The GY80 Horizon was designed by French engineer, Yves Gardan, who had also been responsible for a number of other postwar light aircraft designs; SPIA 90, Minicab and Supercab.

The GY80 was certified in 1962. Sud Aviation (now Aerospatiale) acquired the design and production rights and placed the type into production in 1963.

The aircraft is a 4 seater all-metal aircraft with a retractable (hand wound) tricycle undercarriage. Frise slotted ailerons and Fowler flaps (the flaps, ailerons and horizontal tail pieces were interchangeable to reduce maintenance costs). A key aspect to the GY80 was its simple design and method of construction.

Three versions of the Horizon were built; 

	150hp Lycoming O320A powered GY80-150
	160hp Lycoming O320D powered GY80-160
	180hp Lycoming O360A powered GY80-180

A total of 270 GY80 Horizons were built, production ceased in 1974.