Facts About the Sud Aviation Caravelle

The Sud Aviation Caravelle, a pioneering jet airliner, was one of the first successful short- to medium-range commercial jet aircraft. Developed by the French company Sud Aviation in the late 1950s, the Caravelle introduced innovative design features and set new standards for passenger comfort and performance.

Caravelle History

Christian Volpati (GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html> or GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html>), via Wikimedia Commons

The Caravelle’s revolutionary design included rear-mounted jet engines, a distinctive T-tail configuration, and a sleek fuselage that maximized aerodynamic efficiency. These features not only reduced noise and vibration in the cabin but also paved the way for the development of future generations of aircraft. The aircraft’s quiet and comfortable interior redefined the passenger experience, setting the stage for modern standards of in-flight comfort.

The Caravelle’s maiden flight took place in 1955, marking a significant milestone in aviation’s transition from propeller-driven to jet-powered aircraft. Its introduction brought the benefits of jet travel to short- and medium-haul routes, enabling faster, more efficient, and more accessible air travel for a broader range of passengers.

The success of the Caravelle extended beyond its technological innovations. It captured the imagination of travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike, earning a reputation for elegance, reliability, and operational flexibility, as well as glamour with its triangular windows and curtains.

Airlines around the world adopted the Caravelle, and it quickly became a symbol of prestige and modernity in the aviation industry.

Though it soon faced competition from rival aircraft models, like the BAC One-Eleven, Douglas DC-9 and Boeing 737, the Caravelle’s legacy endured. It played a crucial role in shaping the future of commercial aviation by demonstrating the viability of short- and medium-range jet travel. Its impact was felt not only in the realm of aviation technology but also in the cultural perception of air travel as a convenient and stylish mode of transportation.

Here are some facts about the Sud Aviation Caravelle:

A TAP Caravelle aircraft.

First flight: 27 May 1955

First operator: Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS)

How many variants: The Caravelle has been produced in the following main variants:

• Caravelle I / IA
• Caravelle III
• Caravelle VI-N
• Caravelle VI-R
• Caravelle 10B/10B-3
• Caravelle 10R
• Caravelle 11R
• Caravelle 12

Number of Passengers: 90-131 (dependent on variant)

Range: 890-1700 miles (1650-3200km) (dependent on variant)

How many built: Between 1958 and 1972, 282 Caravelles were built across all variants.

Did you ever fly on a Caravelle? Leave a comment below!

Sud Aviation Caravelle Timelines

Discover more about the history of this classic airliner in our new photo book, Sud Aviation Caravelle Timelines, by Matt Falcus.

Packed full of historic colour photographs of the Caravelle in service with airlines around the world, this is a fantastic trip down memory lane for fans of vintage jet airliners.

See all the different variants in full colour, plus a section on Caravelles in preservation.

Order Your Copy