The Grinvalds G-801 Orion is a French experimental aircraft designed by Jean Grinvalds in 1975. Conceived as a four-seat homebuilt aircraft, the Orion was intended to offer a sophisticated alternative to standard light aircraft of the era. The design process culminated in the construction of a prototype by Grinvalds himself in France, which took flight on 2 June 1981.
In terms of design and configuration, the G-801 is a pusher aircraft, meaning the engine and propeller are located at the rear of the fuselage. This layout was heavily influenced by contemporary pusher homebuilts, most notably the VariEze and the Bede BD-5. To further enhance its efficiency and utility, Grinvalds incorporated a retractable nosewheel into the landing gear system. Due to these integrated features and its overall layout, the Orion was regarded as a complex aircraft for the homebuilt category, requiring a higher level of technical skill to construct and operate than simpler experimental designs.
Unlike commercial aircraft, the G-801 was not produced on a traditional factory assembly line. Instead, it was developed as a plan-built aircraft, allowing enthusiasts to construct their own versions from technical drawings. Because of this decentralized production method, precise manufacturing totals for the G-801 alone are not documented. However, records from early 2008 indicate that approximately 17 examples of the G-801 and the related G-802 had been completed and flown globally. At that same time, an additional nine aircraft were reported to be nearing their first flights in various countries.
Throughout its operational life, the G-801 Orion has served exclusively in a civil, owner-operated capacity. As an experimental type, it has not seen military service or commercial airline use. While specific engine models and performance metrics such as top speed or range were not detailed in the available records, the aircraft's legacy persists as a testament to the innovative spirit of the French homebuilt movement in the late 20th century.