Fregate N 262

Fregate N 262
Country	France
Role	Turboprop airliner
Produced	1962–1976
Built	110

The Aérospatiale N 262 is a French twin-turboprop high-wing airliner built first by Nord Aviation (merged into Aérospatiale in 1970). The aircraft was also known as the Nord 262.

Source: Fregate N 262 on Wikipedia

Fregate N 262E Walk Around
Photographer	Meindert de Vreeze
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	35

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A Regional Workhorse

The Nord 262, also known as the Frégate in its military configuration, was a high-wing, twin-engine turboprop airliner designed to replace aging piston-engine transports like the DC-3. Developed from the unpressurized Max Holste MH.260, the Nord 262 featured a circular-section pressurized fuselage, allowing it to fly over weather and provide a modern level of comfort to regional passengers. It was a stout, reliable aircraft that found a niche in both short-haul civilian airlines and various specialized military roles.

Attribute	Technical Specification (Nord 262A)
Role	Regional Airliner / Military Transport
Crew	2 (Pilot and Co-pilot)
Capacity	Up to 29 Passengers
First Flight	December 24, 1962
Powerplant	2 × Turbomeca Bastan VI C turboprops
Horsepower	1,065 hp (794 kW) each
Maximum Speed	239 mph (385 km/h)
Range	690 miles (1,110 km)

Design Features: Pressurization and Efficiency

Circular Pressurized Hull: Unlike the square-bodied MH.260, the Nord 262’s circular fuselage was optimized for pressurization. This allowed the aircraft to operate at higher altitudes where the Bastan turboprops were more fuel-efficient.
High-Wing Configuration: The high-wing placement kept the engines and propellers clear of debris on unpaved or poorly maintained regional runways, making it ideal for rural operations.
Landing Gear Sponsons: To keep the fuselage interior spacious and unobstructed, the main landing gear retracted into aerodynamic pods (sponsons) on the lower sides of the fuselage.
The “Frégate” Evolution: The military Nord 262E version featured uprated Bastan VII engines and specialized equipment for maritime surveillance and navigation training.

Military Service and the Mohawk

French Navy (Aéronavale): The Frégate served for decades as a transport, paratroop trainer, and maritime patrol aircraft. Its reliability in the salt-heavy air of coastal France was a testament to its robust construction.
The American Connection (Mohawk 298): In the U.S., the aircraft was operated by Allegheny Airlines. Later, nine airframes were significantly modified with Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines and new avionics, rebranded as the Mohawk 298 to comply with regional airline regulations.
Multi-National Utility: The aircraft saw service in diverse locations, from the African bush to the United States and the French Pacific territories, proving its adaptability to extreme climates.
Training Legacy: Many French military pilots and navigators earned their “wings” in the back of a Nord 262 configured as a flying classroom, a role similar to the Percival Proctor of an earlier era.