Nord Gerfaut
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Arsenal de l'Aéronautique |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Aircraft, including the Nord Gerfaut experimental planes |
The Nord Gerfaut (meaning Gyrfalcon) was a French delta-wing experimental plane and notably the first European aircraft to surpass Mach 1 in level flight without utilizing an afterburner. Two examples were constructed primarily to investigate the characteristics of transonic flight. The initial Gerfaut I took to the skies in 1954, followed by the enhanced Gerfaut II in 1956. Both aircraft underwent substantial modifications and served extensively in experimental trials, with the second prototype achieving several world records for time-to-altitude. During the late 1950s, they also functioned as airborne platforms for testing various missile systems. Their final flights occurred in 1959, after which both were employed as targets at the Military Test Range located in Cazaux.
Development and description
The Nord 1402 Gerfaut was developed from government-funded investigations into delta and swept wing configurations. To collect aerodynamic data, the Arsenal de l'Aéronautique, which later became part of Nord Aviation, constructed the wooden Arsenal 1301 glider. This glider was adaptable, able to be fitted with delta or swept wings, with or without canards. It was typically towed aloft by transport aircraft such as the Douglas DC-3, providing crucial information that influenced the Gerfaut’s design.
Jean Galtier, chief designer at SFECMAS, launched three interceptor concepts: the 1400 series (which evolved into the Gerfaut models), the 1500 (Nord Griffon), and an unbuilt twin-ramjet design designated 1910. Multiple variants of the Arsenal/SFECMAS 1400 were explored, mainly differing in propulsion systems and wing placement:
- Arsenal 1401 – ramjet/turbojet combination with high-mounted wings
- Arsenal 1402 – ramjet supplemented by a Turbomeca turbojet, mid-wing configuration
- Arsenal 1403 – ramjet/turbojet combination with mid-mounted wings
- Arsenal 1404 – ramjet/turbojet combination featuring low-mounted wings
- Arsenal 1405 – powered by an ATAR 101 turbojet with low-set wings
Ultimately, only the Ars 1402 concept progressed further, albeit significantly altered; the ramjet engine was removed to concentrate on research objectives. To reduce development complexity, Galtier retained a straightforward SNECMA Atar 101C turbojet engine equipped with a direct air duct to maintain consistent airflow. The single-seat cockpit was positioned atop this duct, resulting in a characteristic hump-backed fuselage shape with a full-chord nose air intake. The monocoque construction included tricycle landing gear, slender delta wings, and swept vertical stabilizers paired with a small delta-shaped all-moving cruciform tail assembly.
In late 1954, enhancements introduced a larger wing and an improved Atar 101D turbojet engine, producing the 1402B Gerfaut IB variant. The original model was subsequently designated as the 1402A Gerfaut IA.
Operational history
The Gerfaut made its inaugural flight on 15 January 1954, marking a milestone as the first European plane to surpass Mach 1 in level flight without the use of afterburners on 3 August of the same year. Subsequently, it was modified into the 1402B Gerfaut 1B variant, which took to the skies for the first time on 17 December. Early in 1955, the aircraft achieved Mach 1.2 at an altitude of 15,240 meters and later reached Mach 1.3 during a steep dive from that height on 26 October. In May 1956, it was utilized for captive-carry trials involving the Nord AA.20 air-to-air missile and subsequently operated as a chase aircraft for the Nord 1500 Griffon until concluding its flight operations on 2 July 1959.
The second model, designated as the 1405 Gerfaut II, incorporated an extended fuselage to increase fuel storage and enhance transonic aerodynamic performance. It featured a clipped delta wing with an area equivalent to that of the Gerfaut 1B and was powered by a 38 kN Atar 101F engine. Its maiden flight occurred on 17 April 1956, during which it attained Mach 1.13 in level flight and established several world records for time-to-altitude from a stationary start:
- On 16 February 1957: Reached 6,000 meters in 1 minute and 17 seconds
- On 16 February 1957: Ascended to 9,000 meters in 1 minute and 33.7 seconds
- On 16 February 1957: Climbed to 12,000 meters in 2 minutes and 17.4 seconds
- On 16 February 1957: Achieved 15,000 meters in 3 minutes and 46 seconds
- On 28 February 1957: Attained 3,000 meters in just 51 seconds
In June of that year, the Gerfaut II was showcased at the Paris Air Show and commenced flight testing with AA.20 missiles, including supersonic launches reaching speeds up to Mach 1.35. The aircraft later received an upgrade featuring a more powerful Atar 101G turbojet engine. By May 1958, it was employed to evaluate various air-to-air radar systems—initially equipped with an Aladin radar mounted above the nose, followed by testing with an Aida radar system. The final flight of the Gerfaut II took place on 7 August 1959; thereafter, both prototypes were transferred to the Military Test Range at Cazaux for target practice purposes.
Variants
- 1402A Gerfaut
- A delta-wing research aircraft powered by an ATAR 101C turbojet engine; only one unit constructed.
- 1402B Gerfaut 1B
- The initial prototype modified with a larger wing and fitted with an ATAR 101D turbojet.
- 1405 Gerfaut II
- A lengthened version featuring clipped wings and powered by an ATAR 101F turbojet engine; single example built.