The video features a prominent representative of post-war French aviation - the Nord Noratlas 2501

The video features a prominent representative of post-war French aviation - the Nord Noratlas 2501 transport aircraft. Its twin-boom design with a wingspan of 32.5 meters and high-mounted wing makes the aircraft easily recognizable among many others.

The Noratlas was born as a response to the urgent post-war need of the French Air Force for a modern transport aircraft. A distinctive feature of its design was the rear clamshell ramp doors, which at the time significantly simplified cargo loading and unloading.

The Noratlas could carry up to 45 soldiers, 36 paratroopers with full gear, 18 wounded on stretchers with medical personnel, or 6,800 kg of cargo. The crew consisted of 4-5 people. The aircraft had a wingspan of 32.5 m, a length of 21.95 m, and a height of 6 m. Its maximum speed was 435 km/h with a cruising speed of 324 km/h.

The aircraft was quite successful; during the production period from 1953 to 1961, 425 units were built, which served not only in France but also in Germany, Israel, Greece, and other countries.

The Noratlas participated in numerous military conflicts and operations. Its most famous use was during the Suez Crisis of 1956, when French paratroopers were deployed in Egypt using it. The aircraft was also actively used in the Algerian War, Indochina, and even in an operation in Chad in 1984.

Gradually, the Noratlas was replaced by more modern turboprop transports such as the C-160 Transall and C-130 Hercules. The last French Noratlas flights ended in 1989.

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Beautiful airplanes ✈️