The SNCAO CAO.700[a] was a French prototype four-engined bomber of all-metal construction, developed shortly prior to and during the Second World War.
Only a single example was built, and was on the point of being flown for the first timewhen the surrender of France in June 1940 ended testing and development of the aircraft.
In order to speed design of the aircraft, it used the fuselage of the Loire-Nieuport 10 floatplane, combined with a new wing, while the engine installation was based on that of the Lioré et Olivier LeO 451, with four Gnome-Rhône 14N-49 clockwise-rotating radial engines in close-fitting Mercier cowlings and driving three-bladed Ratier propellers (as used on the starboard wing of the LeO 451).
[1][5] In June 1940, the incomplete prototype was transferred by rail from the factory at Saint-Nazaire to Istres where the aircraft was assembled in preparation for its first flight.
[1][8] Data from Warplanes of the Second World War: Bombers and Reconnaissance Aircraft: Volume Seven[9]General characteristics Performance Armament