Nord Pingouin
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Les Mureaux , France |
| Products | Aircraft (Nord Pingouin) |
The Nord Pingouin (French for Auk) is a French-manufactured version of the Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun, produced by SNCAN (Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Nord) with a different powerplant.
Development
During 1942, the production rights for the Messerschmitt Bf 108 were transferred to SNCAN (Nord) located at Les Mureaux under German occupation. Prior to France’s liberation, around 170 Bf 108s had been assembled; Nord proceeded with manufacturing by utilizing salvaged airframe components under the designation Nord 1000, until the supply of German Argus engines was exhausted. Subsequently, the aircraft was fitted with a 233 hp (174 kW) Renault 6Q-11 inline engine and redesignated as the Nord 1001 Pingouin I. An improved model powered by the Renault 6Q-10 engine was introduced as the Nord 1002 Pingouin II. Overall production totaled 286 units, mainly deployed as liaison and communications platforms within the French military.
This lineage eventually led to the development of the tricycle gear-equipped Nord Noralpha.
Design
The Pingouin features a low-wing cantilever monoplane configuration with a braced, adjustable horizontal stabilizer incorporating elevators, along with a single vertical fin and rudder. It employs tailwheel-type landing gear, with main wheels retracting outward, and an engine mounted in the nose. The enclosed cockpit accommodates four occupants arranged in two rows. Similar to the Bf 108, its wings are equipped with automatic leading-edge slats and can be folded on the ground to facilitate rail transport.[1]
Variants
- 1000
- French-produced Bf 108.
- 1001 Pingouin I
- Variant powered by the Renault 6Q-11 engine.
- 1002 Pingouin II
- Version equipped with the Renault 6Q-10 engine.
Operators
References
External links
- ↑ Hitchcock, Thomas H. Messerschmitt Bf 108 Taifun (Monogram Close-Up 5). Acton, MA: Monogram Aviation Publications, 1979.