Q&A · 3:49:11-3:49:29

Why France ordered the aging SBC-4 Helldiver

France's need for usable aircraft made the aging but still functional SBC-4 a practical purchase despite its obsolescence.

Question

Why did France order fifty Curtiss SBC-4 Helldivers when the aircraft was already obsolete?

Short answer

France needed aircraft, and the SBC-4 was still usable despite its age.

Notes

France needed aircraft, and the Curtiss SBC-4 Helldiver still worked. Its obsolescence did not eliminate its immediate usefulness to an air arm short of machines.