The Aviasud AE-206 Mistral was developed by Aviasud Engineering in Fréjus, France, was designed
by two Belgian born engineers: Francois Goethals and Bernard d'Otreppe. The Mistral, a
three-axis, tricycle landing gear, microlight biplane powered by a Rotax 532 engine, was flown
first in 1985. This side-by-side two-seated ULM (Ultra Light Motorised aircraft) is highly unusual
in having swept forward wings. The Aviasud AE-206 Mistral was manufactured by Aviasud Industries in
Fréjus, France and the first delivery took place in April 1986. The exact number in service world-wide
is unknown but just over two hundred were built in France. Next to the production in France, the Mistral
was under licence manufactured in Brasil by Ultraleger Industria Aeronáutica Ltda. The Mistral remained in
production by Ultraleger until 2004. Their Mistral B and C were powered by a 65 hp 2 cylinder, 2
stroke liquid cooled Rotax 582 UL-DCDI engine. On 4 May 1987, the Mistral made history when it was
flown to the geographic North Pole by Nicolas Hulot. This Mistral was accompanied by another ULM: the
Explorer, a highly modified Avid Flyer, flown by Hubert de Chevigny. |