Photographer Luigi Perinetti

Photographer: Unknown photographer.

Photographer: Bernard Crocoll.

Ex F-WLKR, one of only two built (the other being D-CHEF). It was registered N62271 in 1972 for an abortive sales tour of North America, but was finally broken up at Toulouse in 1976.

First flown in April 1961, the first of two prototypes. The type was heavily promoted in North America and production was planned for a batch of 25 aircraft to be built both at Argenteuil near Paris and at a new factory being constructed at Baldonnel in Ireland. Unfortunately orders were not forthcoming and although four further aircraft were built, two each of the Potez 841 and Potez 842, the company collapsed and was merged into Sud Aviation in 1967. Became F-BJSH following certification in September 1973.

Registered as F-BNAN in 1966. Donated to the Musée de l'Air by 1977. Later stored on the Dugny side of the airfield.

c/n 3, one of only seven Potez 840 series built (2 prototypes, 1 static test, 4 production). Preserved at the Musee de l'Air.

The aircraft was damaged beyond repair in a wheels up landing at Sumburgh (Shetlands Islands). After being stripped of usable parts the remains of the aircraft were left at the airfield. Early 21 century the fuselage was transported north and is now in a farm yard adjacent to the A970 between North Roe and Isbister (Shetland Islands). A sign at the A970 gives some information on the aircraft.

The Potez 840 series was available with PT-6 engines as the 841 or Astazou engines as the 842,but not many of this attractive regional airliner were sold.

Now in storage for the Musée de l'Air, only two of this development from the basic Potez 840 design were built - the other (CN-ALL) is said to remain derelict at Rabat in Morocco. Besides four Potez 840s, two 841s were also made, using PT-6A turboprops

Just four of this 18-seat French design were built from 1961, perhaps providing some of the inspiration behind the later Jetstream which also used the strange Astazou turboprop, albeit two less of them. Note the Caravelle-style windows, said to be intended to lessen the need for blinds. I was surprised to learn recently that this aircraft survives, having crash-landed at Sumburgh in the Shetlands in 3.81. Now in private hands having been hauled off the airport, the owner hoping to eventually restore