Bloch MB.60
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1929 |
| Founder | Marcel Bloch |
| Products | Aircraft |
The Bloch MB.60, originally designated as the MB.VI, was a French tri-engine mailplane developed between 1930 and 1931, intended for use in postal delivery, commercial transport, and medical evacuation.
Design and development
Established in 1929 by Marcel Bloch, Société des Avions Marcel Bloch embarked on its inaugural project with the MB.60, a tri-motor aircraft designed for commercial transportation. The airframe was crafted entirely from lightweight metal alloys complemented by steel components, incorporating advanced production methods such as fastening external stringers and longerons directly to the skin panels prior to their attachment to internal ribs and frames. This approach yielded a robust yet lightweight structure that facilitated efficient manufacturing.
The MB.60 featured three Salmson 9AC engines—one positioned at the nose and two mounted within nacelles on the wings. Its configuration was that of a high-wing cantilever monoplane with wings composed of three segments, exhibiting moderate dihedral on the outer sections. The fuselage had a square cross-section with a uniform cabin area tapering towards an all-metal tail assembly constructed using the same external stringer technique. The landing gear consisted of tall, strut-supported oleo-pneumatic main legs affixed near the outer engine nacelles and included a steerable tailwheel made from light alloy.
A subsequent model, the MB.61, equipped with three Lorraine 5Pc engines, conducted its maiden flight in February 1931. Neither variant proceeded to mass production.
Operational history
Produced under subcontract at Buc under the oversight of Bloch, the MB.60 took to the air for the first time on 12 September 1930, piloted by René Delmotte. Flight evaluations carried out at Buc and Villacoublay demonstrated satisfactory operational capabilities.
Following adjustments, the MB.61 suffered a crash in April 1931 caused by reversed control connections during reassembly; it was subsequently repaired and returned to flight testing starting in May 1931.
Data sourced from: Dassault Aviation: MB 60-61: origins, characteristics and performance data
- MB.VI
- Original project designation for the MB.60 powered by three Salmson 9AC engines; not constructed.
- MB.60
- Initial prototype, an enlarged version of the MB.VI with three Salmson 9AC engines; one unit completed.
- MB.61
- Second aircraft fitted with three Lorraine 5Pc engines; one unit completed.
- MB.62 ET4
- Proposed four-seat military trainer variant; not produced.