History-
In need of an short to medium range jet airliner, the French Air ministry assigned SNCA Sud-Est (later merged into Aérospatiale to develop a twin jet civil air transport aircraft at the end of 1952. After somewhat of a competition by the government in 1951, the Caravelle design was the most appealing to the French government. At the time, the engines that were designed by the Sud-Est company were placed towards the end of the aircraft near the tail section, at this time it was a very new and cutting edge development in aircraft design. The aircraft eventually recieved two prototype aircraft, of which were fully paid for by the French Government. The first aircraft made their first flight on May 27, 1955 and May 6, 1956, following shortly with French certification on April 2, 1959, and just 6 days later by the United States Federal Aviation Administration. It then entered service with Air France on May 6, 1959. The aircraft was considered to be the first successful jet-liner as the first DeHavilland Comet was plaqued by in-flight break ups. Several versions of the plane were eventually built, differences included different engines and take off weights and size, which rides along with just about any difference in variation of most modern commercial aircraft. One of the variants even included thrust reversers, requireing less runway to stop, this aircraft was typically equipped with the Pratt and Whitney JT8D-1 or -7 turbofans; where as the rest were typically equipped with either the Avon RA.29 Mk 522 and Mk 526 (standard), the Avon Mk 527's (which allowed an increase in weights), the Mk 532R or 533R (thrust reversers). Other versions included aircraft with cargo doors on the side such as the Caravelle 11R and 10BR, and extended version the 10A which was 3 feet 4 inches longer then the standard Caravelle. A total of 279 Caravelles were built, which exceeded the 200 number for the break even point of the aircraft. This was the first airliner to make a "clear" profit, which wouldnt be matched again until the 1970's.
Caravelle Operators (Current)-
Unknown, two reported to be "in fly-able condition"
Current Aircraft in Operation-
None, last officially known aircraft in service crashed in August 28, 2004 at Gisenyi Airport in Rwanda (registration 3D-KIK). |
