The Arsenal VG-33 was a fast French light fighter developed at the onset of World War II, intended to strengthen the Armée de l’Air.
Despite its high performance, delays in production meant it saw limited service before the Battle of France concluded.
Development
In 1936, French aviation authorities issued a specification for a wooden light fighter, prioritising rapid mass production to modernise the air force.
This led to the development of three competing designs.
The VG-30, Caudron C.714, and Bloch MB.700.
Named after engineer Michel Vernisse and designer Jean Galtier, the VG-30 utilised semi-monocoque plywood construction.
It featured a low-wing monoplane layout, bearing similarities to the later Macchi C.202.
The fighter’s armament included a 20 mm Hispano-Suiza HS.404 moteur-canon, firing through the propeller hub, supported by four 7.5 mm MAC 1934 M39 machine guns, mounted in the wings.
The aircraft was originally designed to use the Potez 12Dc air-cooled inline engine, but technical difficulties led to a switch to the Hispano-Suiza 12Xcrs, with the prototype flying in October 1938.
Evolution and Variants
To address engine concerns, several variants were developed.
VG-31 (1939) powered by a 860 hp Hispano-Suiza 12Y-31, offering excellent performance.
VG-32 (1940) fitted with an Allison V-1710C-15, but was captured by German forces at Villacoublay before flight.
VG-33, a refinement of the VG-31, flew on April 25, 1939, reaching 560 km/h (348 mph).
France ordered 220 units, later expanded to 1,000, but production delays prevented many from receiving engines before the German invasion.
VG-39 (1,200 hp), achieving 625 km/h (388 mph) but never mass-produced.
VG-40 and VG-50, proposed to use Rolls-Royce Merlin III and Allison V-1710-39 engines, respectively, but remained conceptual.
Operational History
Due to production delays, the VG-33 never entered active combat.
By the 1940 Armistice, only 19 units were delivered, with around 40 completed and 160 near completion.
Just two aircraft briefly entered service with GC 1/55, flying under chaotic conditions four days before the Armistice.
Despite using an older engine than the Dewoitine D.520, the VG-33 climbed faster, with comparable top speeds.
Although under-armed compared to the Messerschmitt Bf 109, it performed well below 5,000 meters but struggled above that altitude due to supercharger limitations.
The Germans captured four VG-33s, testing one at Rechlin in late 1940, but the aircraft was not integrated into Luftwaffe operations.
