The Dewoitine D.520 is a French fighter aircraft that commenced operations in early 1940, shortly following the onset of the Second World War.
The D.520 was developed in response to a 1936 requirement from the French Air Force for a fast, contemporary fighter featuring excellent climbing capabilities and an armament focused on a 20 mm cannon.
At that time, the most powerful V-12 liquid-cooled engine available in France was the Hispano-Suiza 12Y, which, while less powerful, was lighter than its contemporaries such as the Rolls-Royce Merlin and Daimler-Benz DB 601.
Other fighter aircraft were designed to fulfil these specifications; however, none were able to enter service, or did so in limited numbers, arriving too late to have a significant impact during the Battle of France.
In contrast to the Morane-Saulnier M.S.406, which was the most prevalent fighter in the French Air Force at that time, the Dewoitine D.520 approached parity with the latest German aircraft, including the Messerschmitt Bf 109.
Although it was slower than the Bf 109E, it excelled in manoeuvrability.
Due to production delays, only a limited number were ready for combat against the Luftwaffe.
The D.520 demonstrated a reasonable capability as a dog-fighter against the Luftwaffe’s fleet, yet its insufficient numbers prevented it from making a significant impact.
After the armistice of 1940, the D.520 remained in service, being utilised by both the Free French Air Force and the Vichy French Air Force.
The aircraft was also reintroduced into production in 1942, albeit at a reduced rate compared to 1940.
Additional units were operated by the Luftwaffe, Regia Aeronautica Italiana, and the Bulgarian Air Force.
The D.520 engaged in combat operations in North Africa, Bulgaria, and on the Eastern Front, as well as being employed in France and Germany for training and defensive roles.
In its later years, it served as a trainer aircraft.
On 3 September 1953, the final D.520s were officially retired from service.
