Colomban Cri-cri

The CriCri (French Grille ) is the smallest and cheapest twin-engine aircraft in the world. Despite the low maximum take-off mass of less than 200 kg it is not in the CriCri a microlight. Since it is man -supporting, it is not even a large model aircraft. The construction was carried out in accordance with the approval requirements of FAR Part 23 (now EASA CS -23) and shall be approved in Germany as a twin engine with less than 2000 kg take-off mass ( D- GXXX ) as a single piece in the limited special class.

Development

In the 1960s, the aerodynamics engineer Michel Colomban started a research project. He wanted to build a small and economical aircraft. After a series of calculations Michel in 1957 came to the conclusion that the plane would get along with a maximum take-off weight of 180 kg with a load-bearing area of ​​4 m². The minimum design should get as driving a 20 -horsepower engine. However, could not be begun construction at the time. It was not until twelve years later the conditions were favorable for the start of construction. In the meantime, some changes to the original project have been made:

  • Instead of wood metal should be used.
  • The bearing surface was reduced to 3.1 square meters.
  • Two 9 -horsepower chainsaw engines of the French manufacturer JPX replaced the not yet existing 20 - hp engine. The divided power had a positive effect on the propeller efficiency in fast flight.
  • Instead of the cross- tail should be installed to protect against obstacles on the ground and improving the aerodynamics, a T-tail.

The result was the MC- 10th Because of the many design innovations lengthy tests were performed.

First flight

On June 23 1973 the prototype had its roll -out in Guyancourt. He had an empty weight of only 63 kg and was lighter than its builders. On July 19, 1973, the maiden flight took place - also Guyancourt. Test pilot was Robert Buisson, a former fighter pilot with a lot of flying experience. In the same year, the MC -10 was introduced to the public at the National Amateur Constructors meeting in Montargis. Self follow in 1974 and 1975.

Versions

With the MC-10 countless test flights were made, their findings are used to build a safer and more reliable version. However, it took almost ten years for the next version MC -15 saw the light of the world.

On September 2, 2010 in Le Bourget launched a very quiet electric version of CriCri with the "F - PRCQ " for its maiden flight. In two on either side near the fuselage nose -mounted nacelles four brushless electric motors driving four three-bladed propeller ( in opposite directions, two train - and two pusher propellers ). The construction of lighter carbon fiber composite material compensates for the higher weight of the electric drive of 175 kg take-off weight. Fed 26.8 kg of lithium - polymer batteries (100 V, 5 Ah) the aircraft reaches a climb rate of 5.3 m / s or 250 km / h peak and 110 km / h travel speed - for 30 minutes duration. It allowed 15 min aerobatics. Developed in cooperation with Aero Composites Saintonge and the Green Cri - Cri Association, the model of EADS serves ( Innovation Works ) to inexpensively explore the integration of electric drives in an airplane and a helicopter to promote hybrid drive concept.

Specifications

A CriCri is on display at the Deutsches Museum in Munich.

France Federal Aviation Regulations Curb weight Testpilot Bede BD-5
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