Issoire APM 20 Lionceau

The Issoire APM 20 Lionceau is a light, two‑seat aircraft produced by the French company Issoire Aviation, a subsidiary of the Aeronautical Manufacturing Group founded in the early 1990s. Development began in 1995 as a modern replacement for the aging Piel CP.10, and the prototype first flew on 12 June 1997, gaining French certification in 1999. The Lionceau’s airframe is built primarily of composite laminate and aluminum, offering a high strength‑to‑weight ratio while keeping production costs low. It is powered by a Rotax 912ULS four‑stroke engine delivering 100 hp, which provides a cruise speed of 115 kt, a range of 600 km and a useful load of 300 kg. The aircraft features a side‑by‑side cockpit with large acrylic canopy, fixed tricycle landing gear, and optional glass‑cockpit avionics. Its forgiving handling, low stall speed and short‑field capability have made it popular with flight schools, aero‑clubs and private owners throughout Europe. By combining modern materials, efficient powerplant and economical operating costs, the APM 20 Lionceau helped revitalize the French light‑sport market and demonstrated the viability of small‑scale composite aircraft manufacturing in the 21st century. Today it continues to serve as a benchmark for training platforms and inspires new designs within the European ultralight sector.