World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseThe F.220 high-winged, four-engined monoplanes first took flight in 1932. The prototype F.220 aircraft was eventually sold to Air France, which operated it as a mail plane in the South Atlantic under the name "Le Centaur"; Air France would later purchase additional examples for its commercial use. 10 examples of the next variant, F.221, were delivered to the French Air Force for review in Jun 1936, resulting in a contract for the next variant, F.222 in early 1937. Production ceased in 1938, by which time about 80 aircraft were built across various variants. When the European War began, the French military operated several F.222 and NC.223 aircraft, most of which served with the Air Force, although there were a few examples with the Navy. One of the Navy NC.223 aircraft became the first Allied bomber to bomb Berlin, Germany, which took place in 7 Jun 1940; it dropped 8 250-kilogram bombs and 80 10-kilogram bombs. All F.222 and NC.223 aircraft were relocated to North Africa, where they would serve in transport roles for the remainder of the war, for both Vichy and Free French factions.

F.220 Timeline

SPECIFICATIONS

F.222

Machinery	Four Gnome-Rhône 14N-11 radial engines rated at 950hp each
Armament	3x7.5mm MAC 1934, 5,190kg bombs
Crew	5
Span	36.20 m
Length	21.50 m
Height	5.20 m
Wing Area	188.00 m²
Weight, Empty	10,488 kg
Weight, Loaded	18,700 kg
Speed, Maximum	320 km/h
Speed, Cruising	280 km/h
Service Ceiling	8,460 m
Range, Normal	1,995 km

Photographs