Celebration of the Flamant’s 70th year

The year 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of the Flamant, one of the iconic aircraft produced by the Marcel Dassault plants.

On July 30, 1946, Marcel Dassault secured a contract for the production and supply of two aircraft:

•         liaison and pilot training (no. 1), which became the MB 303.
•         navigation and bombing training (no. 2), which became the MB 301.

In accordance with the State’s wishes, these aircraft were to be equipped with the Lorraine Béarn engine, but tests demonstrated the inadequate power of these engines. The MB 303 was then abandoned in favor of the MD 315, developed at the same time through Marcel Dassault’s capital and equipped with the Snecma 12 S Argus.

An initial contract for 65 aircraft was signed on December 3, 1947. One year later, on November 8, 1948, this was followed by another contract for 230 plus 25 aircraft (late 1950) for the French Navy, for a total of 325 aircraft, including the prototypes.

Three Flamant models were built:

•         The MD 311, characterized by its glass nose, for navigation and bombing training
•         The MD 312, liaison and flying school aircraft, an MD 312 version exists for the French Navy
•         The MD 315, aircraft dedicated to overseas missions and rescue operations.