The Potez 630 is the result
of a program of 1934 aimed at equipping the Air Force with a multi-seater
light aircraft capable of fulfilling missions of Hunting Command,
tandem of escort and two-seater fighter of night. The Potez 630
competes with the Breguet 690, Romano 110, Loire-Nieuport 20,
Hanriot 220.
The Potez 630's study deadlines
are rather short: the first prototype was manufactured in April
1935 and was completed in early 1936 with a first flight on April
25, 1936, to the hands of the Nicolle test pilots. The prototype
is powered by two Hispano-Suiza 14Hbs of 580ch. The aircraft is
well-born, and shows good flying qualities. Beginning August 1936,
it was transferred to Villacoublay to undergo some modifications.
The wooden bi-drift is replaced by a metallic model, and it receives
a new landing gear. The manufacturer's tests end at the end of
November 1936, and the CEMA (Aircraft Testing Center) will accept
the aircraft at the end of December. The official test campaign
can begin. The original engine is replaced by Hispano-Suiza 14ab
02/03, then by HS14 Ab 10/11. After acceptance of the aircraft
by the Air Force, a dozen units are requested from Potez for various
experiments: 4 Potez 630, 3 Potez 631, 2 Potez 633 B2 and 1 Potez
637.
The Potez 633 B2 is identical
to the Potez 631 fighter, but the place of the Observer is replaced
by a bomb bay capable of carrying 8 bombs of 50kg. The armament
is reduced to 2 machine guns of 7.5mm one of which is in chase.
In December 1937, an order
is thrown for the delivery of of 50 Potez 633B2. In March 1938,
Plan V was launched, confirming the orders of Potez type 63. So
449 potez 633 are first requested, then to go to 453 devices,
but finally the request of Potez 633 is transferred to Potez 631.
At the beginning of the
war, the Potez 633, under construction for export, were seized
by the French Air Force: 13 Greeks, 19 Romanians and 4 Chinese.
These aircraft are donated to the GBA (Assault Bombing Group)
for training pending the delivery of the new Breguet 693
In order to help Finland
in the struggle against the USSR from November 1939, it is envisaged
to create an expeditionary force composed of volunteers. Thus,
a dozen of Potez 633 are grouped at Vinon. This unit was then
transferred to Tangmere, England, to join the British Expeditionary
Force, but the armistice signed in March 1940 between Finland
and the USSR would put an end to the expedition.
During the Campaign of
France, only one mission was carried out by 3 Potez 633 on May
20, 1940. As of May 22, all Potez 633 are withdrawn from service.
