Nord Aviation
Aérospatiale N 500
The Aérospatiale N 500 was a small, twin‑engine light aircraft that emerged from the final years of the French firm Nord Aviation. Development began in 1962 as a response to growing demand for an economical, high‑performance trainer that could also serve civil market roles such as liaison and aerial photography. The prototype, designated N 500‑01, took its first flight on 22 April 1965 and demonstrated a clean, low‑wing monoplane layout with retractable tricycle gear. Powered by two Turbomeca Astazou turboprop engines delivering 350 shp each, the aircraft achieved a top speed of 340 km/h, a service ceiling of 9 500 m, and a range exceeding 1 800 km—figures that were impressive for its weight class.
Key features included an all‑metal semi‑monocoque fuselage, bonded aluminum‑alloy skins, and a fully articulated control system that gave pilots excellent handling at low speeds and during aerobatic manoeuvres. The cockpit was fitted with early digital flight‑instrument displays and a dual‑control arrangement, reflecting the shift toward modern avionics in the mid‑1960s.
Although only limited numbers were produced before the programme was terminated in 1970, the N 500’s design philosophy influenced later Aérospatiale trainers such as the AS‑350 series. Its combination of efficient turboprop propulsion, advanced aerodynamics, and versatile mission capability marked an important step in French light‑aircraft development and demonstrated Nord Aviation’s ability to innovate during the transitional period that led to the formation of Aérospatiale.
Key features included an all‑metal semi‑monocoque fuselage, bonded aluminum‑alloy skins, and a fully articulated control system that gave pilots excellent handling at low speeds and during aerobatic manoeuvres. The cockpit was fitted with early digital flight‑instrument displays and a dual‑control arrangement, reflecting the shift toward modern avionics in the mid‑1960s.
Although only limited numbers were produced before the programme was terminated in 1970, the N 500’s design philosophy influenced later Aérospatiale trainers such as the AS‑350 series. Its combination of efficient turboprop propulsion, advanced aerodynamics, and versatile mission capability marked an important step in French light‑aircraft development and demonstrated Nord Aviation’s ability to innovate during the transitional period that led to the formation of Aérospatiale.
