The SNCA du Centre NC.856 tourer first flew on 12 March 1949, powered by a 105 hp Walter Minor 4-III, but development ceased with the liquidation of SNCA du Centre.
A second prototype, modified for use as an air observation post, was built by SNCA du Nord, and first flown on 15 March 1951.
An order for 112, designated NC.856A Norvigie, was placed for the French Army, the first production Norvigie flying on 12 March 1953.
Derived from the NC.856A Norvigie, the NC.856N is a four-seat cabin monoplane. Powered by a 160 hp SNECMA-Regnier 4LO-8 engine, the NC.856N is generally similar to the three-seat NC.856H twin-float seaplane variant.
The wing is a single spar metal structure with fabric covering, and the fuselage is welded steel tube with fabric covering over light wooden formers.
NC.856 Tourer
Engine: 105 hp Walter Minor 4-III
NC.856A Norvigie
Engine: 140 hp Regnier 4 LO.4
Wingspan: 41 ft
Wing area: 183 sq.ft
Length: 25 ft 3 in
Height: 7 ft 4.5 in
Empty weight: 1432 lb
Loaded weight: 1984 lb
Max speed: 118 mph
Cruise: 105 mph
Endurance – AOP: 1 hr
Endurance – Liaison: 3 hr
ROC: 984 fpm
Seats: 2
NC.856H
Twin floats
Seats: 3
NC.856N
Engine: 160 hp SNECMA-Regnier 4LO-8
Wing span: 41 ft
Wing area: 183 sq.ft
Length: 25 ft 3.25 in
Height: 7 ft 6 in
Empty weight: 1389 lb
Loaded weight: 2447 lb
Max speed: 127 mph
Cruise: 112 mph
ROC: 689 fpm
Ceiling: 18,040 ft
Range: 360 mi
Seats: 4
All Aero 