlantic coast.

The last Late 298s were retired from active duty in 1946, but continued to serve as trainers until 1950.

No Late 298 aircraft survived after 1950.

Latecoere 298 Specification

Fundamentals

Years of Service

1938

Origins

France

Status

retirement

does not work.

Crew

3

Production

121

Manufacturer

Latecoere - France

Operator

France;Nazi Germany

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

nautical/navy

Water mobility capability for a variety of land-based or ship-based maritime missions, supported by Allied Naval Surface Forces.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

41. 2 feet

(12.56m)

Width/span

50.9 feet

(15.50m)

Height

17. 2 feet

(5.25m)

Cured weight

6,614 lbs

(3,000 kg)

MTOW

10,582 lbs

(4,800 kg)

Wgt Difference

+?3,968

(+1,800 kg)

Performance

Installed:

1 x Hispano-Suiza 12Ycrs 880hp V12 liquid cooled engine.

Maximum speed

186 km/h

(300 km/h | 162 kn)

Maximum

20,997 feet

(6,400 m | 4 km)

Area

932 km

(1,500 km | 2,778 nautical miles)

Range (MPH) Subsonic: <614mph | Transonic: 614-921 | Supersonic: 921-3836 | Hypersonic: 3836-7673 | Hypersonic: 7673-19180 | Reentry: > 19030

Weapons

Standard: 3 x 7.5mm Dahn Machine Guns Optional: Conventional Throwing Bombs up to 1,500 lbs or 1 x Torpedo.

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