Farman F.220

The Farman F.220 and its derivatives were thick-sectioned, high-winged, four-engined French monoplanes from Farman Aviation Works, based on the push-pull engine layout proven by the F.211. Design began in August 1925 and the prototype first flew on 26 May 1932. The sole F.220 prototype was sold to Air France as the mail plane Le Centaur on the South Atlantic route. The F.221 followed with radial engines and enclosed gunner positions, and the F.222 with a retractable undercarriage entered service with the Armee de l'Air in 1937 and was the largest bomber to serve in France between the wars, used for leaflet raids and night bombing in 1940. The twin-tailed F.223, redesignated NC.223, dropped bombs on Berlin on 7 June 1940, and the F.224 was a 40-seat airliner that Air France rejected.