Loire-Nieuport IN401

The Loire-Nieuport LN.401 was a French single-seat, carrier-based dive bomber that saw action during the Battle of France in World War II. Known sometimes as the "French Stuka" due to its inverted gull wing, the aircraft was operated by the Aéronautique Navale (French Naval Air Arm) from land bases against German ground forces in 1940. 
 
Operational History and Performance
Combat Use: Two squadrons, AB2 and AB4, were equipped with the LN.401 and the similar LN.411 (a variant lacking folding wings and arresting gear). They were used for ground attacks, including a notable, effective attack against armored vehicles commanded by Erwin Rommel in May 1940.
Heavy Losses: Despite some success, the type suffered heavily due to its slow speed and intense anti-aircraft fire. In one attack on May 19, 1940, 10 out of 20 aircraft were lost, and most of the survivors were damaged.
Withdrawal: Due to high attrition rates during the Battle of France, the type was withdrawn from service after the June 1940 armistice.
Vichy France & Post-War: Some LN.401/411s continued to fly under the Vichy regime, and a few were later seized by the Germans. An improved variant, the LN.42, was developed but not deployed during the war. 
 
Key Characteristics
Armament: The LN.401 was armed with a 20mm Hispano-Suiza 404 cannon firing through the propeller hub and two 7.5mm Darne machine guns in the wings. It could carry one 225 kg (496 lb) bomb or a 150 kg bomb, along with two 15kg bombs.
Design: It featured an inverted gull wing and a distinctive landing gear system, where the gear fairings acted as air brakes to limit speed during dives.
Limitations: The aircraft was deemed too slow and, for a time, could not perform dive-bombing missions with a full fuel load.