The Sud Aviation Caravelle SE-210 III is a significant aircraft in the history of civil aviation. It was designed and built by the French aviation company Sud Aviation, later known as Aérospatiale. Development began in the 1950s, and the aircraft was first introduced in 1959. It was designed for short- and medium-haul flights and is distinguished by its unique features. The Sud Aviation Caravelle SE-210 III was the first jet aircraft specifically developed for civilian air travel. One highlight of its technology is the rear-mounted engine configuration, which provides a quieter cabin atmosphere.
The aircraft of the third generation was produced from the year 1963 and offers outstanding technical specifications. The Sud Aviation Caravelle SE-210 III has a length of 32.1 meters (105.6 feet) and a wingspan of 34.3 meters (112.5 feet). The maximum cruising speed is 805 km/h (500 mph) and it has a range of about 2,700 kilometers (1,680 miles). The maximum takeoff weight is 47,000 kilograms (103,617 pounds). The price of a new Caravelle SE-210 III was approximately 3 million USD. The engineers who were instrumental in the development were Pierre Satre and Roger Béteille. Their innovative work significantly contributed to the successful introduction of the aircraft.
The miniature model, with a scale of 1/200, is manufactured by Inflight 200 and is made of high-quality diecast material. This model showcases a detailed replica of the Sud Aviation Caravelle SE-210 III in the classic livery of the airline Swissair. The elaborate paint scheme includes the characteristic red and white design with the prominently placed Swiss cross on the tail. The registration HB-ICZ is clearly printed. The model's paint job reflects the traditionally precise work of Inflight 200.
Swissair was founded in 1931 and was the national airline of Switzerland. They had several Sud Aviation Caravelle SE-210 III in their fleet, which were a key part of their short- and medium-haul flights. Swissair was known for its excellent service and reliability, which was also reflected in their choice of aircraft. The airline played an important role in aviation history and was a pioneer in the industry. The 1/200 scale miniature model, accurately depicting the livery and design of the actual aircraft, is a valuable collector's item for model aircraft enthusiasts.