SUD-AVIATION SE-210 "CARAVELLE" III - 1966

Description

The Sud Aviation SE 210 Caravelle was a French short/medium-range jet airliner. It holds the distinction of being the world’s first jet-powered airliner to be developed for the short/medium-range market. Development of the Caravelle began during the early 1950s under the French aircraft company SNCASE, who were keen to produce a passenger aircraft that utilised newly developed jet propulsion technology. In order to achieve this, SNCASE formed partnerships with British companies such as de Havilland (who provided designs and components which had on their jet-powered airliner, the de Havilland Comet) and Rolls-Royce Limited (from whom the Caravelle’s Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engines were sourced). While much of the airliner’s development, including its maiden flight on 27 May 1955, was conducted under SNCASE; by the time that the Caravelle entered revenue service on 26 April 1959, the firm had been merged into the larger Sud Aviation conglomerate. Within a few years of commencing passenger services, the Caravelle became one of the most successful European first-generation jetliners. The airliner achieved substantial sales to operators throughout Europe and had even managed to penetrate the United States market, United Airlines placing an order for 20 Caravelles. The Caravelle established the aft-mounted engine, clean-wing design configuration that is still used by smaller jetliners. (Scale : 1/144e)