Société Industrielle Pour l’Aéronautique
S.251 Antilope
The S.251 Antilope was a light twin‑engine aircraft developed in the early 1960s by the French firm Société Industrielle Pour l’Aéronautique (SIPA). Conceived as a modern replacement for the aging S.111 series, the Antilope first flew on 12 July 1962 from the company’s Toulouse‑Blagnac test field. Its design combined a low‑wing monoplane layout with a semi‑monocoque aluminum structure and retractable tricycle landing gear. Powered by two 180‑hp Lycoming O‑360‑A1A six‑cylinder engines mounted on the wing undersurfaces, the aircraft could reach a maximum speed of 300 km·h, a service ceiling of 7 500 meters and a range of roughly 1 200 km, making it suitable for both civil transport and military liaison duties.
Only a limited production run was completed—twenty‑four airframes—because SIPA shifted its focus toward helicopters and the market for small twin‑engine transports became saturated. Nevertheless, the S.251 Antilope demonstrated several advances, such as integrated navigation avionics and a spacious cabin that could accommodate six passengers or equivalent cargo. Its brief operational life helped refine SIPA’s engineering expertise, influencing later designs like the Gazelle helicopter, and it remains a notable example of French post‑war innovation in the general‑aviation sector.
Only a limited production run was completed—twenty‑four airframes—because SIPA shifted its focus toward helicopters and the market for small twin‑engine transports became saturated. Nevertheless, the S.251 Antilope demonstrated several advances, such as integrated navigation avionics and a spacious cabin that could accommodate six passengers or equivalent cargo. Its brief operational life helped refine SIPA’s engineering expertise, influencing later designs like the Gazelle helicopter, and it remains a notable example of French post‑war innovation in the general‑aviation sector.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 1
- First Flight
- 1962