In May 1937, the Ministry
of Air issues a call for tenders to French manufacturers for the
supply of a "T3" triplace aircraft, capable of carrying
out observation, liaison or reconnaissance missions.
Four manufacturers respond
favorably, including the company Potez, integrated in the SNCAC
(National Company of Aeronautical Constructions of the North) since
the nationalization. The manufacturer offers a version derived from
its twin-engine civil transport, the Potez 560.
The unit is a twin-engine
monoplane powered motorized by two radial engine Potez 9Ab, air-cooled
of 185-hp. Made entirely of wood, it is equipped with a retractable
landing gear. Compared to the civilian model, it has a dorsal turret
that can receive a 7.5mm machine gun and a "tub" ventral
for the observer. The new device wins the contract and under the
designation Potez 566, is the subject of an order. However, of the
57 aircraft initially planned, only 3 will be made.
Naval aeronautics is also
interested in the new model. Following the commercialization of
the civil version Potez 561 for Air France for its African lines,
the Navy orders Potez a aircraft for training and transport, and
able to land on the aircraft carrier Béarn. Only one copy
will be built under the designation Potez 56E. It is easily recognizable
by the presence of a ventral landing stick. It is also equipped
with partially folding wings. Nevertheless, the plane will be used
primarily from land. The interest of the Navy for this type of aircraft
does not stop there, since it orders 22 derived from the Potez 561,
called Potez 567. This one received a more powerful motorization
with Radial engine potez 9E of 240ch . The 22 copies will be used
for target towing, transport ... At the declaration of war in September
1939, 20 copies were still present in units, 5 others will be lost
before the Armistice.
The Air Force turned to Potez
again to order a version derived from the Potez 560, this time mainly
for training. Designated Potez 568, the aircraft adopts a turret
dorsal slightly shifted to the left and intended for the instructor.
The ventral console has disappeared and the engine is identical
to that of the Potez 567 (Potez 9E 240 hp.) The Potez 568 will be
produced 26 copies
The Germans, after their
offensive of May 10, 1940, will seize 4 Potez 567 and 11 Potez 568
abandoned on the airfields. They will be used under German colors
as connexion aircrafts
