The Dewoitine D.520 was a French fighter aircraft that played a significant role during World War II, particularly during the Battle of France in 1940. Designed and manufactured by the French aircraft manufacturer Dewoitine, the D.520 was widely regarded as one of the most effective French fighter aircraft of the war.

The D.520 was a low-wing monoplane with a sleek and aerodynamic design. It was powered by a Hispano-Suiza 12Y liquid-cooled V12 engine, which provided the aircraft with a top speed of around 530 km/h (330 mph) and a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). Its armament typically consisted of one 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS.404 cannon firing through the propeller hub and four 7.5mm MAC 1934 machine guns mounted in the wings.

One of the key features of the D.520 was its excellent maneuverability and agility, which made it a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat. Pilots appreciated its responsive handling and ability to outmaneuver enemy aircraft, particularly during dogfights. Additionally, the D.520 was well-constructed and relatively heavily armored compared to other contemporary fighters, which increased its survivability in combat.

During the Battle of France 🔗 in 1940, the D.520 faced the German Luftwaffe and fought valiantly to defend French airspace. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned by enemy aircraft, French pilots achieved notable successes in combat, often inflicting significant losses on the Luftwaffe.

Following the fall of France, many D.520s were captured or destroyed by the Germans, who later used some of them for training purposes or sold them to Axis allies. Despite its relatively short service life, the Dewoitine D.520 remains a symbol of French aviation during World War II and the courage of its pilots in the face of adversity.