Difference between revisions of "Potez 631"

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{{About
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{{Specs-Card|code=potez_631}}
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| about = French bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| and
 
−
| usage = other versions
 
−
| link-1 = Potez 630
 
−
| link-2 = Potez 633
 
−
}}
 
−
{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=potez_631
 
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
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.
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]] along with the initial French aviation tree. Its armament features the last-ditch French effort to upgrade the aircraft before the outbreak of hostilities, equipped with 2 x 20 mm underbelly cannons and 6 wing-mounted 7.5 mm machine guns, along with a single 7.5 mm rear-facing defensive turret.
  
−
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.
+
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 Romanian Air Force.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.
+
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.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
+
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,000 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
+
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Stock
+
| 408 || 391 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.4 || 23.6 || 4.1 || 4.1 || 350
−
| 408 || 391 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.4 || 23.6 || 4.1 || 4.1 || rowspan="2" | 350
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Upgraded
+
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
−
| 453 || 430 || 19.8 || 21.0 || 12.1 || 7.4
+
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,000 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| ??? || 430 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || 21.0 || ??.? || 7.4 || 350
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
+
! Combat flaps
 +
! Take-off flaps
 +
! Landing flaps
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
Line 52: Line 69:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | Limits
+
! colspan="5" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
+
! +
 +
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 710 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 346 || 329 || 240 || ~10 || ~7
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 360 || ~9 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
+
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 360 || < 360 || < 330 || > 320
 
| < 360 || < 360 || < 330 || > 320
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 3,400 m || 660 hp || 810 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.
+
The '''Potez 631''' has minimal armour and is relatively fragile, and highly vulnerable to damage from the front which makes it less-than-ideal as a high-level interceptor.
−
 
 
−
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
−
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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)}}
Line 99: Line 128:
 
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 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.
+
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.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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)}}
 
{{main|№.1 (100 kg)}}
Line 111: Line 139:
 
* 2 x 100 kg №.1 bombs (200 kg total)
 
* 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.
+
The '''Potez 631''' can be armed with 2 x 100 No.1 bombs (118 kg each, explosive mass of 50 kg with an armoured target destruction radius of 4 m) 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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)}}
 
{{main|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
Line 142: Line 169:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 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
 
| 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
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! colspan="1" | Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 +
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 7 mm
 +
| Turret 7 mm
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| New 7 mm MGs
 +
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
| 100 GPs
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 20 mm cannons
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Excellent manoeuvrability, even when compared to single-engined fighters
+
* Excellent maneuverability, even when compared to single engined fighters
−
* Impressive offensive armament, delivering substantial firepower
+
* Potent offensive armament
 
* Stable at high speeds, effective dive characteristics
 
* Stable at high speeds, effective dive characteristics
−
* Offers excellent 360-degree visibility for enhanced situational awareness
+
* Excellent 360-degree visibility
−
* Enhanced armament and manoeuvrability than [[Potez 630|its predecessor]]
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* The aircraft's large profile, along with the lack of armour, makes it highly vulnerable to battle damage
+
* Nose and wings create a large profile and lack of armour make the aircraft 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
−
* Ineffective defensive armament for protecting against incoming attacks.
+
* Ineffective defensive armament
−
* Engine overheats when not utilising MEC
+
* Engine overheats when not using MEC
−
* Poor performance above 4,800 m (16,000 ft.), WEP provides no performance boost above 2,000 m
+
* Poor performance above 4,800 meters (16,000 feet), WEP provides no performance boost above 2000 meters
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
+
''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 ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
[[File:Garage Image - Potez 631.jpg|none|thumb|500x500px|War Thunder Potez 631 - Left side]]
  
−
;Skins
+
{{Youtube-gallery|FSy6IFHZv1E|Arcade Battle Video Review|kWHz9HkF6Lc|Realistic Battle Video Review|ux0UOLTLKuM|Simulator Battle Demonstration (no commentary)}}
−
 
 
−
* [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 ==
 
== See also ==
Line 188: Line 241:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
 
−
;Related development
 
  
 
* [[Potez 630]]
 
* [[Potez 630]]
−
* [[Potez 633]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* [[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]
 
  
−
{{AirManufacturer Potez}}
 
 
{{France twin-engine fighters and attackers}}
 
{{France twin-engine fighters and attackers}}

Revision as of 10:37, 13 July 2019

VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
Potez 631
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

GarageImage Potez 631.jpg


The Potez 631 is a rank II French twin-engine fighter with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB), 2.3 (RB), and 2.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France" along with the initial French aviation tree. Its armament features the last-ditch French effort to upgrade the aircraft before the outbreak of hostilities, equipped with 2 x 20 mm underbelly cannons and 6 wing-mounted 7.5 mm machine guns, along with a single 7.5 mm rear-facing defensive turret.

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 Romanian Air Force.

General info

Flight performance

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

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flaps
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
360 ~9 ~6
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 360 < 360 < 330 > 320
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,400 m 660 hp 810 hp

Survivability and armour

The Potez 631 has minimal armour and is relatively fragile, and highly vulnerable to damage from the front which makes it less-than-ideal as a high-level interceptor.

Armaments

Offensive armament

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.

Suspended armament

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, explosive mass of 50 kg with an armoured target destruction radius of 4 m) mounted under wing between the fuselage and each engine.

Defensive armament

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm Turret 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs New 7 mm MGs (turret)
III Wings repair Engine Offensive 20 mm 100 GPs
IV Engine injection Cover New 20 mm cannons

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent maneuverability, even when compared to single engined fighters
  • Potent offensive armament
  • Stable at high speeds, effective dive characteristics
  • Excellent 360-degree visibility

Cons:

  • Nose and wings create a large profile and lack of armour make the aircraft 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
  • Engine overheats when not using MEC
  • Poor performance above 4,800 meters (16,000 feet), WEP provides no performance boost above 2000 meters

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 long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

File:Garage Image - Potez 631.jpg
War Thunder Potez 631 - Left side
Arcade Battle Video Review
Realistic Battle Video Review
Simulator Battle Demonstration (no commentary)

See also

External links


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

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