FIREPOWER SERIES CERTIFIED AIRCRAFT

DeWoitine D.520 Fighter

The DeWoitine D.520 is generally held to be the best French fighter of World War II.  Utilizing an Hispano-Suiza 12-cylinder powerplant producing 930 PS (916 HP) for takeoff, this fighter -- although substantially slower than the Me 109s it was opposing -- proved very capable in a turning and diving fight.  The D.520 packed a serious punch in the form of 4 7.5 mm machine guns and a single 20 mm cannon firing through the propeller hub.  It was very agile and dove well, with well-harmonized controls that were light to the touch.  An experience pilot could get on an enemy's tail very quickly if his opponent did not take appropriate evasive action.  However, once out of diving altitude, the D.520 could be run down fairly easily by the German Messerschmitts, and then had to rely on its agility to jink and roll its way out of trouble.  Overall, the D.520 was an excellent, if underpowered, fighter that gave a good accounting of itself in the short time allotted to it during the Battle of France.  Once the Germans took over the French air industry, the type was relegated to trainer status and saw service in a variety of arenas until war's end.

Pilot Comments:

"The D.520 is a very agile aircraft that dives well.  It can handle 400+ mph dives without any problem and has good control response until well past the recommending diving speed of 413 mph IAS.  Use this aircraft's light weight and responsive controls to maneuver behind your opponent, where you can use the D.520s substantial firepower to down him.  But don't take the fight too low, or you'll run out of altitude and won't be able to dive away to fight another day."

ABBREVIATED CHECKLIST

TAKEOFF (5568 lbs.)

Note: This aircraft has a substantial amount of torque roll; although the stall speed is quite low at 85 mph, and the craft will want to lift off sooner, hold the nose down and let flying speed build to at least 115 mph where the runway length allows.  This will allow you to gain aileron authority so as to minimize the roll when the aircraft lifts off.  A good deal of right rudder and aileron will be needed until climbing speed is reached.

CLIMBING

LANDING (5059 lbs.)

This aircraft tends to float in ground effect so the landing touchdown speed is very important to a short ground roll.  It is also very sloppy in slow flight so a deft hand at the controls is critical.

Firepower Certified Specifications: