Wibault 220
| Company type | Aircraft manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Founder | Michel Wibault |
| Products | Aircraft |
The Wibault 220, also known as the Wibault R.N.3 220, was a French twin-engine aircraft developed specifically for nocturnal reconnaissance missions. A total of two units were produced in 1930 following a government order.
Design
Designed by Michel Wibault, a trailblazer in all-metal aviation alongside figures such as Hugo Junkers and Claudius Dornier, the Wibault 220 was intended for night reconnaissance operations with a crew of three, as indicated by its R.N.3 classification. The aircraft employed an entirely metal framework combined with corrugated metal skinning to enhance structural rigidity where necessary. Its high-mounted cantilever wing comprised a rectangular central section and trapezoidal outer panels featuring mild dihedral angles, constructed around two І-section spars. The trailing edges of the outer wing sections were fitted with unbalanced ailerons. Consistent with previous Wibault designs, the ribs protruded through the metal skin made from strips with upturned edges.
Propulsion was provided by two Gnome-Rhône 9Ac Jupiter nine-cylinder radial engines, each affixed beneath the outer center wing section using duralumin plates and steel tubing. These engines were enclosed in streamlined teardrop cowlings with exposed cylinder heads to facilitate cooling.
The fuselage had flat sides framed in duralumin and was covered with corrugated duralumin sheets, featuring rounded upper and lower decks. The semi-cylindrical nose housed an open cockpit for the navigator, who operated twin flexible machine guns. The pilot occupied an open cockpit situated at the wing’s leading edge, while a rear gunner/observer’s station located behind the wing’s trailing edge included another set of flexible guns, access to a ventral gun position, and an observation camera hatch. The fuselage tapered toward a conventional cantilever tail assembly comprising a triangular tailplane and fin, narrow elevators, and a tall trapezoidal rudder extending down to the keel.
The fixed conventional landing gear consisted of main wheels mounted on V-shaped struts hinged to lower fuselage frames beneath the engines, supported by vertical Messier oleo legs providing a wide wheel track. A steerable tailskid equipped with a Messier shock absorber completed the undercarriage.
Development
In March 1930, the French Senate authorized the construction of two Wibault 220 aircraft, both reportedly under production by April of that year. By late May 1930, one prototype underwent testing at Villacoublay, and by early June pilot Raoul Ribière had conducted multiple flights. Following these events, no additional information appeared in French aviation publications.