Nord 262

The Nord 262 was a short‑haul, twin‑engine turboprop transport developed by the French firm Nord Aviation in the early 1960s. Its design originated from the earlier Nord 260, a piston‑powered commuter aircraft, but the 262 introduced Turbomeca Bastan engines, a pressurised cabin and a larger circular fuselage that could accommodate up to 29 passengers. First flown on 21 June 1962, the type received its type certificate in 1964 and entered service with regional airlines such as Air Inter, Air France’s subsidiary Air Algérie, and several African carriers. The aircraft featured a high‑mounted wing with leading‑edge slats and double‑slotted flaps, giving it excellent low‑speed handling and short‑field performance on unpaved runways. Its rugged undercarriage, straightforward maintenance, and the ability to operate from austere airports made the Nord 262 a popular choice for connecting remote communities across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Although production ended in 1970 after 62 units, the type demonstrated the viability of turboprop regional transport and influenced later French designs such as the Fokker F27 and the larger SA‑360. The Nord 262 remains an emblem of post‑war European aviation innovation.

Nord Aviation

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