Engineering:List of military aircraft of France

From HandWiki
Short description: None
Nieuport 28

France has used many military aircraft both in the French Air and Space Force, and other branches of its armed forces. Multiple aircraft were designed and built in France, but many aircraft from elsewhere, or part of joint ventures have been used as well. Lighter-than-air aircraft such as dirigibles and balloons found use starting in the 19th century used mainly for observation. The advent of World War I saw an explosion in the number France's aircraft, though development slowed after. While having many promising designs in development in the 1930s, government wrangling delayed development enough there was little available at the out break of World War II. The armistice in 1940 marked a low point, with Vichy France being allowed only reduced numbers and development halting. Many French aircraft were captured and used by Nazi Germany and its allies. Some aircraft that did escape served with the Allies or Free French forces, who also used many other types of allied aircraft. The cold-war saw the continued use of many other Western aircraft, mainly from the United States , during a period of rebuilding of the aviation industry and under threat of war with the Soviet Union. Many new types would come into service including the very successful Mirage series or the latest design, the Rafale.

To the end of World War I


World War II

See List of aircraft of the French Air Force during World War II

Rest of the 20th century


21st century

Aircraft either introduced after 2000 or in service as of 2000.

Fixed-wing

Propeller


Jet


Helicopters


Gallery of the progression of French fighters

Gallery of the progression of French naval fighters

References