title: SNCAO 700
text: # SNCAO 700
  
  The SNCAO CAO.700 was a French prototype four-engined bomber of all-metal construction, developed shortly prior to and during the Second World War. Only a single example had been completed and flown when the surrender of France in June 1940 ended development of the aircraft.
  
  ## Design and development
  
  In 1937 the French Service Technique de l'Aeronautique (or Air Ministry) launched a specification to develop a four engined strategic bomber.
  
  ## Operational history
  
  The prototype flew for the first time on 24 June 1940, but further testing was cancelled due to the French surrender to Germany. Power was provided by four Gnome-Rhône 14N radial engines.
  
  ## Specifications
  
  Data from World War II Airplanes Volume 1
  
  General characteristics
  
  * Crew: 5
  * Length: 18.97 m (62 ft 3 in)
  * Wingspan: 16.50 m (82 ft 6 in)
  * Wing area: 88.15 $m^2$ (948.8 sq ft)
  * Empty weight: 11,390 kg (25,111 lb)
  * Gross weight: 8,196 kg (18,070 lb)
  * Powerplant: 2 × Gnome-Rhône 14N-48 fourteen-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 850 kW (1,140 hp) each LH rotation
  * Powerplant: 2 × Gnome-Rhône 14N-49 fourteen-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 850 kW (1,140 hp) each Rh rotation
  * Propellers: 3-bladed variable pitch propellers
  
  Performance
  
  * Maximum speed: 550 km/h (340 mph, 300 kn) at 5,000 m (16,000 ft)
  * Cruise speed: 320 km/h (200 mph, 170 kn)
  
  Armament
  
  * Guns: 2 x 7.5mm MAC 1934 machinegun in flexible nose and ventral mounts, 1x 20mm HS.404 cannon in flexible dorsal mount
  * Bombs: 2200kg
  