Nord 260
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Max Holste MH.1521 Broussard |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Products | Aircraft (e.g. MH.250 Super Broussard, MH.260 Super Broussard) |
The Nord 260, originally conceived as the Max Holste MH.260 Super Broussard, represented a turboprop adaptation of the piston-driven Max Holste MH.250 Super Broussard. This design was subsequently evolved into the Aérospatiale N 262.
Design and development
In 1957, Avions Max Holste initiated the creation of a twin-engine successor to their well-regarded single-engine utility model, the Max Holste MH.1521 Broussard. This effort produced the Max Holste MH.250 Super Broussard, a high-wing cantilever monoplane powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engines, capable of seating between 17 and 22 passengers. The lone MH-250 prototype took to the skies for the first time on 20 May 1959.
To address the market need for DC-3 replacements and regional feeder services, Max Holste upgraded the MH.250 by introducing turboprop engines in the MH.260 variant. Maintaining the high-wing configuration and square-section all-metal fuselage, it featured retractable tricycle landing gear with main wheels enclosed in fuselage-mounted fairings. The control surfaces remained fabric-covered. The MH.260 was lengthened compared to the MH.250, allowing it to carry 20 to 23 passengers or approximately of freight. Power was supplied by two Turbomeca Bastan turboprop engines.
The prototype MH.260, initially fitted with Bastan III engines, conducted its maiden flight on 29 July 1960 and was later upgraded with Bastan IV engines in October that year. Production of ten MH.260 units commenced under French government subsidy and a partnership with Nord Aviation. However, financial setbacks at Max Holste led to Nord assuming full control over the project. Subsequent production models were branded as Nord 260s; nine were completed while the tenth served as a source of spare parts. Manufacturing efforts then transitioned toward developing the more sophisticated Nord 262.
Operational history
The Norwegian airline Widerøe temporarily leased three Nord 260 aircraft before returning them to Nord Aviation. Meanwhile, French domestic carrier Air Inter conducted evaluations of the Nord 260 but ultimately refrained from placing orders, opting instead for the Nord 262 model. Five Nord 260s were delivered to France’s flight testing organization, the CEV, where they fulfilled roles in experimental testing and transport duties.
Variants
- MH.250 Super Broussard
- Light transport aircraft powered by piston engines; one prototype constructed.
- MH.260 Super Broussard
- Turboprop version of the MH.250 initially equipped with Bastan III engines and later upgraded to Bastan IV; one prototype built.
- Nord MH.260
- Series of ten production aircraft powered by Bastan IV engines commissioned by the French government; nine completed.