North 2501 + North 2502 "NORATLAS" 1/72 Heller

The Noratlas, which was for many years the linchpin of French military transport, was born in 1947, responding to a request from the Air Force to replace its C.47 "Dakota" and Ju.52. His study focused entirely on the ease of loading in the hold. In 1950, the official services retained the project then known as the Nord 2500, whose bipoutre formula with cargo hold opening by two removable shells allowed the carrying of bulky loads, unlike its predecessors with a side door. The first Prototype Nord 2500, powered by two Snecma 14R of 1600 HP, took to the air on September 10, 1949. This engine considered insufficient, the SNECMA / Bristol Hercules engine of 2000 HP was preferred, giving birth to the Nord 2501 " Noratlas ", of which 4 prototypes flew soon after. Mass production of The Noratlas began in 1952 in France, then in Germany after that country acquired the manufacturing license to equip the Luftwaffe. A total of 426 were assembled in France (239) and Germany (187). The Air Force used the Noratlas from 1953. The first aircraft experienced the baptism of fire in Indochina the following year. The last " grey ", affectionate nickname of the aircraft given by the crews, were reformed in October 1989, after 35 years of good and loyal service, leaving definitively the place to the C.160 "Transall". The career of the Luftwaffe Noratlas was shorter, and ended in 1971, after the C.160 "Transall" fully equipped the three transport squadrons. In its Nord 2502 version, the Noratlas is implanted at the end of the wings two Marboré engines that allow it an increase in power on take-off in hot countries.

Plastic model to build and paint.

Glue brushes and paint not included.

Model dimensions : 31.5 x 45.4 cm x2
117 x2s pieces