Avions Mauboussin, an aircraft manufacturer based in Belfort in France since 2017, is developing a new generation of hybrid hydrogen-fuelled aircraft. The French manufacturer is reviving the legendary aviation brand of the 1930s founded by Pierre Mauboussin, with two programmes: Alerion M1h, a light two-seater, and Alcyon M3c, a six-seater.

The objective is to allow sustainable inter-city mobility and access to areas currently closed to conventional aircraft, using clean and silent short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft, to operate as close as possible to the desired destinations and from reduced infrastructures.

The name Pierre Mauboussin, an aircraft manufacturer of the 1930s, represents the innovative spirit of French aviation. His planes broke endurance and speed records. Helene Boucher and Maryse Hilsz took part in competitions and broke several records at the controls of their Corsaire. The planes were renowned for their energy efficiency, thanks to highly improved aerodynamics combined with a modest engine. The son of the famous jeweller was also the designer of the Fouga Magister military training jet.

David Gallezot, founder of the new Avions Mauboussin, wanted to revive the brand that is synonymous with innovation and avant-garde thinking.

"In 1928 Pierre Mauboussin founded Avions Mauboussin to make aviation accessible to more people; today Avions Mauboussin is being reinvented to bring accessibility to the regions with the sustainable aviation of the 21st century," he says.

The first of the Avions Mauboussin range, designed with the Universite de Technologie de Belfort-Montbeliard (UTBM) and industrial partners, Alerion M1h is a light tandem two-seater with low wings, hybrid drive, fast and aerodynamic, for the pilot-owner and on-demand mobility market.

The powerplant will initially be hybrid (electric/thermal), with total power of 80 kW (about 110 hp). This will enable short takeoff and landing in electric mode while cruising will be in combustion mode (250 km/h) with a range of several hundred kilometres (able to fly from Belfort to Toulouse in 02h30, for example). This will lead to reduced noise and inconveniences.

Subsequently, a hydrogen-powered turbine will enable the electric engine to function, and will therefore completely eliminate harmful emissions and the use of fossil fuels (already greatly reduced with the electric drive).

The first flight is planned for 2022 in the hybrid version and for 2024 in the hydrogen version. Commercialisation of the aircraft is scheduled for the end of 2024. This aircraft will validate the technologies transferable to the next model, the Alcyon M3c, and should be quickly available on the general aviation market with a sustainable/ecological offer.

The Alcyon M3c, a regional short take-off and landing aircraft, will have a seating capacity for five passengers, and the same powerplant as Alerion M1h two-seater (hybrid then hydrogen). It will have a range of 1,500 km and will reach a cruise speed of 370 km/h. Certification and commercialisation are planned for 2026.