The NC.856A was designed by SNCAC (Societe Nationale de Constructions Aeronautique du Centre) and was a development of the earlier two seat NC.853 (28 built) of 1948 which was powered by an 80hp (59kW) Minie 4DC30 and which had a maximum take-off weight of 1320lb(600kg). This series of light aircraft began with the NC.850 (2 built) two seater which was first flown in 1946 powered by a 75hp(56kW) Mathis G4F. The NC.851 (10 built) was powered by a 75hp Minie 4DA2. Nord (SNCAN) took over production in 1949 when SNCAC went into liquidation and built 95 examples of the NC.853S similar to the NC.853. The NC.854 (2 built) was powered by a 65hp(48kW) Continental A65 and the NC.855 (1 built) by a 75hp Praga. The NC.859S (8 built) was powered by a 105hp(78kW) Walter Minor 4-111W. A small number of NC.856’s remain airworthy as well as about 18 examples of the NC.853/853S.

F-PMCB                  c/n                             France

3 seat light aircraft first flown in 1949

Engine: 160hp(119kW) SNECMA Regnier 4LO-8                                                                            Length: 22’5"(6.83m)                                                                                          Height: 6’10"(2.09m)Wingspan: 36’11"(11.27m)                                                                                             No.built: 112 Range: 310miles(500km)                                                                 Cruising speed: 100mph(160kmh) Empty weight: 900lb(408kg)                                                   Maximum take-off weight: 1650lb(749kg)