Founded during First World War as Societe d'Etudes Aeronautiques at Aubevillers. Built a two-seat tractor
biplane, the Type 4C.2. Post-war the company became
known as Henry Potez and established itself as a major
French aircraft manufacturer
56 / 560
with a long series of civil and
military aircraft. In 1937 Potez became part of the nationalized
French aircraft industry in the SNCAN group. At that
time it was producing the 56 twin-engine light transport,
the 63 fighter-bomber and the Potez-CAMS 141 four-engine
reconnaissance flying-boat, together with prototypes
of the 661 12-passenger four-engine monoplane
and the Potez-CAMS 160 six-engine
630/631
flying-boat, a scale
model of the proposed Type 161 transatlantic flying-boat.
For 16 years the company was not involved in aviation,
but in 1953 produced the Potez 75 single-engine twin-boom ground-attack aircraft, built by SNCAN. A contract
for 500 for the French Army was awarded in 1956, but
was canceled later because of military cutbacks. Took over
Air-Fouga
141
(see Fouga) in 1958, and continued production
of that company's Magister jet trainer. Built two prototype
turboprop transports, Potez 840, flying first in 1961. Proposed
versions were 841 with PT6A engines and 842 with
Astazou Xs, but production did not proceed beyond six aircraft.
Also built Paris III twin-jet executive aircraft developed
by Morane-Saulnier. Potez was absorbed by Sud
Aviation in 1967, which in turn became part of
Aerospatiale in 1970.
