In 1931, the Potez Company
met a popular success with its Potez 36. It extrapolates a version
with improved aerodynamics: the Potez 43.
The aircraft is very similar
to its predecessor, the Potez 36. It retains the monoplane formula
with high wing and fixed landing gear, but the cabin can now accommodate
three people. The empennage is redrawn, and the wheels can receive
a fairing. The wings are equipped with leading edges to delay stall,
and to fly slowly. The aircraft, powered by a Radial engine Potez
6Ac 105ch, made its first flight in June 1932. The prototype will
be followed only a few weeks later, by a first series of 25 Potez
430.
For the promotion of the
aircraft, two copies, F-AMBM and F-AMBN, will be lined up on August
12, 1932, at the start of the international aviation tourism competition
organized by Germany. On August 28th, only 24 of the 43 participants
will join the finish in Berlin, including Pierre Duroyon, one of
the two pilots from Potez, who ranks at the 22nd place. The second
pilot, Georges Detre, will be disqualified due to a cruising speed
that is too low.
Other versions were turned
down from this Potez 430, including the adoption of Renault inline
engines (Potez 432, 435, 437 and 438) or De-Havilland Gipsy Staff
(Potez 434). The silhouette of the aircraft is in this case, deeply
modified with a long and thin hood much more aesthetic.
The Potez 438 will be made
for the military as a training and liaison aircraft. It is equipped
with radio equipment and a tail wheel. 40 copies will be produced
and put into service in the school or in the units of the first
lines as liaison plane.
At the declaration of War,
in September 1939, many Potez 43 will be requisitioned and paid
in school or unit. Of the 157 machines manufactured, few aircrafts
will survive the events, but some restored models, still fly nowadays
for the pleasure of enthusiasts.
