The CE.43 Guépard is an all-metal variant of the Wassmer WA.4/21 aircraft, itself an evolution of the WA.40 and WA.41 Baladou models. Wassmer Aviation commenced the development of its own light aircraft after 1955.
The WA.4/21 prototype first flew in March 1967, with 25 units assembled by 1970. Its fuselage comprised a steel frame with fabric covering, while the wings were skinned with plywood.
The Genesis of CERVA
In 1971, Wassmer Aviation and Siren SA established a joint venture, CERVA (Consortium Européen de Réalisation et de Ventes d’Avions), specifically tasked with constructing the all-metal variant of the aircraft.
The CE.43 prototype made its maiden flight on May 18, 1971. The second prototype was delivered to the Service de la Formation Aeronautique (SFA), while the third aircraft was designated for static testing. Following its type certification on June 1, 1972, the CE.43 received a significant order from the French government.
Government Orders and Deliveries
This order included five units for the SFA and 18 for the Centre d’Essais en Vol (CEV). By early 1974, 12 CE.43 aircraft were already in production at the factory, with initial deliveries to customers commencing in 1975.
Wassmer Aviation’s Final Chapter
Prototypes for two new modifications, the CE.44 Couguar and CE.45 Leopard, were developed under contract with the French government. These were equipped with 285 hp Continental Tiara or 310 hp Lycoming TIO-540 engines, respectively. However, work on these projects ceased abruptly as Wassmer Aviation entered liquidation in 1977.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | CE.43 |
| Wingspan, m | 10. 00 |
| Length, m | 8.40 |
| Height, m | 2.80 |
| Wing area, m2 | 16.00 |
| Empty weight | 845 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1600 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Avco Lycoming IO-540-C4B5 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 250 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 32 0 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 280 |
| Practical range, km | 2900 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 330 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 5300 |
| Max. operational G-load | 4.4 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload: | 3-4 passengers |
Image gallery of the CE.43 Guépard
