Difference between revisions of "Potez 631"

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{{Specs-Card|code=potez_631}}
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{{About
 +
| about = French bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| and
 +
| usage = other versions
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| link-1 = Potez 630
 +
| link-2 = Potez 633
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=potez_631
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
{{break}}
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The '''SNCAN Potez 631''' was the second production variant of the Potez 63 project, which was a project intended to provide France with modern heavy fighter capabilities and which eventually led to one of the most prolific and versatile series of combat aircraft to be built by the French aeronautical industry at the beginning of World War II. The 63 series, originally conceived in 1934, yielded not only strategic fighters but also light bombers as well as attack and reconnaissance planes, resulting in the production of more than 1,100 aircraft of different variants in the series by June 1940. This elegant aircraft remained in active service during the German occupation, and approximately 250 additional planes built in that period were used by the Luftwaffe as transport and liaison aircraft of the Vichy Air Force, the Italian Regia Aeronautica, and of the Romanian Air Force.
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} French twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating|4}}.
 
  
−
The SNCAN '''Potez 631''' was the second production variant of the Potez 63 project, which was a project intended to provide France with modern heavy fighter capabilities and which eventually led to one of the most prolific and versatile series of combat aircraft to be built by the French aeronautical industry at the beginning of World War II. The 63 series, originally conceived in 1934, yielded not only strategic fighters, but also light bombers as well as attack and reconnaissance planes, resulting in the production of more than 1,100 aircraft of different variants in the series by June 1940. This elegant aircraft remained in active service during German occupation, and approximately 250 additional planes built in that period were used by the Luftwaffe as transport and liaison aircraft of the Vichy Air Force, the Italian ''Regia Aeronautica'', and of the Rumanian Air Force.
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]] along with the initial French aviation tree. The {{Specs|name}} is the second variant of the Potez found in the French Tech Tree dedicated for air-to-air combat. Compared to the previous [[Potez 630]], the 631 features six wing-mounted 7.5 mm machine guns, which alongside the two 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose, give the Potez a powerful armament for its rank. However, this armament comes at the cost of speed, the added weight and already mediocre airframe coupled with less powerful engines than the previous variation makes this aircraft ineffective in duelling. Thus, it should be played in a more passive role, with boom and zoom tactics instead of rushing the center of the map.
  
−
In War Thunder, the '''Potez 631''' is a Rank I French twin-engine fighter with a Battle Rating of 2.0 (AB/SB) and 2.3 (RB). It appeared following the introduction of the Potez 630 in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]]. Its armament features the last-ditch French effort to upgrade the aircraft before the outbreak of hostilities, equipped with 2 x 20mm underbelly cannon and 6 wing-mounted 7.5mm machine guns, along with a single 7.5mm rear-facing defensive turret.  
+
== General info ==
 +
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} is a slow climber and heavy lander, with a stall speed of 138 km/h (SB, 45 min fuel, full ammunition, no bombs), but is very stable in high-speed dives and turns and can be lethal when used properly as an energy fighter. Its maximum speed is modest at 332 km/h at 4,000 m (SB, 45 min fuel, full ammunition, no bombs) but manoeuvres surprisingly well at medium and high speeds and the canopy provides excellent 360-degree visibility.
  
−
== General info ==
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
The '''Potez 631''' is a slow climber and heavy lander, with a stall speed of 138 km/h (SB, 45 min fuel, full ammunition, no bombs), but is very stable in high-speed dives and turns and can be lethal when used properly as an energy fighter. Its maximum speed is modest at 332 km/h @ 4,000m (SB, 45 min fuel, full ammunition, no bombs) but maneuvers surprisingly well at medium and high speeds, and the canopy provides excellent 360-degree visibility.
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,000 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 408 || 391 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.4 || 23.6 || 4.1 || 4.1 || rowspan="2" | 350
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 453 || 430 || 19.8 || 21.0 || 12.1 || 7.4
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| 710 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 346 || 329 || 240 || ~10 || ~7
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 360 || < 360 || < 330 || > 320
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
The '''Potez 631''' has minimal armor and is relatively fragile, and highly vulnerable to damage from the front which makes it less-than-ideal as a high-level interceptor.
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
The '''Potez 631''' has no armour and is relatively fragile, and highly vulnerable to damage from the front which makes it less-than-ideal as a high-level interceptor. There are 2 self-sealing fuel tanks; one close to each wingroot.
  
−
* '''No armor plating'''
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
* '''No armor glazing'''
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
−
* '''Critical components located in front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)'''
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
=== Offensive armament: ===
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Hispano 404 (20 mm)|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|Hispano 404 (20 mm)|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
  
−
The '''Potez 631''' is armed with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannons, chin-mounted (90 rpg = 180 total)
 +
* 6 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)
  
−
* 6 х 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun (300 rpg = 1800 total rounds)
+
The cannons are arranged in the belly of the fuselage right under the pilot's seat. The machine guns are wing-mounted, three guns in each wing.
  
−
The machine guns are wing-mounted, three guns in each wing.
+
Universal ammunition belts are the preferred loadout for both weapons in most cases, although the extra armour-piercing capabilities of the ground target belt for the cannon will work effectively against both armoured ground targets and aircraft for penetrating engine blocks. A short-burst of both cannon and MG fire at convergence range will mortally wound or destroy any opponent of equivalent rank. Recommended convergence settings: 300 m for high-energy fighter engagements, 400 m for boom-and-zoom bounce tactics against fighters/bombers/attackers, 500 m for ground attack. An alternative setup would be tracers on the machine guns, as this makes leading easier and also is very potent for setting planes on fire, as every bullet is an API-T.
  
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* 2 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannon (90 rpg = 180 total rounds)
+
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|№.1 (100 kg)}}
  
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The cannons are arranged in the belly of the fuselage right under the pilot's seat.
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
Universal ammunition belts will be the preferred loadout for both weapons in most cases, although the extra armor-piercing capabilities of the ground target belt for the cannon will work effectively against both armored ground targets and aircraft for penetrating engine blocks. A short-burst of both cannon and MG fire at convergence range will mortally wound or destroy any opponent of equivalent rank. Recommended convergence settings: 300m for high-energy fighter engagements, 400m for boom-and-zoom bounce tactics against fighters/bombers/attackers, 500m for ground attack.  
+
* Without load
 +
* 2 x 100 kg №.1 bombs (200 kg total)
  
−
=== Suspended armament ===
+
The '''Potez 631''' can be armed with 2 x 100 No.1 bombs (118 kg each, with an explosive mass of 50 kg allowing for an armoured target destruction radius of 4 m) mounted under wing between the fuselage and each engine.
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The '''Potez 631''' can be armed with 2 x 100 No.1 bombs (118 kg each, explosive mass of 50kg with an armored target destruction radius of 4m) mounted under wing between the fuselage and each engine.
 
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
  
−
:  
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
−
The '''Potez 631''' is defended by:
+
* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
  
−
* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
+
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The '''Potez 631''' is best used as a mid- to low-altitude energy fighter. The sluggish climb, poor performance above 16,000 feet and vulnerability to frontal damage limit its effectiveness as a higher-altitude interceptor, while the stability and surprising manoeuvrability at high speeds make it ideal for diving on vulnerable targets at low altitudes and then extending away to begin the slow climb to set up for another pass. If you attract the attention of an enemy fighter, do not attempt to climb away or to execute any advanced manoeuvres such as loops or chandelles, as the Potez 631 bleeds energy at an exceptional rate in any kind of a climb. Just stay level with the throttle wide open and let the dorsal gunner ward off trailing attackers until you can safely begin a shallow climb to set up for re-engagement. Pilots with solid gunnery skills who can accurately gauge convergence distance can excel in this aircraft with six converged guns and two centreline cannons delivering a high volume of lethal ordnance to a small targeted area.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
−
The '''Potez 631''' is best used as a mid- to low-altitude energy fighter. The sluggish climb, poor performance above 16,000 feet and vulnerability to frontal damage limit its effectiveness as a higher-altitude interceptor, while the stability and surprising maneuverability at high speeds make it ideal for diving on vulnerable targets at low altitudes and then extending away to begin the slow climb to set up for another pass. If you attract the attention of an enemy fighter, do not attempt to climb away or to execute any advanced maneuvers such as loops or chandelles, as the '''Potez 631''' bleeds energy at an exceptional rate in any kind of a climb. Just stay level with the throttle wide open and let the dorsal gunner warn off trailing attackers until you can safely begin a shallow climb to set up for re-engagement. Pilots with solid gunnery skills who can accurately gauge convergence distance can excel in this aircraft with six converged guns and two centerline cannons delivering a high volume of lethal ordnance to a small targeted area. 
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 +
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Surprisingly maneuverable for a heavy fighter
+
* Excellent manoeuvrability, even when compared to single-engined fighters
−
* Potent offensive armament
+
* Impressive offensive armament, delivering substantial firepower
 
* Stable at high speeds, effective dive characteristics
 
* Stable at high speeds, effective dive characteristics
−
* Excellent 360-degree visibility
+
* Offers excellent 360-degree visibility for enhanced situational awareness
 +
* Enhanced armament and manoeuvrability than [[Potez 630|its predecessor]]
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Nose and wings create a large profile and lack of armor make the aircraft highly vulnerable to battle damage
+
* The aircraft's large profile, along with the lack of armour, makes it highly vulnerable to battle damage
 
* Very sluggish climb rate, unimpressive max speed in level flight
 
* Very sluggish climb rate, unimpressive max speed in level flight
 
* Poor energy retention in turns and especially in vertical loops
 
* Poor energy retention in turns and especially in vertical loops
−
* Dorsal gun serves more of a warning role than as an effective defensive armament
+
* Ineffective defensive armament for protecting against incoming attacks.
−
* Overheat tendency in climbs
+
* Engine overheats when not utilising MEC
−
* Poor performance above 4,800 meters (16,000 feet)
+
* Poor performance above 4,800 m (16,000 ft.), WEP provides no performance boost above 2,000 m
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
In 1934, the French Air Ministry issued a requirement for a new twin-engine heavy fighter, capable of both day-fighter and night-fighter roles. The original Potez 630 prototype was designed to fulfil this role, while the Potez 631 was a re-engined variant of the 630 prototype. In July 1937, an initial order for 40 Potez 631 day-fighters was placed by the Air Ministry, and on August 2nd 1938, the first Potez 631 was accepted by the French Air Service. The aircraft was immediately used to re-equip units using the obsolete Les Mureaux 113 fighters then being used as night figher aircraft.
 +
 
 +
By the outbreak of the Second World War, the Air Service had 88 Potez 631 aircraft available, as well as many aircraft of other variants. The aircraft was brought into service in large numbers to replace the large numbers of [[D.500]] and M.S.225 aircraft being retired from active duty. However, as soon as the aircraft was pressed into service against the Germans, it was highly evident that the aircraft was ineffective in its role. It could barely keep up with German bombers such as the Ju 88, let alone the Bf 109 and Bf 110 fighters the aircraft was commonly fighting over the skies of France. As a result, the aircraft suffered heavy losses; the most successful squadron, F1C of the Aéronavale, managed 12 kills for 8 losses before being withdrawn from combat.
 +
 
 +
Following the French Armistice of 1940, the air force of Vichy France inherited 82 Potez 631 aircraft that had been left intact. These aircraft were mostly based in North Africa; however, many were destroyed during Operation Torch. On November 27th 1942, German forces occupied the Vichy air force bases and seized their aircraft. Around 130 Potez 630-type aircraft were taken, and many were sent to Romania for use as target tugs and trainer aircraft. The German forces also resumed production of the type, and built numerous more Potez 630 aircraft for use in transport, liaison and training roles. After the end of WWII, several Potez 631 aircraft were retained for training roles. Of these, three were recaptured examples, and served as trainers with the re-established French Air Force.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
[[File:Garage Image - Potez 631.jpg|left|thumb|500x500px|War Thunder Potez 631 - Left side]]
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=potez_631 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|ux0UOLTLKuM|'''Potez 631 in a short flight - Simulator battl''' - ''ScAreCrOw Gaming''|FSy6IFHZv1E|'''(Arcade): Potez 631 - Full Potential''' - ''TX141''|kWHz9HkF6Lc|'''Realistic: Potez 631 [Nimble Beast]''' - ''Jengar''}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
 +
* [[Potez 630 (Family)]]
  
−
{{Youtube-gallery|FSy6IFHZv1E|Arcade Battle Video Review|kWHz9HkF6Lc|Realistic Battle Video Review|ux0UOLTLKuM|Simulator Battle Demonstration (no commentary)}}
+
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
* [[File:Germany flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Bf 110 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:IJA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Ki-45 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Br.693AB2|Bréguet 693 AB.2]]
 +
* [[File:Britain flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Beaufighter (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:Britain flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Blenheim Mk IV]]
 +
* [[File:Netherlands flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Fokker G.IA (France)|Fokker G.IA]]
 +
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Yak-2 KABB]]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== External links ==
−
* [[Potez 630]]
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
== Sources ==
+
* [[wt:en/news/5022-development-potez-p-631-attacker-s-apprentice-en|[Devblog] Potez P.631: Attacker's Apprentice]]
−
* [[Wikipedia:Potez_630|Wikipedia - Potez 630]]
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/385890-potez-631/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
−
* [http://all-aero.com/index.php/54-planes-p-q-e-r-s/8072-potez-63--630--631--637 www.All-Aero.com - Potez 63 / 630 / 631 / 637]
+
* [[Wikipedia:Potez_630|[Wikipedia] Potez 630]]
−
* [https://www.passionair1940.fr/Armee%20de%20l%27Air/Appareils/Chasse/Potez-630-631/EN-Potez-631.htm www.passionair1940.fr - POTEZ 630-631]
+
* [http://all-aero.com/index.php/54-planes-p-q-e-r-s/8072-potez-63--630--631--637 <nowiki>[All-Aero]</nowiki> Potez 63 / 630 / 631 / 637]
  
−
{{France twin-engine fighters}}
+
{{AirManufacturer Potez}}
 +
{{France twin-engine fighters and attackers}}

Latest revision as of 22:05, 25 June 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the French bomber Potez 631. For other versions, see Potez 630 and Potez 633.
Potez 631
potez_631.png
GarageImage Potez 631.jpg
ArtImage Potez 631.png
Potez 631
France flag.png France
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.3 2.0
Class:
Research:4 600 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The SNCAN Potez 631 was the second production variant of the Potez 63 project, which was a project intended to provide France with modern heavy fighter capabilities and which eventually led to one of the most prolific and versatile series of combat aircraft to be built by the French aeronautical industry at the beginning of World War II. The 63 series, originally conceived in 1934, yielded not only strategic fighters but also light bombers as well as attack and reconnaissance planes, resulting in the production of more than 1,100 aircraft of different variants in the series by June 1940. This elegant aircraft remained in active service during the German occupation, and approximately 250 additional planes built in that period were used by the Luftwaffe as transport and liaison aircraft of the Vichy Air Force, the Italian Regia Aeronautica, and of the Romanian Air Force.

It was introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France" along with the initial French aviation tree. The Potez 631 is the second variant of the Potez found in the French Tech Tree dedicated for air-to-air combat. Compared to the previous Potez 630, the 631 features six wing-mounted 7.5 mm machine guns, which alongside the two 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose, give the Potez a powerful armament for its rank. However, this armament comes at the cost of speed, the added weight and already mediocre airframe coupled with less powerful engines than the previous variation makes this aircraft ineffective in duelling. Thus, it should be played in a more passive role, with boom and zoom tactics instead of rushing the center of the map.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 000 m430 km/h
Turn time21 s
Max altitude9 500 m
Engine2 х Gnome Rhone 14Mars
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight4 t

The Potez 631 is a slow climber and heavy lander, with a stall speed of 138 km/h (SB, 45 min fuel, full ammunition, no bombs), but is very stable in high-speed dives and turns and can be lethal when used properly as an energy fighter. Its maximum speed is modest at 332 km/h at 4,000 m (SB, 45 min fuel, full ammunition, no bombs) but manoeuvres surprisingly well at medium and high speeds and the canopy provides excellent 360-degree visibility.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 408 391 9500 22.4 23.6 4.1 4.1 350
Upgraded 453 430 19.8 21.0 12.1 7.4

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
710 295 346 329 240 ~10 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 360 < 360 < 330 > 320

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear295 km/h

The Potez 631 has no armour and is relatively fragile, and highly vulnerable to damage from the front which makes it less-than-ideal as a high-level interceptor. There are 2 self-sealing fuel tanks; one close to each wingroot.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB458 → 628 Sl icon.png
RB916 → 1 256 Sl icon.png
SB1 106 → 1 517 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 400 Rp icon.png
9 480 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces180 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 80 / 160 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS(a)
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
7_5mm_belt_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
7_5mm_turret_belt_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mac39_new_gun
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods turret gun.png
mac39_turret_new_gun
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
100 GPs
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
600 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_404_new_gun
Research:
680 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannon
Ammunition180 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Weapon 26 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun
Ammunition1 800 rounds
Fire rate1 350 shots/min
Main articles: Hispano 404 (20 mm), MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)

The Potez 631 is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannons, chin-mounted (90 rpg = 180 total)
  • 6 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)

The cannons are arranged in the belly of the fuselage right under the pilot's seat. The machine guns are wing-mounted, three guns in each wing.

Universal ammunition belts are the preferred loadout for both weapons in most cases, although the extra armour-piercing capabilities of the ground target belt for the cannon will work effectively against both armoured ground targets and aircraft for penetrating engine blocks. A short-burst of both cannon and MG fire at convergence range will mortally wound or destroy any opponent of equivalent rank. Recommended convergence settings: 300 m for high-energy fighter engagements, 400 m for boom-and-zoom bounce tactics against fighters/bombers/attackers, 500 m for ground attack. An alternative setup would be tracers on the machine guns, as this makes leading easier and also is very potent for setting planes on fire, as every bullet is an API-T.

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 12 x 100 kg No.1
Main article: №.1 (100 kg)

The Potez 631 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 100 kg №.1 bombs (200 kg total)

The Potez 631 can be armed with 2 x 100 No.1 bombs (118 kg each, with an explosive mass of 50 kg allowing for an armoured target destruction radius of 4 m) mounted under wing between the fuselage and each engine.

Defensive armament

Turret7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate1350 shots/min
Main article: MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)

The Potez 631 is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)

Usage in battles

The Potez 631 is best used as a mid- to low-altitude energy fighter. The sluggish climb, poor performance above 16,000 feet and vulnerability to frontal damage limit its effectiveness as a higher-altitude interceptor, while the stability and surprising manoeuvrability at high speeds make it ideal for diving on vulnerable targets at low altitudes and then extending away to begin the slow climb to set up for another pass. If you attract the attention of an enemy fighter, do not attempt to climb away or to execute any advanced manoeuvres such as loops or chandelles, as the Potez 631 bleeds energy at an exceptional rate in any kind of a climb. Just stay level with the throttle wide open and let the dorsal gunner ward off trailing attackers until you can safely begin a shallow climb to set up for re-engagement. Pilots with solid gunnery skills who can accurately gauge convergence distance can excel in this aircraft with six converged guns and two centreline cannons delivering a high volume of lethal ordnance to a small targeted area.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent manoeuvrability, even when compared to single-engined fighters
  • Impressive offensive armament, delivering substantial firepower
  • Stable at high speeds, effective dive characteristics
  • Offers excellent 360-degree visibility for enhanced situational awareness
  • Enhanced armament and manoeuvrability than its predecessor

Cons:

  • The aircraft's large profile, along with the lack of armour, makes it highly vulnerable to battle damage
  • Very sluggish climb rate, unimpressive max speed in level flight
  • Poor energy retention in turns and especially in vertical loops
  • Ineffective defensive armament for protecting against incoming attacks.
  • Engine overheats when not utilising MEC
  • Poor performance above 4,800 m (16,000 ft.), WEP provides no performance boost above 2,000 m

History

In 1934, the French Air Ministry issued a requirement for a new twin-engine heavy fighter, capable of both day-fighter and night-fighter roles. The original Potez 630 prototype was designed to fulfil this role, while the Potez 631 was a re-engined variant of the 630 prototype. In July 1937, an initial order for 40 Potez 631 day-fighters was placed by the Air Ministry, and on August 2nd 1938, the first Potez 631 was accepted by the French Air Service. The aircraft was immediately used to re-equip units using the obsolete Les Mureaux 113 fighters then being used as night figher aircraft.

By the outbreak of the Second World War, the Air Service had 88 Potez 631 aircraft available, as well as many aircraft of other variants. The aircraft was brought into service in large numbers to replace the large numbers of D.500 and M.S.225 aircraft being retired from active duty. However, as soon as the aircraft was pressed into service against the Germans, it was highly evident that the aircraft was ineffective in its role. It could barely keep up with German bombers such as the Ju 88, let alone the Bf 109 and Bf 110 fighters the aircraft was commonly fighting over the skies of France. As a result, the aircraft suffered heavy losses; the most successful squadron, F1C of the Aéronavale, managed 12 kills for 8 losses before being withdrawn from combat.

Following the French Armistice of 1940, the air force of Vichy France inherited 82 Potez 631 aircraft that had been left intact. These aircraft were mostly based in North Africa; however, many were destroyed during Operation Torch. On November 27th 1942, German forces occupied the Vichy air force bases and seized their aircraft. Around 130 Potez 630-type aircraft were taken, and many were sent to Romania for use as target tugs and trainer aircraft. The German forces also resumed production of the type, and built numerous more Potez 630 aircraft for use in transport, liaison and training roles. After the end of WWII, several Potez 631 aircraft were retained for training roles. Of these, three were recaptured examples, and served as trainers with the re-established French Air Force.

Media

Skins
Videos
Potez 631 in a short flight - Simulator battl - ScAreCrOw Gaming
(Arcade): Potez 631 - Full Potential - TX141
Realistic: Potez 631 [Nimble Beast] - Jengar

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Potez (SNCAN)
Fighters  Potez 630 · Potez 631
Bombers  Potez 633

France twin-engine fighters and strike aircraft
Twin-engine fighters  Potez 630 · Potez 631 · VB.10C-1 · VB.10-02
Strike aircraft  Br.693AB2 · ▄AD-4 · ▄AD-4NA
Netherlands 
Twin-engine fighters  ◗Fokker G.IA
Strike aircraft  ◘Firefly F.Mk.IV

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