Breguet Deux-Ponts
The Breguet 763 Provence was a civilian short - and medium-range transport aircraft with four piston engines, built by the French manufacturer Breguet. A military variant called Breguet 765 Sahara was created for the French Air Force.
History
1944 Breguet took the development of a series of four -engined aircraft with two decks for cargo and / or passengers (hence the French name Deux -Ponts for the complete series ) back on. First drafts of a double- deck aircraft had already been presented at the 1936 Air Show in Paris under the name Breguet 760. The first purpose-built version Breguet 761 had its maiden flight on 15 February 1949. Two years later, Air France has ordered 12 pieces a slightly improved variant with greater wingspan and more powerful engines. This was launched on July 20, 1951 on its maiden flight, and was used primarily on the strong undrawn routes as of March 1953 by Air France to North Africa.
Equipped Provence was for a total of 107 passengers, although with appropriate seating arrangement up to 135 passengers could be carried. The design with two decks gave the machine a very clumsy and brawny appearance.
When Air France, the Provence proven very well as a robust and efficient plane. The last ones were retired in 1971 and partially converted to freighters.