130 flying boat file photo [16401]

130

CountryFrance
ManufacturerLoire Aviation, Saint-Nazaire, France
Primary RoleSeaplane
Maiden Flight19 November 1934

Contributor:

ww2dbaseThe 130 flying boats were designed by the firm Loire Aviation of Saint-Nazaire, France in response to a French Navy requirement in the mid-1930s. In 1936, the design was chosen over its competitors, and a contract for 150 aircraft was issued. The first production example was completed in 1937 and by the start of the European War 130 aircraft had replaced most seaplanes on French battleships and cruisers. The main production variant was designated 130 M; another variant, 130 Cl, featured an enlarged radiator for operations in warmer climates, ie. the French colonies in Africa and Asia. 130 flying boats served as naval gunnery spotters during the early parts of the war, and remained in service through the duration. Production, however, would end in 1942 after only 125 examples out of the contracted 150 were built. After the war, they remained in service until 1951.

Last Major Revision: Nov 2012

SPECIFICATIONS

130 M
MachineryOne Hispano-Suiza 12Xirs V-12 engine rated at 720 hp
Armament2x7.5mm Darne machine guns, 2x75kg bombs, capacity for 4 passengers
Crew3
Span16.00 m
Length11.30 m
Height3.85 m
Wing Area38.20 m²
Weight, Empty2,054 kg
Weight, Loaded3,507 kg
Speed, Maximum221 km/h
Speed, Cruising164 km/h
Service Ceiling6,056 m

Photographs

French 130 flying boat in flight, circa 1930sFrench 130 flying boat in flight, circa 1930sFrench 130 flying boat in water, circa 1930sFrench 130 M flying boat in flight, circa 1930s
See all 13 photographs of 130 Seaplane



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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Geoffrey Metcalfe says:
24 Jul 2015 05:39:48 AM

Castillonnes, Lot et Garonne, France. July 2015
Two of these 130 seaplanes, or something very similar, flew in close formation low over our house the other day. They were painted a sand colour, and looked 'military'. I assumed they were from the French Airforce base at Mont de Marsin as we get training flights from there regularly. Or perhaps they were civilian owned. Can anyone advise please? Whatever their provenance, they were a most unusual and splendid sight.
2. Geoffrey Metcalfe says:
4 Aug 2015 05:02:34 AM

Further to my note of 24 July, since then the two 130s have come over two or three more times
3. Ron Carpenter says:
21 Sep 2022 07:00:03 PM

Did the Loire 130 have folding wings for storage? if so how did they fold (e.g. twisting up and back?) and how were the wing floats and struts positioned when stored?
4. Commenter identity confirmed David Stubblebine says:
22 Sep 2022 05:53:44 PM

Ron Carpenter (above):
It appears the Loire 130 design did not include folding wings. None of the outside literature mentions folding wings and none of the photographs show the hardware needed to make it work, according to the designs of the day. Someone who knows more may offer a different thought, but it seems the Loire 130 had no folding wings.

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130 Seaplane Photo Gallery
French 130 flying boat in flight, circa 1930s
See all 13 photographs of 130 Seaplane


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