MB.170

The Bloch MB.170 and its derivatives were French reconnaissance bombers designed and built shortly before the Second World War. They were the best aircraft of this type available to the Armée de l'Air at the outbreak of the war, with speed, altitude and manoeuvrability that allowed them to evade interception by the German fighters. Although the aircraft could have been in service by 1937, debate over what role to give the aircraft delayed deliveries until 1940. Too few in number to affect the Battle of France, they continued in service with the Vichy forces after the Armistice of 22 June 1940. The MB.174 is notable as the aircraft flown by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince during the campaign. His work Pilote de Guerre (Flight to Arras), published in 1942, is based on a 1940 reconnaissance mission in this type of aircraft. Production of the type recommenced after the war as the SNCASO SO.175, with the final examples remaining in French service until 1960.

Summary from Wikipedia, photo via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA.