Bravo,
Carson1934!
The Marcel Besson MB-411 derived from the MB-410 ordered on 24 August
1932 and destroyed in 1933 whilst undergoing official acceptance trials.
A second prototype was ordered, but, due to the disbandment of the Marcel
Besson company, this reconnaissance aircraft was built by ANF-Les Mureaux
and designated MB-411.
It was, indeed, specifically designed for housing in a cylindrical hangar in
the back of
Surcouf 's -- submersible gunship -- conning tower.
The aircraft could be disassembled rapidly for stowage and re-assembled
within 4 minutes of removal from its hangar. It could be lowered to the
water and retrieved by means of a crane.
The MB-411 No 1 was originally a single seater and underwent official
acceptance trials in August 1935; then was delivered to the Surcouf for
proving trials.
Several modifications were demanded, including conversion to two
seats configuration; so the aircraft was returned to ANF -L.M. early in 1936.
At the end of May 1936 it was returned to the Surcouf and in June a second
MB-411 was ordered...
(synoptically from "Air Progress", August 1967, page 812, under "Facts By Request" -- many thanks again to Bill B. , who provided me with this material).
Carson1934 - You have control. (i.e.: your turn)