AG.4

The Breguet AG.4 was a French twin‑engine reconnaissance‑bomber introduced in the late 1930s, representing the final evolution of Breguet’s interwar design philosophy. Conceived in 1936 as a response to Air Ministry specification A.5, the AG.4 combined a streamlined low‑wing monoplane layout with retractable landing gear and all‑metal stressed‑skin construction. Powered by two 850 hp Hispano‑Suiza 12Y engines mounted on the wing leading edges, it could reach a maximum speed of 460 km/h and a service ceiling of 9,500 meters, while carrying up to 800 kg of bombs and a crew of three. Its innovative dual‑control cockpit allowed both pilot and co‑pilot to operate the aircraft, and the integrated radio‑navigation suite gave it superior night‑time capabilities for the era. First delivered to the French Armée de l’Air in early 1939, the AG.4 saw limited combat during the Battle of France before many were evacuated to North Africa, where they continued patrol and liaison duties throughout the war. Though production ceased after only 62 airframes, the AG.4’s blend of speed, payload, and avionics influenced post‑war French designs such as the Vautour and cemented Breguet’s reputation for engineering excellence.