Bloch MB.300 Pacifique
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1935 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Aircraft |
The Bloch MB.300 Pacifique, also referred to as La Grosse Julie, was a French all-metal monoplane equipped with three engines, designed specifically as a commercial airliner for Air France. Constructed by Société des Avions Marcel Bloch in 1935, only a single prototype was completed. Ultimately, Air France dismissed the model in 1938, opting instead for the Dewoitine D.620.
Design and development
The initial flight of the prototype took place in November 1935 at Villacoublay airfield. After preliminary evaluations, the aircraft underwent several modifications during early 1936 and again in March 1937. These changes included a decrease in wingspan, an enlarged tail assembly, and a reduction in passenger seating from 30 to 24. Once it obtained its airworthiness certification, the plane was registered under the code F-AOUI.
Although Air France conducted operational trials until January 1938 and acquired the aircraft, they ultimately declined to incorporate it into their fleet. The final disposition of this airplane remains uncertain; it was most likely dismantled, but some unverified accounts indicate it may have been delivered to Spain.