Avions Max Holste was a French aircraft manufacturer formed in 1933 by the French aeronautical engineer Max Holste.[1]
History
Following the end of the Second World War the company concentrated on the design of a two-seater light training/touring aircraft, the Max Holste MH.52.[1] A low-wing monoplane with twin fins and rudders, the MH.52 first flew in 1945.[2] The company then built a high-wing version of the MH.52 to meet a French Army requirement. Being too small this was developed into the MH.1521 Broussard and the company went on to build 370 Broussards, mainly for the French military.[1]
Holste then developed a 17-seat MH.250 Super Broussard. The French government placed a contract for ten improved versions as the MH.260.[1] The company was challenged to fill the order and negotiated an agreement with Nord Aviation to help build the aircraft.[1]
The company's financial state deteriorated and on 16 February 1960 the American company Cessna Aircraft Company purchased a 49% share and renamed the company Societe Nouvelle Max Holste.[1] The MH.260 design was handed over to Nord who developed it as the successful Nord 262.[1] The company was renamed again to Reims Aviation and went on to produce Cessna aircraft under licence.[1]
