Nord Noralpha
SNCASE / Nord Aviation (ex-Messerschmitt design) · France · first flew 1944 · light aircraft
The Noralpha (Nord 1104) was a French-built development of the Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun, produced postwar by Nord Aviation. It was used as a liaison, training, and touring aircraft by the French Air Force and civil operators.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.53 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- French postwar adaptation of the Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun liaison aircraft
- Low-wing four-seat monoplane with retractable undercarriage and enclosed cabin
- German-designed airframe produced in France as the Nord 1000 Pingouin and later Noralpha
Virtually identical to the Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun in external appearance — a sleek low-wing monoplane with retractable undercarriage, four seats under an enclosed canopy, and tapered wings with rounded tips; French markings and the different exhaust arrangement distinguish the Noralpha.
Specifications
- The Nord Noralpha has a length of 8.53 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.48 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 305 km/h (190 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 + 3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Bf 108 was produced in France during the German occupation as the Nord 1000 Pingouin. After liberation, French manufacturers continued production with modifications, eventually producing the Noralpha with a French Renault engine replacing the German Argus powerplant.
Variants
The Nord 1000 Pingouin used the original German Argus engine; the Nord 1002 and 1104 Noralpha used the Renault 6Q engine, which had similar characteristics but was French-built.
Where you'll see it
Used by the French Air Force and Aéronavale for liaison, training, and communication duties into the 1960s; also popular with French aero clubs.
Related aircraft
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