Powered by a 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) st Hispano-Suiza Nene 102 turbojet and featuring a 24-deg swept-back laminar-flow wing with large Fowler-type flaps, the Nord 2200 was first flown on December 16, 1949. It was fitted with catapult points and arrester but lacked folding wings and armament. On June 24, 1950, the sole prototype was damaged and the opportunity was taken to fit a servo control system and to introduce redesigned and larger vertical tail surfaces. It also received an AI-radar scanner over the air intake and other refinements as visible in the final version. Flight testing was resumed on May 24, 1951, but in 1952 the decision was taken by the Aéronavale to adopt the de Havilland Sea Venom to meet its shipboard fighter requirement. Nevertheless, flight testing of the Nord 2200 continued until June 1954."