Q&A · 3:24:35-3:24:52

French Wildcat, Dauntless, and Vindicator orders

A short procurement answer connects French American-aircraft orders with the planned Joffre carrier air groups.

Bearn Carrier Air Groups French Navy Joffre Class Aircraft Carriers Naval Aviation

Watch at this time Full video guide

Question

Were France's orders for Wildcats, Dauntlesses, and Vindicators intended for the Joffre class?

Short answer

Yes; they were intended for the Joffres and probably for Béarn as well.

Notes

The aircraft purchases formed part of France's effort to equip its planned modern carriers rather than an isolated land-based program. Some would probably also serve aboard the older Béarn, extending their relevance beyond the unfinished Joffres.