Nord 262 Frégate
Primary-Source Technical Documentation Archive — Aérospatiale / Nord-Aviation, 1970
The Nord 262 Frégate is a high-wing, twin-turboprop pressurized regional airliner developed by Nord-Aviation and subsequently produced and marketed by Aérospatiale. A direct engineering descendant of the unpressurized Nord 260 Super Broussard, the Nord 262 introduced a circular, pressurized fuselage capable of sustained cruise at up to 20,000 ft — transforming the rugged STOL feederliner concept into a credible short-haul airliner. The Series C (Frégate) represented the definitive civil variant, with upgraded Turbomeca Bastan VIIC engines and refined aerodynamics. The type also served with the French Navy and was later converted under the Mohawk 298 programme with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-45 engines for FAA FAR Part 298 certification.
This archival collection presents two original Aérospatiale factory publications: the Detailed Model Specification (DVE/N 701, November 1970) and the Frégate Performance Manual — the core engineering and operational reference set for the Nord 262 Series C.
Document Manifest
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Nord 262 Series C — Frégate Detailed Model Specification
Ref: DVE/N 701 · Issued November 1970
Aérospatiale · 37, Boulevard de Montmorency, Paris 16e, France
Turboprop Transport — Detailed Model Specification
Language: English -
Frégate Performance Manual
Aérospatiale · Nord 262 Series C
Gold compass rose cover — Aérospatiale house edition
Language: English
Aircraft Technical Profile
Aerodynamic & Flight Design
- High-wing configuration — optimizes lift and propeller ground clearance for short-field and unimproved surface operations
- Pressurized circular fuselage — structural reinforcement over the legacy MH.260 for continuous cruise up to 20,000 ft
- Increased aspect ratio on Series C/D wing extensions — maximizes lateral glide ratio and lift generation
- Aerodynamic profile tailored for short-field takeoffs and high-induction regional runways
Propulsion
- Two Turbomeca Bastan VIIC turboprop engines — 1,145 shp (843 kW) per engine at maximum continuous takeoff rating
- Ratier Figeac FH.146 three-blade or upgraded four-blade variable-pitch propellers
- Mohawk 298 conversion: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-45 engines with five-blade assemblies, FAA FAR Part 298 certification
Handling & Stability
- Robust vertical stabilizer providing positive yaw dampening across asymmetric power envelopes
- Longitudinal pitch control managed by CG positioning ahead of the wing aerodynamic center
- Nacelle/fuselage interference analysis — counters pitch-up tendencies at high lift coefficients
- Slight longitudinal handling variations under sudden high-power settings — documented in engineering bulletins
Performance Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Level Speed | 418 km/h (225 kt) at 20,000 ft |
| Economical Cruise Speed | 408 km/h (220 kt) |
| Maximum Range (full fuel) | 2,400 km (1,295 NM) |
| Payload Range (26 pax) | 1,020 km (550 NM) with reserves |
| Basic Empty Weight | 6,200 kg (13,668 lb) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 10,800 kg (23,810 lb) |
| Passenger Capacity | 2 crew + up to 29 passengers |
Engineering Bulletin Highlights
- Structural Fleet Monitoring: Two-tier strategy using instrumented airframes for ongoing fatigue assessment
- Mohawk 298 Conversion: PT6A powerplant retrofit, modern avionics, upgraded APU — full modification instructions
- Export Compliance: Mandatory system modifications for FAA FAR Part 298 airworthiness alignment
This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.
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