The design of Latécoère 299 was started on March 8, 1937, when the Marine Ministry of France approved a general program for the renewal of the aircraft fleet.
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Among other specifications, an assignment was made for the design of SB aircraft (observer-bomber). The specification was for a single-engine seaplane weighing up to 3,500 kg, a double seaplane weighing up to 1600 kg and a twin-engine aircraft with a folding wing for the carrier "Bearn". There are several tasks at once: planes must be reconaisance, spotting enemy submarines, dive bombing or torpedo attack, and also covered by friendly vessels with smoke. The max speed should be at least 300 km\h.
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Both prototypes were built and successfully passed tests. The only thing that does not succeed was the maximum design speed. The mass production of the Latecoere 299 was prevented by the capitulation of France. Further development of this aircraft was considered a secondary task and all work on it in July 1940 was stopped. Two Latecoere 299 remained standing in the hangar, and slowly parts were removed for other aircraft.
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Complete occupation of the country prevented the completion of the matter, but Verniss managed by some miracle to convince the Germans to continue building prototypes, which was done in 1943. As a result of delays, the Latecoere 299A was rolled out onto the take-off field only in April 1944, after two months of preliminary static tests. He never rose into the air. The German pilots at the Bron airbase took several runs on it, ending in capotation with damage to the nose of the fuselage. Latecoere 299A was again sent for repair, where he waited for a raid of allied aircraft. On April 30, 1944, this aircraft burned down in a hangar, leaving Verniss without a test bench.
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Text-Source: all-aero.com
Latécoère Laté 299A Prototype