A single-seat cockpit was located in the nose. Pilots enjoyed flying the 693 which was remarkably capable in the air, especially at low level. This performance was improved by the substitution of more engines.
Production attack bombers had the navigator's station replaced by a small internal bomb bay which could accommodate 50-kg (108-113.) bombs.
Fabric-covered metal control surfaces were a feature of the 690. In flight the aircraft had pleasant handling and was quite agile for its size.
Located just behind the wing was a second cockpit for a gunner/radio operator who had a single 7.5-mm 10 MAC machine-gun for defense. The two fuselage mainframes separated the crew compartments.
An endearing feature of the 693, especially to the technicians, was its ease of maintenance. An entire engine could be removed, overhauled and quickly replaced.
A simple and rugged structure meant that the BRE 693 could sustain heavy battle damage and still return to base. This was demonstrated on several occasions.
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