It was designed to operate passenger services over the South Atlantic, but the outbreak of the Second World War caused the type to be used by the French Navy as a maritime patrol aircraft.

As such, the specification required that the new transport be capable of flying 3,000 km (1,900 mi) at a speed of 250 km/h (160 mph) while carrying a payload of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb).

A flight deck, which accommodated a crew of five (two pilots, a navigator, a radio operator and a mechanic) and a cabin for four to eight passengers were fully enclosed within the aircraft's hull.

[3] The prototype H-47 first flew from Antibes on 25 July 1936,[4] and was destroyed in a crash in May 1937 that was attributed to a wingtip float breaking away whilst the aircraft was in flight.

[5] Nevertheless, Air France went ahead with the purchase of five similar (though strengthened) machines, designated H-470, which were put into service as mail planes.