Breguet Br.695. Algeria 1946.

[zenrat]

The Bréguet 690 and its derivatives were a series of light twin-engine ground-attack aircraft that were used by the French Air Force in World War II.

Breguet Br.695  - 21 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

The aircraft was intended to be easy to maintain, forgiving to fly, and capable of 480 km/h (300 mph) at 4,000 m (13,120 ft). The type's sturdy construction was frequently demonstrated and the armament was effective. However, French rearmament began two full years later than that in Britain, and none of these aircraft were available in sufficient numbers to make a difference in 1940.

Breguet Br.695  - 7 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Following the French surrender the Luftwaffe had first pick of those aircraft handed over with the Vichy collaborators  being allowed to use those it rejected.  Aircraft from the Br.690 series were taken by the Nazis for use in the Mediterranean theatre and North Africa.  They were re-armed with German weapons and refinished in the standard RLM decreed colours fo the theatre.

Breguet Br.695  - 6 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

Following the end of the war France took back their remaining aircraft.  Br.695s were put into service in Algeria where they were used to suppress uppity local tribes.  They remained as used by the Luftwaffe with French roundels painted over the Balkenkreuz.

Breguet Br.695  - 16 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

The aircraft shown is that held in the collection at the PDRV People's Aviation Museum at Dadswell Bridge Field in Victoria.  It was restored as it appeared in Algeria in 1946 including offset roundels on the port wing which on the original aircraft were allegedly due to the ground crew having taken a hookah break before finishing the job.  It is photographed below next to the collection's Mexican Beaufighter to give some idea of relative size.

Breguet Br.695  - 24 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

The Model
Azur Breguet Br.695 built OOB.
Painted with Vallejo Acrylics.

Breguet Br.695  - 23 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

[PR19_Kit]

Very smart Fred, and a nice looking aircraft, one that I knew little about. 

Love the concept of a 'hookah break'. 

[NARSES2]

That's come out really well mate 

Plus it's encouraged me to go rummaging amongst the kits of French aircraft in the stash 

[Rheged]

That's come out very nicely indeed. I appreciate parking it beside the Beaufighter to give a size comparison.

[Dizzyfugu]

That's looking good - nice to see a Breguet 69X in something different than the standard French grey/green/brown colors. 

Reminds me that I have a Heller one in the stash (with a plan) that should be built some day... 

[zenrat]

Thanks folks.

[Old Wombat]

That is a very nice looking little aeroplane, Fred!

[zenrat]

Cheers mate.

[chrisonord]

Very nice  Fred

[Leading Observer]

 

[zenrat]

Thanks guys.

[comrade harps]

Very neat that 

[zenrat]

Thank you comrade.

[Glenn Gilbertson]

Good looker - I like that scheme!

[zenrat]

Thanks GG.