 On 10 June 1959, the prototype Rallye, powered by a engine, conducted its maiden flight.On 21 November 1961, the first production versions of the aircraft, designated as the "MS.880B" and more powerful "MS.885", received their type certification, clearing them to perform operational flights.Thereafter, a range of improvements and alterations were progressively made upon the design as new models of the Rallye were introduced; typical advances included the adoption of more powerful engines, improved payload capability, and strengthened structure, the addition of wheel fairings, increased ground clearance for the propeller, expanded rudder and ailerons, and changes to the cockpit canopy arrangement.