Azur FR034 Northrop Gamma 2E Bomber in China

Northrop A-17 is a single-engine, two-seater light bomber, steel structure with classic tail. The first flight of the prototype took place in 1935, and serial production started in 1936. A total of 411 were built. In the second half of the 1930s, the A-17 was the backbone of USAAC tactical aviation. The plane had good flight characteristics, was reliable and easy to operate. When the A-17 entered the line it was a technologically advanced aircraft, but by the time the US entered World War II it was already obsolete. From 1942, it was only a training aircraft. These aircraft were successfully exported to other countries with the designation: Douglas DB-8A (Sweden), Douglas 8A (Argentina, Peru, the Netherlands, Iraq, Norway). After the outbreak of World War II, France urgently ordered 96 machines of this type, but they were not delivered on time - 61 machines from this batch were delivered to Great Britain. The aircraft for USAAC was produced in two basic versions: A-17 and A-17A, differing in engine power. Technical data (version A): Top speed: 354 km / h; maximum ceiling 5900 m, maximum range: 1180 km, fixed armament: 5 km, caliber 7.92, and overhead armament weighing up to 750 kg.