French aircraft in Luftwaffe service captured by US forces at Marignane in August 1944

0:05 Potez 540 multi-role aircraft of the 1930s. Designed and built by Potez, it served with the French Air Force as a reconnaissance bomber, also serving with the Spanish Republican Air Force during the Spanish Civil War. Although obsolete as a bomber, it remained in service in support roles and in France's overseas colonies at the start of World War II.

0:19 Lioré et Olivier LeO 45 designed for the new Armée de l'air as a modern medium bomber capable of performing independent strategic operations, unlike the majority of previous French bombers. As only a handful of aircraft had been introduced into the French Air Force by the outbreak of the Second World War, the LeO 45 was too late to provide a substantial contribution during the Battle of France in the face of an invasion by Germany. After the Armistice of June 22nd 1940, the type continued to be manufactured and operated by occupied Vichy France. The LeO 45 participated in combat missions throughout the remainder of the war and continued to be used for some time after its end by the post-war French Air Force. The last examples in active service were retired in September 1957. Of note is the powerful Hispano-Suiza HS.404 20mm cannon in a dorsal mount at a time when rifle-caliber machine guns were more typical defensive armament.

If you would like to support the channel consider visiting https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hw97karbine