OVERVIEW: The Sud Aviation SE 210 Caravelle III is a short- to medium‑range commercial jetliner introduced in 1961. It was designed as one of the world’s first twin-engine rear-fuselage mounted airliners, optimized for initial jet service.

DETAILS: The Caravelle III entered service in 1961 following the Caravelle I/IA series. It featured more powerful Rolls‑Royce Avon RA.29 Mk‑527 turbojets and a strengthened structure, enabling seating for 90–99 passengers and a range of approximately 1,650–2,500 km. Designed with aft-mounted engines, a clean low wing, and a T‑tail configuration, it cruised at about 805 km/h with a practical ceiling near 12,000 m. Its jet layout reduced cabin noise and improved aerodynamics, making it a preferred option for airlines transitioning to jet travel in the 1960s.

The “Caravelle III” variant was an early production model; subsequent variants like the VI‑N added thrust reversers (R suffix) and cabin updates, while the later 10/11 and 12 models featured turbofan engines and stretched fuselages. The Caravelle III set the foundation for the Caravelle family but lacked these later improvements.

TYPE: Short‑to‑medium‑range civil passenger jet

FUNCTION: Designed to transport passengers on regional jet routes, providing quieter cabin conditions and enhanced cruising speeds compared to early turboprops. It was used by airlines worldwide to replace piston‑engine fleets.

NOTE:
IOC: 1961
Manufacturer: Sud Aviation (France)
Primary operators: Air France, SAS, Swissair, Finnair, Varig and others
Retirement: phased out by the early 1980s in favor of more modern jets

SOURCE: Wikipedia Sud Aviation Caravelle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sud_Aviation_Caravelle ; Global Aviation Resource Caravelle variant history https://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2020/11/30/aviation-classics-the-sud-aviation-caravelle/ ; AircraftInvestigation Caravelle III data https://aircraftinvestigation.info/airplanes/CaravelleVINpre.html