>> Flightline | Noratlas, F-AZVM
An aircraft for a modern army
In the aftermath of the Second World War, the French Air Force needed a military transport aircraft adapted to the new logistical and operational requirements. Faced with a motley fleet of Douglas C-47 ‘Dakota’ and Junkers Ju 52 ‘Toucan’ aircraft, the need for a robust, versatile aircraft specifically designed for troop and equipment parachuting missions was obvious. So in 1948, the Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Nord (SNCAN) launched the development of a new aircraft with a bold design: the Nord 2501 Noratlas.
A unique architecture for demanding missions
The Noratlas is characterised by its double-girder silhouette and pot-bellied, wagon-shaped fuselage, and its innovative ‘petal-shaped’ opening rear ramp, which makes it easier to load equipment flat. Powered by two 1,615 hp Bristol Hercules 759 engines, built under licence by SNECMA, it combines ruggedness, reliability and range. Capable of covering almost 2,500 km and flying for almost 10 hours, it quickly became a mainstay of military transport in France, but also in Germany, Greece, Israel and Portugal. In all, 426 aircraft were produced.
A living legend
Retired from active service in 1986, after more than 30 years of missions around the world, the Noratlas remains engraved in the collective memory as a tireless transporter, operating in war zones as well as on humanitarian missions. Today, Noratlas no. 105, registered F-AZVM, is the last flying example in the world. Entrusted to the Le Noratlas de Provence association, it continues to fly and thrill enthusiasts at major air events such as AIR LEGEND.
Technical specifications
Manufacturer: SNCAN (Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Nord)
Engines: 2 Bristol Hercules 759 radial engines
Unit power: 1,615 hp
Wingspan: 32.50 m
Length: 21.96 m
Height: 7.10 m
Wingspan: 110 m²
Cruising speed: 320 km/h
Range: Approximately 2,500 km
Practical ceiling: 6,900 m
Maximum take-off weight: 21,700 kg
Carrying capacity: Up to 5 tonnes of equipment or 35 parachutists
Operator: Noratlas de Provence Manufacturing date: 1956 Serial number: n° 105 Livery: Armée de l'Air