World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseThe 130 flying boats were designed by the firm Loire Aviation of Saint-Nazaire, France in response to a French Navy requirement in the mid-1930s. In 1936, the design was chosen over its competitors, and a contract for 150 aircraft was issued. The first production example was completed in 1937 and by the start of the European War 130 aircraft had replaced most seaplanes on French battleships and cruisers. The main production variant was designated 130 M; another variant, 130 Cl, featured an enlarged radiator for operations in warmer climates, ie. the French colonies in Africa and Asia. 130 flying boats served as naval gunnery spotters during the early parts of the war, and remained in service through the duration. Production, however, would end in 1942 after only 125 examples out of the contracted 150 were built. After the war, they remained in service until 1951.

SPECIFICATIONS

130 M

Machinery	One Hispano-Suiza 12Xirs V-12 engine rated at 720 hp
Armament	2x7.5mm Darne machine guns, 2x75kg bombs, capacity for 4 passengers
Crew	3
Span	16.00 m
Length	11.30 m
Height	3.85 m
Wing Area	38.20 m²
Weight, Empty	2,054 kg
Weight, Loaded	3,507 kg
Speed, Maximum	221 km/h
Speed, Cruising	164 km/h
Service Ceiling	6,056 m

Photographs

Visitor Submitted Comments

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4.  David Stubblebine says:
22 Sep 2022 05:53:44 PM

Ron Carpenter (above):
It appears the Loire 130 design did not include folding wings. None of the outside literature mentions folding wings and none of the photographs show the hardware needed to make it work, according to the designs of the day. Someone who knows more may offer a different thought, but it seems the Loire 130 had no folding wings.