The French Navy ordered two prototype SO.8000 strike fighters on 31 May 1946 to equip its aircraft carriers. If the prototypes were successful, it planned to order five pre-production models and sixty-five production aircraft. Designer Jean Dupuy developed a twin-boom pusher configuration design with a crescent wing and tricycle landing gear. The horizontal stabilizer was connected at the tops of the vertical stabilizers at the ends of the booms to avoid turbulence from the contra-rotating propeller. The pilot was provided with an ejection seat and the aircraft was intended to be fitted with six MG 151 autocannon in the nose and to be able to carry of ordnance under the wings. A radar system was planned to be fitted in the lower front portion of the booms while the fuel was stowed between the cockpit and the engine. Dupuy wanted to use a British Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, but it proved to be too difficult to obtain. He planned to substitute a Hispano-Suiza 12Z instead, but the engine was still too immature to be used and he had to settle for an Arsenal 12H (a copy of the Junkers Jumo 213) driving the contra-rotating propeller.Buttler, p. 84; Carbonel, p. 98 Ducts on the sides of the fuselage provided air for the engine radiator while the engine's air was provided by a prominent scoop on the left side of the fuselage.Pearce
