Premium Vehicles | SO.8000 Narval

Soon after the end of the war, France launched an effort to rebuild its air force. The navy commissioned a new multi-target aircraft capable of serving as an interceptor and an attacker if necessary. On May 31, 1946, Aéronautiques du Sud-Ouest started designing and building prototypes, 8000 Narval project. The engineers continued their tradition of experimentation: the double-curved wings, the double tail beam, and engine positioned at the rear. The Arsenal 12 powertrain is a French cousin of the German Junker Jumo 213, the one the Fw 190 carried. The French engineers souped it up a little, increasing its output, since even this monster wasn't quite enough for such a heavy vehicle. The prototype's first flight took place in April 1949. Over the course of the first flight test, the engineers noted disappointing maneuverability at low speeds, and the engine's increased power gave rise to certain unreliability issues. So as a result of the flaws identified and the predominant attributes of jet aircraft, in January 1950, all further work on the SO.8000 was halted.

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