NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2026
— INNOVATION —
The first MCR-4S/916 Evolutionhas started up !
Following an official inspection by the OSAC on 24 February, the first start-up took place the following day. This key moment allowed the final engine adjustments to be made. The first flight will take place in the coming days, as soon as the permit issued by the OSAC has been received.
Registered F-PCJR, this model comes with all the latest features. It includes all the latest developments from SE Aviation Aircraft: new aerodynamic design, airframe parachute, redesigned center console, leather and Alcantara-covered carbon fiber wraparound seats, armrests with storage, USB-C ports, Garmin G3X glass cockpit, and three-axis autopilot.
With the introduction of the Rotax 916iS, the MCR-4S Evolution promises improved climb rate and further fuel efficiency. Specific figures will be released after the first flights, once performance has been measured and validated. The F-PCJR will soon be delivered to a customer of ACR Aviation, one of our official distributors for France, based at Haguenau aerodrome (LFSH) and managed by Denis Loeber.
— INDUSTRY —
SE Aviation Aircraft is about to double its production capacity!
In order to support the ramp-up of our programmes, we are preparing to take a major industrial step forward. A new 600 m² hangar (20x30m) will soon be built on the site, bringing the total surface area of the facilities to 1,700 m².
These new spaces will be exclusively dedicated to the assembly of MCR aircraft and drones for the DRIADE programme. This expansion will enable us to double our production capacity.
At the same time, in Portugal, at our subsidiary responsible for manufacturing all carbon parts for MCR and DRIADE, the workforce has been expanded. Recruitment is underway, employees are currently undergoing specific training, and new machines have been purchased to speed up kit deliveries.
Construction of the building will begin in the coming weeks. Once it has been fitted out, it is scheduled to become operational in 2027.
— DELIVERY CENTER NEWS —
A MCR Pick-Up Evolution will soon be delivered!
A new MCR Pick-Up Evolution, registered F-JLZP, has recently been assembled by the SE Aviation Aircraft teams. This aircraft marks a first: it is the very first Pick-Up Evolution equipped with the GLORIEUSE propeller developed by E-PROPS. This three-bladed stands out for its remarkable lightness, weighing 4.5 kg compared to 9.5 kg for an MT-Propeller, while offering similar performance. The aircraft’s maiden flight took place a fortnight ago and went according to plan.
Like the MCR-4S/916 Evolution, this Evolution Pick-Up is intended for delivery to ACR Aviation. The delivery has not yet been possible due to bad weather conditions, but it is now imminent.
— TRAVELLING IN MCR —
Mihai and his family’sworld tour goes on
“Home is where we land”
This motto perfectly sums up the adventure of Mihai Silvestru, a Romanian pilot who assembled his MCR-4S in just 30 months, in a simple container set up in the middle of the countryside.
Since September 2025, Mihai has been travelling Europe with his family — his wife and 10-year-old son Iancu — on an aerial journey lasting at least two years aboard his MCR-4S.
Croatia, Italy, the Alps, Sardinia, Corsica, France, Spain… the stages follow one another, combining long-haul flights and tourist discoveries, always at the pace of light aviation.
According to the latest news, the family has travelled from Malaga to Albufeira in south-western Portugal. After a promising stopover at the seaside, they were set to head south, with Morocco in their sights. This is an exciting new chapter in this unprecedented journey, which continues to demonstrate the capabilities and versatility of the MCR-4S.
Follow Mihai and his family on his YouTube channel @Tri-Fly.
— DRIADE —
The DRIADE (OPV) drone flew in front of the DGA
For those who may have missed the information published in our latest press release, here is a quick reminder:
At the end of January 2026, the DRIADE programme, a M.A.L.E. drone developed by the SE Aviation Group, reached a decisive milestone with the completion of a demonstration flight at Pontarlier aerodrome, in the presence of the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA).
The demonstrator flew in its OPV (Optionally Piloted Vehicle) version, with a safety pilot on board. The entire mission (take-off, navigation, return to base, approach and landing) was carried out automatically, without any human intervention on the flight controls.
Lasting approximately one hour, the mission profile was followed with great precision, allowing the DGA to confirm the maturity of the DRIADE system and the reliability of its functions.
This success confirmed the SE Aviation Group’s ability to bring together the critical skills required and to realise the ambitions of this strategic programme within a short timeframe.
