World War II Database

Contributor: Alan Chanter

ww2dbaseThe Latécoére 298, sometimes shortened to "Laté 298", was a three-seat low-wing monoplane designed to meet a 1933 French requirement for a coastal reconnaissance and torpedo bomber floatplane. The prototype made its maiden flight in May 1936 and, after trials, entered service with the French Naval Air Arm in the later part of 1938.

ww2dbasePowered by an 880-horsepower Hispano-Suiza V12 engine, the Laté 298 could carry either an external torpedo or a 670-kilogram bomb load. Defensive armament consisted of two wing-mounted 7.5-millimeter forward firing machine-guns and a similar flexible gun in the rear cockpit.

ww2dbaseInitial deliveries consisted of 24 Laté 298A and 12 (eventually 27) Laté 298B aircraft which differed only by having fixed or folding wings respectively. In April and November 1938 a further 25 and 65 aircraft were ordered, although ultimately only 60 aircraft were actually completed. In 1942 the Germans authorised the recommencement of production to build a further 39 floatplanes for the Vichy Government. However, it is uncertain how many of these (designated Laté 298F or Laté 298D with simplified controls) were eventually completed.

Latécoère 298 Timeline

SPECIFICATIONS

298D

Machinery	One Hispano-Suiza 12Ycrs-1 V12 liquid-cooled piston engine rated at 880hp
Armament	3x7.5mm Darne machine guns, 670kg bomb/torpedo load
Crew	3
Span	15.50 m
Length	12.56 m
Height	5.23 m
Wing Area	31.60 m²
Weight, Empty	3,062 kg
Weight, Loaded	4,800 kg
Speed, Maximum	290 km/h
Service Ceiling	6,500 m
Range, Normal	2,200 km

Photographs