Renault has revived the aviation heritage that has marked its history. The legendary 1934 Caudron Rafale C.460 made a public flight again for the first time in nearly 90 years.
The aircraft, which took the stage at the “Le Temps des Hélices” air show held in the La Ferté-Alais region of France, brought one of the most iconic designs of aviation history to the sky again.
For Renault, this project is not just a restoration work; It is seen as a strong bridge between the brand’s past and present. The company re-emphasizes its tradition of performance, engineering and innovation through this historic aircraft.
The same spirit is kept alive in the Renault Rafale model introduced in 2023. By choosing the name Rafale, the brand makes a direct reference to its aviation heritage and speed-oriented engineering history.
The process of preparing the aircraft for flight again took place with a long and meticulous restoration work. The project, which was launched in July 2024, was led by the Dijon-based Aéro Restauration Service team and pilot-restaurateur Bruno Ducreux.
As part of the process, the aircraft was completely disassembled, the fuselage was strengthened, the engine was reassembled, and it underwent extensive testing both on the ground and in the air. After all these works, Caudron Rafale C.460 was ready to fly again.
Developed in the 1930s, the model made its way into aviation history, especially with the women’s world speed record broken by pilot Hélène Boucher in 1934. This success made the aircraft a symbol of the aerodynamic and engineering revolutions of the period.
Renault plans to exhibit this revived historical heritage in the “Les Collections” museum, which is planned to open in Flins by 2027. The museum will bring together archives and iconic models that will shed light on the approximately 130-year history of the brand.
Automobile Magazine – English News
Source link 2026-05-27 20:56:00
