SNCAN N.2501 Noratlas facts for kids
The SNCAN N.2501 Noratlas, often just called the Noratlas, was a special kind of airplane. It was a military transport aircraft made in France after World War II. The company that designed and built it was called Société Nationale de Construction Aéronautique du Nord.
Many different air forces used the Noratlas. These included the French Air Force, the Luftwaffe (German Air Force), and the Israeli Air Force. Some Noratlas planes were even built in Germany under a special agreement. The first Noratlas flew in September 1949, and it started being used in 1953. France stopped using its last Noratlas in 1984.
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What the Noratlas Looks Like
The Noratlas is easy to spot because of its unique design. It has two main parts at the back, called "twin-booms," and two engines. The plane is made of metal and has its wings placed high up on the body. It also has a "twin-tail" design.
This aircraft was very useful for carrying things. It could carry up to 35 paratroopers, who are soldiers that jump from planes. It could also carry 17 injured people on stretchers. When used for cargo missions, it could carry up to 7,900 kilograms of supplies. The cockpit, where the pilots sit, usually had two or three people: the pilot, co-pilot, and sometimes a navigator.
Special Noratlas Planes
Some Noratlas planes were changed for special missions. The French Air Force used a few of them for "electronics warfare." This means they were equipped to listen to or block enemy radio signals. These special planes were called Gabriel or Grise (which means "grey" in French). They needed a larger crew of 8 or 9 people to operate all the special equipment.
Countries That Used the Noratlas
Many countries used the Noratlas for their military needs. Here are some of them:
Noratlas in Action
The Noratlas played a role in several important events. The French Air Force used it during the Algerian War. It helped with paratrooper operations, carried supplies, and sometimes even helped with search and rescue missions. In 1956, both France and Israel used their Noratlas planes during the Suez Canal crisis. They helped move troops and supplies during this time.
Similar Aircraft
Other planes that are similar to the Noratlas in their design or purpose include:
- Armstrong Whitworth AW.660 Argosy
- Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar
