SIPA S - 200

The SIPA 200 Minijet was a single engine jet, twin boom, two seat that was designed following a request for proposal from the SALS (a French government body in charge or reorganizing General Aviation after WWII). Its primary functions were liaison, training and aerobatics.

Powered by one Turbomeca Palas of 350 pounds of thrust, the S200 made its first flight on January 14th, 1952. With a maximum takeoff weight of 1850 pounds, its thrust to weight ratio was not very good, and its performances paled in comparison with the Morane and Fouga. Only seven prototypes of the S200 were built. Two of them remain in flightworthy condition today: one in the US, the other in France. The son of the owner of the French Sipa-200 runs www.minijet.org (in French only) with more information on the Sipa and other minijets.

The SIPA 200 was designed by Yves Gardan. I've had the pleasure to spend some time with him at his house in Versailles and he gave me some of the material posted here. He was still actively working on light aircraft designs. Sadly, he passed away in the summer of 2009.