Farman F.220 (Series)

History

The largest French bomber to reach operational status between the two world wars became the Farman F. 220 of the Farman Aeronautical Engineering Company. A prototype first flew in May 1932, and production reached about 80 from 1935 to 1938. The F. 220 marked the beginning of a family of related bombers and was shared with the earlier F. 211 prototype (this form was not adopted by the French Air Force).

The Falman F-series heavy bombers entered action for France in the early years of World War II (1939-1945), largely due to the lack of better, more modern alternatives.

The French aviation industry was in flux between the two world wars, and changes in ownership hindered innovation and prosperity in neighboring countries. The French were still accustomed to the bulky bomber shape with fixed landing gear, heavy nose glass, boxy fuselage and open crew stations.

The F. 220 followed, borrowing much of the technology shown by the F. 211, which debuted in 1932.

A prototype was used to define the new heavy bomber. Compared to the earlier F. 211, the revised form was equipped with an all-new rear wing and Hispano-Suiza 12Lbr series engines.

The aircraft was converted into a mail plane later in its life as an F. 220B, while production took place under the designation "F. 220-0", resulting in the construction of four aircraft.

Another revision produced the "F. 221", which now surrounds the gunner's station for improved comfort and communication. This model also comes with a Gnome-Rhone 14Kdrs engine. The F. 221.01 was the only prototype and ten bombers followed this standard.

The final F. 220 variant became the "F. 222". The F. 222.1 model was eventually equipped with retractable landing gear, defensive turrets and Gnome-Rhone 14Kirs engines. It also has flat outer wings and a shorter nose assembly. Eleven of these standard bombers were built. The F. 222. 01 was a prototype, while the F. 222.

2 had a redesigned nose section (longer) with a Gnome-Rhone 14N-11 engine and V-shape on the outer wings. 24 aircraft were delivered to this standard.

The F. 2220 became the proposed airliner version, designed to be powered by 4 x Hispano-Suiza 12Xgrs engines - although only one prototype was completed and no series production was imminent.

The F. 223 brought a new rear wing with twin rudders, and the whole design was more aerodynamically friendly. Power comes from 4 Hispano-Suiza 14AA-08 or -09 series engines rated at 1,100 hp. This leads to an entire subset of variants based on this NC design.

223.1, used as a prototype (now named after the "SNCAC" label). Eight NC. 223. 3 bombers followed, NC. 223. 4 is a rear plane conversion, three built. 15 NC-2233 variants appeared as bombers, powered by 4 Hispano-Suiza 12Y-29 engines. NC-2234 became Air France's three airliners, powered by Hispano-Suiza 12Y-37 series engines.

The last F.220-related entry is "F.224", a 40-seat passenger aircraft destined for Air France. The design was not purchased due to concerns about the triple engine operating at high altitudes. These were later used as transports by the French Air Force under the designation F. 224TT.

The French Navy also ultimately relied on the F. 220 series at that time.

The final F. 222 bomber form entered service with the French Air Force in early 1937. In 1939, they represented the only four-engine bombers available to the French cause in the early days of the war, initially discarded as conventional bombers and used for flyers.

The F-Series claims some notable operations in the early battles - it was the first Allied bomber to bomb Berlin (NC. 223.

3), and the French pilot James Dennis used the F. 222 to airlift 20 comrades to England in France After the defeat (June 1940) continued fighting with the Free French Air Force.

Since then, the type of service has been significantly reduced, with some stocks following the usual French route to transport troops to North Africa. Before ending, the series ended up fighting for the Free French and Vichy French armies, although their obsolescence was becoming more apparent - they were ending their days as dedicated transporters.

Specification

Basic

Production

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Performance

Performance

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Changes