Bernard 160

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By the late 1920s, so-called “colonial aircraft” became popular in France. These were easy-to-maintain, multi-purpose aircraft intended for operation in the harsh and hot conditions of Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, where French colonies were located. In 1930, the Ministry of Aviation published a new specification for a colonial transport aircraft.

To meet these requirements, the company Société des Avions Bernard developed a project designated Bernard 160 Col 3. This aircraft represented an evolution of the Bernard 60T transport aircraft.

Table of Contents

Design and Technical Specifications

The Bernard 160 was a seven-seater, all-metal high-wing monoplane. It was equipped with three seven-cylinder Gnome-Rhône 7Kb radial engines, each producing 300 hp (224 kW). As the aircraft was intended for use in potentially unstable colonies, it was armed with a defensive fuselage-mounted firing point.

Testing and Project Termination

The Bernard 160 made its first flight in April 1932. Three months later, a second prototype, the Bernard 161, was manufactured. It differed only in its power plant, which consisted of three nine-cylinder Lorraine 9Na Algol engines of the same power. Both aircraft were submitted to STIAé for official testing.

During the tests, shortcomings were identified, and the aircraft was repeatedly returned to the company for modifications. Development continued until the summer of 1934, when, following an accident during further trials, the project was closed. This decision was made because the Ministry of Aviation had revised its views on colonial aircraft.

Technical Specifications

Modification	Bernard 160
Wingspan, m	22.00
Length, m	15.77
Height, m	4.05
Wing area, m2	67.60
Empty weight	4087
Normal takeoff weight	5470
Engine type	3 Piston engines Gnome & Rhone 7Kb
Power, hp	3 x 300
Maximum speed, km/h	240
Cruising speed, km/h	220
Practical range, km	900
Service ceiling, m	5450
Crew, crew	2
Payload	up to 5 passengers
Armament	possible installation of one machine gun on a movable turret

Image and diagram gallery of the Bernard 160

France

ArchivoAéreo Editorial Team

A group of aviation researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to documenting and preserving global aeronautical history. All articles are reviewed to ensure historical accuracy.

Sources & Accuracy

The information presented in this technical sheet has been compiled from declassified flight manuals, historical archives, and specialized literature. While we strive for maximum accuracy, some performance data may vary depending on the specific variant or operational conditions.

Bernard 160	Bernard 160
Bernard 160	Bernard 160
Bernard 160