Nord Noratlas: Διαφορά μεταξύ των αναθεωρήσεων

1952 was marked by the unfortunate crash of the first Nord 2501 prototype as it underwent further testing, and on [[January 9,]] [[1953]], the Nord 2501 was baptized the Noratlas by the widow of the pilot killed in the crash. Despite this setback, the program was able to fulfill its initial contract for 34 planes by [[June 25,]] [[1953]], and the [[Armée de l'Air]] went on to order another 174 planes, for a total of 208. These were initially overwhelmingly cargo planes, though 10 were ordered fitted out for passengers; however, following the conclusion of [[Algerian War of Independence|operations in Algeria]] in 1962, many were converted to other roles (detailed below). Of these modifications, the eight [[Nord GabrielsGabriel]]s (an [[electronic warfare]] platform) were useful the longest, and it was the last of this type that was finally phased out in 1989 by the Armée de l'Air.

[[West Germany]], faced with the same situation that had prompted the development of the Noratlas, eventually ordered a total of 186 Noratlases from 1956 on, of which 25 were built in France, and the other 161 manufactured in West Germany by Flugzeugbau Nord (a satellite company) under contract. These last were designated N-2501D. The [[Luftwaffe]] began selling its Noratlases in 1964, and is the source for most of the planes for the smaller national operators listed below.

The [[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF) initially purchased three examples of the N-2501IS in 1956, but under duress -- the French government would only allow them to purchase 12 [[Dassault Ouragan]]s if they purchased 3 Noratlases as well. The Israelis were upset by the terms of the offer, but France was one of very few countries willing to sell them arms, and eventually they knuckled under. However, they quickly realized the utility of the Noratlas following its performance in the [[Suez Crisis]], and purchased another 3 N-2501ISs in 1959, and 16 N-2501Ds before the [[Six-Day War]]. These were primarily intended for cargo and paratroop transport, but there are reports that several were put to more unconventional use as bombers on long-range strikes into Egypt, much as the contemporary [[C-130]]s deployed the [[BLU-82|Daisy Cutter]] bomb in [[Vietnam]]. It is also known that the IAF used their Noratlases for maritime reconnaissance at the outset of the [[Six-Day War]], and one of these identified the [[USS Liberty (AGTR-5)|USS ''Liberty'']] prior to the strafing of the ship. The IAF phased the Noratlas out in 1978, and the bulk of their fleet was sold to the Greek (Hellenic) Air Force.

A few hundred of Noratlas Hellenic Air Force (HAF) had been acquired in 1970 from Luftwaffe due toas WWII compensations . These Noratlas were based in Elefsis AFB near to [[Athens]] at the 354 Tactical Airlift Squadron (112th Tactical Fighter Wing - Pterix Mahis. Hellenic Air Force's 354th Sqdr Noratlas wrote a brilliant page of Hellenic aviation history with the air transportation operation of the 1st Greek rangers squadron from Crete (Souda) to Cyprus ([[Nicosia]]) at the night of 21st to 22nd[[22 of JylyJuly]] [[1974]] during the Turkish invasion toof Cyprus. In spite of the ageing aircraft and the adverse flying conditions, 12 of the 15 aircraft which participated in the mission "Nike" (Victory in Greek), landed on the airport of Nicosia. The brave men of the 1st Rangers Squadron kept the National Airport of Nicosia toin the UN hands and did not surrendedsurrender to the Turkish Brigade who attacked the airport.