In 1957, Avions Max Holste began work on a twin-engined follow on to its successful Broussard single-engined utility aircraft.

[1][2] The new aircraft, the Max Holste MH.250 Super Broussard, was a high-wing cantilever monoplane powered by two 600 hp (450 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engines and could accommodate 17–22 passengers.

[3][2] Max-Holste developed the MH.250 into the turboprop-powered MH.260, to meet a perceived market for a replacement for the DC-3 and for feeder-liner services.

[4][5] The prototype MH.260, powered by two 730 shp (540 kW) Bastan IIIs, first flew on 29 July 1960.

[1] Only nine production Nord 260s were completed, with the tenth aircraft remaining unflown and used as a source of spare parts.