Magazine. “Les Ailes”, issue 3

The third issue of the quarterly magazine “Les Ailes” showcases French aircraft from the Second World War, including both the Dewoitine D.520 and the Bloch 152.

Having arrived in newsstands last summer, the magazine “Les Ailes” continues to explore French aviation heritage, and in its first issue of 2022, it sets out to celebrate the French aircraft that served in the Second World War.

The main feature of this issue, the first of four to come in 2022, is devoted to the Dewoitine D.520. With more than 700 aircraft produced, it remains one of the symbols of the French resistance against the Luftwaffe. In operation from May 1940, the Dewoitine helped slow down the invader. Then, having been commandeered by Vichy France and Nazi Germany, it was used on many other fronts. Towards the end of the war, several of the aircraft were reclaimed by the Free French Forces fighter group under the leadership of Marcel Doret. The fighter aircraft first operated under the French Atlantic Forces in the Bordeaux region, then over the Royan pocket.

In addition to this detailed feature, the magazine offers an insight into the work of Dassault Aviation employees who volunteered for a reverse-engineering project concerning the Bloch 152, another legendary aircraft of which, sadly, none of the originals remain. To carry out this operation, the thirty or so employees of the company⁠—which is funding the project⁠—have formed partnerships with both high schools and institutes of higher education.

This issue also includes an article on the camouflage of French aircraft in the lead-up to the war of 1939-1945, as well as a focus on the American aircraft, Curtiss P-40 F, notably used by the 2/4 La Fayette fighter squadron (now based in Saint-Dizier and operating onboard Rafale aircraft), from 1942 onwards. Not to mention the more regular news, such as books, letters from readers, model aircraft and more.

Magazine. “Les Ailes – la revue du patrimoine et de l’histoire aéronautique française”, #3. January-February-March 2022. Éditions Lela Presse. 80 pages.