Nord Noratlas

The Nord N-2501 Noratlas was a 1950s French military transport aircraft intended to replace the older types in service at the end of World War II. Several hundred were produced in a run lasting over a decade, finding a wide variety of uses.

Specifications

General characteristics

   Crew: 4-5
   Capacity: 45 soldiers, 36 paratroopers, 18 patients with medics, or cargo
   Length: 72 ft 1 in (21.96 m)
   Wingspan: 106 ft 8 in (32.5 m)
   Height: 19 ft 8 in (6.0 m)
   Wing area: 1,089 ft² (101.2 m²)
   Empty weight: 29,327 lb (13,302 kg)
   Useful load: 18,647 lb (8,458 kg)
   Max. takeoff weight: 45,423 lb (20,603 kg)
   Powerplant: 2 × SNECMA-manufactured Bristol Hercules 738/739 radial engine, 2,090 hp (1,558 kW) each

Performance

   Maximum speed: 273 mph/251 mph (440 km/h/405 km/h) maximum/under full load
   Cruise speed: 199 mph (320 km/h) at 1,500 meters
   Range: 1,550 mi (2,500 km)
   Service ceiling: 23,300 ft (7,100 m)
   Rate of climb: 1,080 ft/min (5.5 m/s)