Dewoitine D 500
Channel: the aleatoric learning channel
Date: 21/12/2021

Developed from a specification issued by the French Air Ministry during 1930, the D.500 was developed to be a more capable replacement to the Nieuport 62. During the Spanish Civil War, it was surreptitiously supplied to the Spanish Republican Air Force; it was also flown by the Republic of China Air Force against the invading Japanese during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Despite being largely obsolete, both D.500s and D.510s were operated by the French Air Force during the initial months of the Second World War, the latter remaining in use up to the end of the Battle of France and signing of the Armistice of 22 June 1940 between France and Nazi Germany. The origins of the D.500 can be found in the issuing of the C1 specifications by the French Air Ministry during 1930. During July 1935, the initial models of the aircraft, the D.500 and D.501, were inducted into the Armée de l'Air. During October 1936, the first examples of the more powerful D.510 variant were also delivered. The D.510s were retained in the mainline fighter role until their replacement by the more capable Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 during 1939. During November 1939, in Morocco, North Africa, a single escadrille of D.510s was activated despite these planes lacking cannon. At Dakar, one groupe designated GC I/6, remained in service until being replaced by Curtiss H-75s at the end of 1941.Fourteen D.501s, originally sold to Lithuania, and two D.510s ostensibly intended for the Emirate of Hedjaz, saw service with the Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War, arriving some time during mid-1936. During the conflict, the two D.510s were assigned to the 71st Coastal Defense Group. During 1938, one aircraft was irreparably damaged while landing, while the other was destroyed on a runway during a bombing attack. 7 x D.500 and 2 x D.510 in the Escuadrilla Internacional.