Known as Societe Nouvelle des Avions Max Holste
until 1960, when the U.S. Cessna company took over a
49% holding and company was renamed. Reims
acquired license-manufacturing rights for several Cessna
types such as the Model 150,172,177,182, and 337,
for sale in European and African markets. Currently manufacturers
and customises the twin-turboprop F 406 Caravan
II (first flown 1983) unpressurized utility transport,
with a range of Vigilant derivatives offered for maritime
surveillance, calibration, electronic warfare, border surveillance,
survey, pollution control, and other roles, and
can be lightly armed. Plans to reintroduce the F172 and
F182 versions of Cessna lightplanes was halted in 1998.
Subcontract activities include work on Airbus, ATR, and
various Dassault Aviation programmes.
