The Potez 540 multi-role aeroplane typified French aeronautical thinking of the mid 1930s. It was intended for use as a fighter escort, reconnaissance and bombing aeroplane but by the end of the 1930s it was obsolete.

The Potez 54 prototype was designed to perform a variety of roles.

The prototype flew for the first time on 14 November 1933, tests were completed in May 1934 and the first ones were delivered to the French air force in November that year.

Several versions were developed but the 540 was the main production version and 192 were constructed.

Several were used during the Spanish Civil War.

Towards the end of the 1930s they were obsolete and, from 1938, they were withdrawn from front line service.

However, they remained in use as transports and trainers.

This kit represents Potez 540 No.54 of 2 Escadrille, GR1/52 in 1935

Smer (Heller) 1:72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in February 1999.