Pure 50's: the triangular side windows were the symbol of the aircraft.

Probably the most well-worn of all aviation cliché’s is the one which declares that, if an aeroplane looks right, then it is right. This sentiment has unfortunately not always been borne out in practice, but there will be few-and not one of them a Frenchman-who will deny that it applies well and truly to the Sud-Aviation Caravelle, one of the most aesthetically appealing aeroplanes ever to leave a drawing board. Moreover, this aeroplane's looks are matched by an equally happy choice of name, for the caravells of the l5th and l6th centuries were among tile most attractive and successful merchant vessels of their time.

In 1951 the French SGACC (Commercial aircraft authority) publishes a specification for a medium range aircraft carrying 55 to 65 passengers and a ton of cargo. The range should be 2000 km and cruise speed 600 km/h. The type and number of engines isn’t specified. There was a big response from the French industry since 20 projects were presented. It was Sud Aviation with their X210 model which was chosen. The 3 Atar 101 engines which were initially foreseen were soon replaced with two Rolls Royce Avon engines.

In 1953 the SGACC ordered two prototypes and two test-beds, the planes was now called SE 210 Caravelle.

The first prototype flew on 27-May-55, the second followed on 06-May-56. The first prototype had a cargo door on the lower left side of the fuselage. This feature reappeared only later with the 11R model. The nose of the two prototypes was a modified De Havilland Comet nose.

The first order was from Air France in ‘56 followed by SAS in ‘57. More orders followed, mainly triggered by presentations on airshows and demonstrations to potential customers. The Caravelle was certified in May-59 and entered shortly after service with SAS and AF.

Learn more about the aircraft in the S-210 Caravelle Homepage

The Sud-Est SE-210 Caravelle was once a common sight in European skies, but competition from newer models and noise regulations have gradually whittled down the number of Caravelles in service. Swiss charter airline AeroJet was one of the last airlines to fly Caravelles in passenger service in Europe.
 
 
 
 

The beauty waiting in Madrid, 1972

The beauty taking off

Spain  -  EC
ICAO code:  AYC   110
Call Sign:  Aviaco

In the  mid sixties Aviaco started summer charter flights to Gatwick and re-equipped with Caravelles and DC8s, both types from Iberia although the initial Caravelle came from Sabena.  The Carvairs were used in the early 1960s for car ferry flights between Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.  The airline had a gold livery at this time.

DC9-32s and Fokker F27 Friendships were introduced in the 1980s and replacing the older propeller aircraft and the aging Caravelle jets.  A blue livery replaced the gold one although the actual markings remained much the same as before.  From 1990 MD-83s were introduced with MD-88s a year later.  By 1994 the Friendships had been sold to Cubana.  In the 1990s the blue livery was modified with the tail markings being altered to a basic white with a dark blue triangle 'A'.

Aircraft Data
 

POWERPLANTS
 

 2 x Rolls Royce Avon 522  (series 1 and 1A) turbofans, rated at 46.7 kN each.
 2 x Rolls Royce Avon 527  (series 3) turbofans, rated at 50.7 kN each.
 2 x Rolls Royce Avon 531  (series 6N) turbofans, rated at 54.3 kN each.
 2 x Rolls Royce Avon 533R (series 6R) turbofans, rated at 56.2 kN each.
 2 x Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7 (series 10B, 10R, 11R and 12) turbofans, rated at 62.3 kN each.

FUEL CAPACITY
 

Standard: 21,500 lts.

ACCOMODATION

Flight Crew   : 2
Passengers    : 80 Pax (series 1, 1A, 3, 6N, 6R, 10R)
                       99 Pax (series 10B and 11R)
                       105 pax (Series 12)
Freight Holds : 2, underfloor, forward and aft of main landing gear bay.

    Wing Span           : 34.30 m
    Wing Area           : 146.7 sq m
    Length Overall      : 32.01 m (series 1, 1A, 3, 6N, 6R, 10R)
                                33.01 m (series 10B)
                                32.94 m (series 11R)
                                36.24 m (Series 12)
    Maximum Height      : 8.72 m
 

PROGRAM STATUS

   Of the roughly 280 Caravelles produced, about 60 were still flying in 1995.
 

        Max cruise speed...............mach .80
        Max speed (Vmo)...............mach .84
        Service Ceiling...................10.700 m
        Runway length t/o.................6,500 ft
        Clean stall............................110 kts
        Dirty stall (flaps & gear)...........90 kts