B.260 Anjou

The Boisavia B.260 Anjou was a light, single‑engine monoplane built in France during the early 1950s by the small aircraft manufacturer Société Boisavia. Designed as a four‑seat touring and training aircraft, the Anjou first flew on 24 March 1950 and entered limited production the following year. Its structure combined a welded steel tube fuselage with a wooden wing, covered in fabric, giving the type a lightweight yet robust character. Powered by a 140 hp Renault 4Pei four‑cylinder engine, the Anjou could cruise at 170 km/h (105 mph) with a range of roughly 800 km, making it suitable for regional transport, flight schools, and private owners. The aircraft featured a low‑wing configuration, fixed tailwheel landing gear, and spacious cabin glazing that provided excellent visibility. Although only a small number—approximately 30 units—were built, the B.260 demonstrated the ingenuity of post‑war French aviation, blending traditional materials with modern aerodynamic concepts. Its reputation for reliable handling and low operating costs helped sustain general‑aviation activity in France during a period of rebuilding, and it remains a cherished example of Boisavia’s contribution to light‑aircraft design. Today several surviving Anjous are displayed in French aviation museums, preserving the type's legacy for future generations of enthusiasts.