Back to the Future for Socata:
Lightplanes Invoke Past Glories

Socata, now an element of the EADS empire, is displaying its well-known range of touring, training and executive light transport aircraft in the static display-accompanied by a pair of exhibits clearly hailing from a bygone age.
The connection? Morane.

Stressing the long and illustrious history of French aerospace, Socata has named its upcoming range of four/five-seat tourers after its predecessor, the Morane-Saulnier company. Morane built trainers and observation aircraft, many of them with parasol wings, between the world wars. Its last production aircraft were the ubiquitous MS 880 Rallye and MS 760 Paris four-seat executive jet, which, if present trends are an indication, was 40 years ahead of its time.

Similar to the well-known Trinidad and Tobago, the new MS 200RG and MS 200FG (retractable and fixed gear) displayed alongside the historic warplanes feature the SMA SR 305 turbodiesel, rated at 227 hp and certified earlier this year.

The popular Socata lightplane family has already undergone a facelift, having emerged last year in GT (Generation Two) form with upgraded avionics, raised cabin roof and redesigned interior, plus aerodynamic "tweaks" including a fin fillet and upturned wingtips. The Morane series will complete this transformation.