Max Holste MH.1521M Broussard

Max Holste · France · first flew 1952 · transport aircraft

The Max Holste MH.1521 Broussard is a French single-engine high-wing utility transport widely used by the French military for liaison, observation, and light transport duties.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, straight
E — Engines1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage8.65 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

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A high-wing monoplane with a prominent radial engine cowling, large glasshouse cabin for observation, fixed tailwheel undercarriage, and a square-section fuselage typical of utility aircraft of the era.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1952, the Broussard was designed to meet French Air Force requirements for a rugged utility aircraft capable of operating from unprepared strips. It was produced in large numbers and saw extensive service during the Algerian War and in French colonial territories.

Variants

The MH.1521M was the standard military version; a civil MH.1521C was also produced, and later versions had minor equipment differences.

Where you'll see it

The French Air Force and Army Light Aviation (ALAT) operated Broussards from the 1950s through the 1980s; the type was also exported to several Francophone African nations.

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