France's Latécoère Laté 298 floatplane, torpedo / reconnaissance, bomber
Photos
Latécoère Laté 298 floatplane:  |
Latécoère Laté 298 floatplane:  |
Latécoère Laté 298 floatplane:  |
Latécoère Laté 298 floatplane:  |
Design
The Latécoère Laté 298 was designed to be a torpedo bomber, dive bomber, level bomber, reconnaissance, and patrol.1,2 The Laté 298 was first designed in 1935.2
The Laté 298 was constructed from all metal.1,2 There were two floats that were attached to the low wings and fuselage.2
Armament
The torpedo was carried slightly recessed into the fuselage just behind the propeller disk.1,2 Bombs could also be placed in the fuselage for use.2
Prototype
The Laté 298.01 prototype first flew on May 8, 1936.1,2
Production
- Latécoère Laté 298A, Latécoère Laté 298B, Latécoère Laté 298D: ~1101
- Latécoère Laté 298F: 301
- Total: 2002
- Manufacturer: Latécoère2
- Production: 1937 - ?2
Variants
- Latécoère Laté 298.01: Prototype.1
- Latécoère Laté 298A: Cockpit canopy was revised.1 Fixed wings.1
- Latécoère Laté 298B: To be used from seaplane carriers.1 Folding wings.1 Dual controls.1
- Latécoère Laté 298C: Only a project.1
- Latécoère Laté 298D: Dual controls.1 Fixed wings.1
- Latécoère Laté 298E: Single Laté 298D converted.1 Used for observation and coastal patrol.1 The bomb mounts and torpedo crutch were replaced by a observation gondola.1
- Latécoère Laté 298F: Built by Breguet for Germany.1 Like the Laté 298D but without dual controls.1
Usage
The Laté 298 was used by France, Germany, and Vichy France.1
The Latécoère Laté 298 entered service with the French Navy in February 1939.1
World War II
At the start of World War II there were four Escadrilles that were equipped with the Latécoère Laté 298.1
Battle of France
During the Battle of France the Laté 298s were used mostly as ground attackers.1 They were also used against the Italians in southern France and the Mediterranean.1
RAF Use
The Royal Air Force (RAF) had one unit equipped with the Laté 298s that were used in antisubmarine patrols.2
Free French
The Free French used the Laté 298s from West Africa and the Mediterranean.1 Sometimes being used against U-boats.1
Later the Laté 298s were used against Germany coastal installations.1
After World War II
After World War II a few Laté 298s remained in service until 1951.2
Specifications
| Latécoère Laté 2981,2 | Latécoère Laté 298D1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Bomber2, Torpedo floatplane1, Reconnaissance floatplane1 | Torpedo floatplane1, Reconnaissance floatplane1 |
| Crew | 2 - 32, 31 | 41 |
| Engine (Type) | Hispano-Suiza 12Ycrs-11,2 | |
| Cylinders | V 121,2 | |
| Cooling | Liquid2 | |
| Net HP | 8801,2 | |
| Propeller blades | 31 | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Span | 50' 10"2, 50' 10.25"1 15.5 m1 |
|
| Length | 41' 2"2, 41' 2.5"1 12.56 m1 |
|
| Height | 16' 10"2, 17' 1.25"1 15.21 m1 |
|
| Wing area | ||
| Weight | ||
| Empty | 6,770 lb1 3,071 kg1 |
|
| Loaded | 9,960 lb2 | 10,582 lb1 4,800 kg1 |
| Performance | ||
| Speed @ 6,560' / 2,000 m |
186 mph2 | 180 mph1 290 kph1 |
| Cruising speed | 149 mph1 240 kph1 |
|
| Climb to 4,920' / 1,500 m |
5.7 minutes1 | |
| Service ceiling | 19,685'2 | 16,732'1 5,100 m1 |
| Range | 932 miles2 | 621 miles1 1,000 km1 |
| Maximum range | 1,367 miles1 2,200 km1 |
|
| Armament | 3: MG2 | |
| Wings | 2: 7.5 mm MG1 | |
| Rear cockpit | 1: 7.5 mm MG1 | |
| Bombs | 1,477 lb2 | |
| Torpedo | 1: 1,477 lb1 1: 700 kg1 |
|
| OR | ||
| Bombs or depth charges | 1,102 lb1 500 kg1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- World War II Airplanes Volume 1, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
