Dewoitine
Dewoitine D.371
The Dewoitine D.371 was a French single‑engine, low‑wing monoplane fighter that entered service in the mid‑1930s. Designed by Établissements Dewoitine, it formed the backbone of the French Armée de l'Air’s fighter units during the early part of World War II. The D.371 belonged to the D.37 series, which also included the D.373 and D.376, and it was powered by a 860 hp Hispano‑Suiza 12Ycrs inline engine that drove a two‑bladed propeller. The airframe featured an all‑metal stressed‑skin construction, a retractable undercarriage, and a closed cockpit with a sliding canopy, giving the aircraft a clean aerodynamic profile and a top speed of about 470 km/h (292 mph). Armament consisted of two 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns mounted in the wings, later upgraded in some units to include a 20 mm cannon.
Although its performance was quickly outclassed by newer designs such as the Dewoitine D.520 and German Messerschmitt fighters, the D.371 played a crucial role in the transition from biplane to monoplane combat aircraft in France. Its sturdy construction, ease of maintenance, and service in the Battle of France made it a noteworthy step in the evolution of French fighter doctrine and contributed valuable operational experience that informed later, more advanced combat planes.
Although its performance was quickly outclassed by newer designs such as the Dewoitine D.520 and German Messerschmitt fighters, the D.371 played a crucial role in the transition from biplane to monoplane combat aircraft in France. Its sturdy construction, ease of maintenance, and service in the Battle of France made it a noteworthy step in the evolution of French fighter doctrine and contributed valuable operational experience that informed later, more advanced combat planes.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 87
- First Flight
- 1931
- Service Entry
- 1938
Design & Classification
- Manufacturer
- Dewoitine
- Designer
- Émile Dewoitine
- Developer
- Dewoitine
- Wikidata ID
- Q1207183