Colomban Cri Cri
This
aircraft was designed by the French aeronautical engineer, Michel Colomban
in the early 1970's. It first flew on July 19, 1973 with two 9 hp Rowena
engines.The engines for the Cri
Cri have always been it's weakness. Since the first Rowena 9hp chain saw
engines were attached better engines have been sought after. Quickly, the
designer, needed larger engines and found the Valmet and then the JPX PUL
212.
The 1998 version of the Cri Cri, the "MC
15 S", has a pair of 15hp single cylinder Solo 210 engines. Even with this
hopefully better engine, builders seem to be continually searching for
more horsepower, more reliability and less weight while balancing this
with cost. The eternal struggle in picking aircraft engines is the
quintessential problem for the Cri Cri.
Since the design was first released in
the early 80's more engine choices have become available from many areas.
Industrial engines, go-karts, motorcycles, parasailing, radio control,
drones, chain saws and turbine applications. Even though many of these
engines have many redeeming qualities one must never forget that the
environment of flight does put unique demands on engines. Many of these
engines are designed to be land based, stationary engines and therefore
have not anticipated the rigors of flight. The quality of these engines
should become evident when you look at durability and reliability. Simply
put, they were not designed for the job.
specifications
powerplant
propeller
length
height
wing span
wing area
seats
empty weight
useful load
gross weight
fuel capacity
range |
2 x 15 Hp
Fixed pitch propellers
12 ft 10 in
x
16 ft
34 sq ft
1
160 lbs
x
380 lbs
6 US gals, 35 lbs
345 miles |
performance
takeoff distance,
ground roll
rate of climb
max speed
cruise speed
landing distance, ground roll
service ceiling |
400 ft
1200 fpm
127 mph
115 mph
x
16,000 ft+ |
limiting and recommended speeds
design manoeuvring speed (Va)
never exceed speed (Vne)
stall, power off (Vsl)
landing approach speed |
x
160 mph
42 mph
x |
All specifications are based on manufacturer's
calculations
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