Nord 262D Frégate
Aérospatiale / Nord · France · first flew 1962 · transport aircraft
The Nord 262 Frégate is a French twin-turboprop high-wing regional airliner developed in the early 1960s, offering pressurised accommodation for up to 29 passengers from short and medium-length regional routes. The 262D designation identifies the definitive production standard with updated engines.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | High-wing twin-turboprop regional transport with circular fuselage cross-section |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-wing twin-turboprop regional transport with circular fuselage cross-section
- Large oval cabin windows and twin turboprops on a wide constant-section fuselage
- Retractable tricycle undercarriage and distinctly rounded nose profile
The Nord 262's distinctively round constant-section fuselage with circular porthole-style windows and high-wing twin turboprop arrangement distinguishes it from the ATR or Fokker Friendship families.
Specifications
- The Nord 262D Frégate has a length of 19.28 m (63 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.9 m (72 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 390 km/h (242 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 + 26 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in December 1962, the Nord 262 entered service with Air Inter and subsequently with numerous regional carriers and military operators. It was adopted by the French Navy (Aéronavale) and Air Force for transport duties, and the type was exported to the United States where it served commuter airlines.
Variants
The 262A was the initial turboprop version; the 262D Frégate introduced Turbomeca Bastan VII engines; later the type was updated as the Mohawk 298.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the French Air Force and Navy through the 1970s–90s and by numerous international civil and military users; the type served the US Air National Guard as a utility transport.
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