Nord 3400 Norbarbe — Primary-Source Documentation Collection

The Nord 3400 Norbarbe was a braced high-wing observation and liaison monoplane developed by Nord Aviation (Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Nord) for the French Army's Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre (ALAT). Designed for short-field operations, low-speed stability, and direct battlefield observation, the Norbarbe served as a primary platform for French Army aviation in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This collection assembles the original factory and military documentation issued for the type — a rare and cohesive primary-source archive.

Engineering & Technical Profile

1. Aerodynamic Specifications

• Airfoil: NACA 23015 — high C_Lmax, gentle stall behavior
• Wing Area: 20.82 m² (224.1 sq ft) | Aspect Ratio: 8.2 | Dihedral: 2°
• High-Lift Devices: Large trailing-edge flaps for significantly reduced stall speed
• Structure: All-metal primary structure; fabric-covered control surfaces; wings fold flat for transport

2. Powerplant

• Engine: Potez 4D-34 — 4-cylinder, air-cooled, inverted inline piston
• Power Output: 194 kW (260 hp) supercharged
• Propeller: Ratier Type 24-56 adjustable-pitch, 2-bladed, Ø 2.25 m (7 ft 5 in)
• Fuel Capacity: 220 L (58.1 US gal) — two self-sealing rubber tanks

3. Handling & Stability

• High lateral static stability from high-wing architecture and 2° dihedral
• Traditional tailwheel configuration with braced horizontal stabilizer
• Rear observer's seat rotates 360° for full sightline coverage
• Tandem two-seat crew cabin optimized for observation missions

4. Performance Data

Document Manifest

This collection contains 6 unique primary-source documents issued by Nord Aviation and the French Ministère des Armées (Direction Centrale du Matériel):

1. Nord Aviation Sales Brochure — Avion Nord 3400 | Nord Aviation, Châtillon-sous-Bagneux | Pre-series factory brochure
2. Manuel de l'Equipage de l'Avion Nord 3400 — Partie Planches | MAT 8250 | Ministère des Armées — Terre, Direction Centrale du Matériel | Approved: Decision No. 16216/DCMAA/ALAT/SC, 12 April 1962 | Edition 1962 | Print run: 400
3. Manuel de l'Equipage de l'Avion Nord 3400 — Partie Texte | MAT 8250 | Ministère des Armées — Terre, Direction Centrale du Matériel | Approved: Decision No. 16216/DCMAA/ALAT/SC, 12 April 1962 | Edition 1962 | Print run: 400
4. Notice Descriptive et de Fonctionnement de l'Avion Nord 3400 — Partie Planches | MAT 8252 | Ministère des Armées — Terre, Direction Centrale du Matériel | Approved: Decision No. 42653/STAé/A5, 6 December 1962 | Edition 1962 | Print run: 350
5. Notice Descriptive et de Fonctionnement de l'Avion Nord 3400 — Partie Texte | MAT 8252 | Ministère des Armées — Terre, Direction Centrale du Matériel | Approved: Decision No. 42653/STAé/A5, 6 December 1962 | Edition 1962 | Print run: 350
6. Manuel d'Utilisation de l'Avion Nord 3400 | École de Spécialisation de l'Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre (ALAT) | Edition: May 1961

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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