Development and Career

At the beginning of the year 1961, the Nord-Aviation company launched a study for a new transport aircraft, in order to replace the Nord 260 Super-Broussard, four of which were used by the CEV (Centre d'Essais en Vol - Flight Test Centre).The Nord 262 prototype made its first flight on December 24th 1962, leading the way for the assembly of 3 pre-production aircraft, the first of which accomplished its maiden flight on the April 8th 1964. The Nord 262 is a high-wing, large wingspan aircraft with a peculiar landing gear retracting in two large housings on both sides of a round-shaped fuselage. The French airline Air Inter took delivery of its first certified machine on July 24th 1964, the first of a total 110 to be built during the next 12 years.
The first four aircrafts meant for Air Inter were called Nord 262B, the other initial variant aircraft (fitted with two 1080hp Turboméca Bastan VIC), being designated Nord 262A. Later on, the development of the more powerful 1,145 hp Bastan VIIA triggered the production of the improved variants Nord 262C (civilian) and Nord 262D (military).
The French Air Force ordered 6 Nord 262A and 18 Nord 262D, while the Navy received 26 machines. The aircraft was also operated by foreign countries: Congo (1), Gabon (2), Burkina-Faso (1) and Angola (4). The plane could accommodate up to 30 passengers.

French Naval Aviation's "Frégate" (since 1967)

The French navy has been using 26 Nord 262 "Frégate" since 1967 to carry out the following missions :
-Navigators training.
-Staff and spare parts transport.
-Liaisons and communications.
-Maritime surveillance.
-S.A.R.
-MEDEVAC.