In 1951, Air France ordered 12 units of an improved variant of the Br.761 Deux Ponts transport aircraft. The new machines, designated Br.763 Provence, featured a new reinforced wing with increased span, a redesigned three-person cockpit, and more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800-CA18 engines.
The aircraft made its first flight on July 20, 1951, and from August 1952, this type began to be used by Air France. It could accommodate 59 and 48 passengers on the upper and lower decks respectively, or up to 135 people in a high-density configuration. The aircraft was used as a passenger-cargo, cargo, or general transport.
Versatility and Capabilities
The Br.763’s flexibility allowed it to adapt to various operational needs. Its double-deck design made it ideal for mixed configurations, optimizing space for both passengers and goods. This multi-role capability was key to its extended service life in both civil and military capacities.
Military Service and Retirement
In 1964, Air France transferred six Br.763 aircraft to the French Air Force, where they were given the name Br.763 Sahara. They were used in the transport squadron alongside three Br.761S aircraft and four machines of a new variant which had sliding cargo doors. These military aircraft could accommodate up to 146 servicemen, 85 stretchers and medical personnel, or cargo, equipment, and heavy machinery.
The last of these versatile transports was withdrawn from service in 1972, marking the end of an era for an aircraft that faithfully served both French civil and military aviation.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Br.763 |
| Wingspan, m | 42.96 |
| Length, m | 28.94 |
| Height, m | 9.56 |
| Wing area, m2 | 185.40 |
| Empty weight | 32 240 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 48000 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 51600 |
| Engine type | 4 Piston engines Pratt Whitney R-2800-CA18 |
| Power, hp | 4 x 2400 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 360 |
| Economical speed, km/h | 336 |
| Ferry range, km | 4100 |
| Practical range, km | 2700 |
| Service ceiling, m | 7300 |
| Crew, crew members | 4 |
| Payload | 146 military personnel, 85 stretchers and medical staff or cargo, equipment and heavy machinery weighing up to 20000 kg. or 103 passengers or 16000 kg of commercial cargo |
Image and diagram gallery of the Br.763 Provence/Sahara
 Br.763 Provence/Sahara |
 Br.763 Provence/Sahara |
 Br.763 Provence/Sahara |
 Br.763 Provence/Sahara |
 Br.763 Provence/Sahara |
 Br.763 Provence/Sahara |
 Br.763 Provence/Sahara |
 Br.763 Provence/Sahara |
 Br.763 Provence/Sahara |