'Largest aircraft ever at Schiphol.' The elegant Armagnac does not really give away its size but note that the stairs are one or two steps too short. The passengers were 66 high-ranking NATO officers on a European tour. The Volkswagen Beetle reads 'Airport Police'. Photo by: Wim van Rossem / Nationaal Archief (Netherlands)

The SE.2010 Armagnac was larger and heavier than the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, but its range fell short for transatlantic use. This is the prototype which crashed on take-off from Toulouse when a wing leading edge panel came off. Seven of the eight production aircraft were successfully used for troop transport flights to French Indochina by the SAGETA company. Photo from: San Diego Air & Space Museum

One of nine SE-2010 Armagnacs completed. This was the eighth and first flew in 1953. Operated by the SAGETA air charter firm on long distance flights - mainly to Saigon in French Indo China. No example of the type survives. Obtained over 40 years ago.