Br.965 • wp.archivoaereo.com

The Br.965 was a carrier-borne anti-submarine aircraft developed by the French firm Breguet Aviation. This aircraft was conceived based on the Breguet Br.960 Vulture attack aircraft. The project to convert the attack aircraft into an anti-submarine platform was designated “F6 bis”.

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Development and Features

According to the “F6 bis” project, the new aircraft, designated Br.962 ASM, was intended to receive a new Armstrong Siddeley Mamba VI engine with 1650 hp and an APS 33B search radar. Notably, the aircraft lost its tail-mounted turbojet engine to provide space for a large retractable “dustbin” fairing for the radar antenna.

The first Br.960 prototype was converted under this project, receiving the designation Br.963. Simultaneously, the second Br.960-02 prototype also underwent conversion. In January 1955, the first Br.965 aircraft, equipped with an APS 15A radar, was ready.

Flight Testing and Final Evolution

After several flight tests, the aircraft crashed in May 1955. Following its restoration and significant modifications, the aircraft’s designation was changed to Breguet Br.1050 Alizé, marking a significant evolution in French naval aviation.

Technical Specifications

Modification	Br.965
Wingspan, m	16.70
Length, m	13.35
Height, m	5.00
Wing area, m2	36.30
Empty weight	5650
Maximum takeoff weight	8100
Engine type	1 Turboprop Armstrong Siddeley Mamba VI
Power, hp	1 x 1650
Maximum speed, km/h	505
Cruising speed, km/h	375
Practical range, km	2 500
Practical ceiling, m	6200
Crew, crew members	3
Armament	Combat load – 1000 kg in weapon bay and 6 hardpoints