12/08/1964: United Airlines Caravelle's First Automatic Landing in the US
A French built aircraft became the first airliner to make a fully computer-controlled landing in the US on this day in 1964.
A French built aircraft became the first airliner to make a fully computer-controlled landing in the US on this day in 1964.
DALLAS — Today in Aviation, a United Airlines (UA) Sud Aviation Caravelle jet made the first completely computer-controlled landing in the United States in 1964 when the aircraft touched down at Washington Dulles Airport (IAD).
The French manufacturer SNCASE developed the Sud Aviation Caravelle, a twin-engined, short- to medium-range airliner. The prototype (F-WHHH) took its maiden flight on May 27, 1955, and entered revenue service with the Scandinavian Airline System (SAS) on April 26, 1959. The aircraft was named after the fleet of sailing ships under the command of Christopher Columbus in anticipation of conquering the aviation world.
Early automatic landing trials began in 1962 under the leadership of test pilot Andrè Turcat. It made its first auto-landing on September 29, 1962, at Toulouse (TLS).
American success was slow to take off, despite the Caravelle's popularity in Europe—numerous operators, including Air France (AF), Alitalia (AZ), Iberia (IB), and Swissair (SR), ordered the type. But in February 1960, UA placed a US$68 million order for 20 of the Caravelle VI-R.
This variant was the first to have thrust reversers added to its Avon Ra-229 MK. 533 and 535 engines. It also featured more powerful brakes and added wing spoilers to meet US operating requirements. Cabin windows were also enlarged but retained the distinctive teardrop shape.
The flight deck was enlarged, and the glass area was redesigned to conform as much as possible with UA's Douglas DC-8 fleet.
The first (N1001U), 'Ville de Toulouse,' was delivered on June 12, 1961. It was put into revenue service on July 14 between New York (EWR) and Chicago (ORD). Indeed, the type became the first jet-powered airliner to launch operations at EWR, beating TWA with its Boeing 707 services and Eastern's (EA) DC-8s.
The Caravelle proved popular with the US airline, which would fly the type on its high-density routes within the United States and surrounding countries. UA retained the French décor inside the airliners, referring to the aircraft as "La Belle Caravelle." It was eventually retired in October of 1970.
Featured Image: UA became the first US operator of the French-built Caravelle. Photo: Jon Proctor (GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2), via Wikimedia Commons
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