A braced high-wing monoplane, the Max Holste MH.152 was designed to meet a French Army requirement for a lightweight liaison/observation aircraft. The first prototype, which flew in June 1951, was originally powered by a 220hp Salmson Argus engine; however, the company then decided to develop a slightly larger and considerably more powerful version, ideally for ambulance and photographic work. Named the Broussard (Bushman), the modified aircraft flew for the first time on 17 November 1952. The first civil production aircraft was flown on 16 June 1954, followed eight days later by the first specially equipped military aircraft. The type was built in considerable numbers for both civil and military users.