Day: January 28, 2026

French Loire 130 Flying Boat Part I

The Loire 130 flying boat entered French naval service as a ship-borne observation aircraft in 1937. It shared a broad design similarity with the contemporary Supermarine Walrus and Aichi E11A “Laura”, performance was also comparable with a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/hr).
A Loire 130 being hoisted by a crane with the crew members visible. The aircraft was armed with two single 7.5 mm Darne machine guns in open positions on the upper fuselage and could carry a 165-pound (75 kg) bomb on the struts under each wing as seen here.
An unusual overhead view showing the general layout to advantage. All the hatches are open but the defensive armament is not mounted.
A Loire resting on her beaching gear ashore while her crew poses for a photo. Normal crew compliment was three, but up to seven people could be carried in the transport or SAR role.
A frontal perspective of a Loire being hoisted by a crane shows the strut layout to advantage. In many of these photos the aircraft can be seen carrying a bomb load, such as it was.
An atmospheric photo of a Loire being launched from a shore-based catapult. Production totaled 124 aircraft, which was deemed sufficient to provide scouting assets for the French fleet.
A Loire in her intended role, running up her engine before launch from the Battleship Dunkerque. Note the badge under the cockpit, featuring a turret with four guns which was a feature of the Dunkerque class.
A fine study of a Loire ashore on her beaching gear. Modelers note the unusual design of the ladder.
A flight line of French floatplanes and seaplanes on the ramp. The presence of crewmembers visible in many of these aircraft implies an impending inspection.
A 130 moored to a buoy, a standard procedure when being supported by a seaplane tender. Note the defensive machine gun in the after fuselage position.
After the fall of France in 1940 the Loire 130 was evaluated by the Luftwaffe, who found the type to be obsolescent and did not impress it into general German service. Fuselage codes D1+XA have been applied by the Germans.
Another Loire in German markings, this time B1+XA. Modelers note the different style of beaching gear as well as the variation in the radiator inlet faring at the front of the engine nacelle.

Part II here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2026/02/04/french-loire-130-flying-boat-part-ii/