NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Colomban Cri Cri is the world's smallest twin engine aircraft. It is in the Guinness Book of World Records. It was designed by Michel Colomban, who sells the plans for the aircraft.
The twin engine home built aircraft have excellent maneuverability and are capable of performing superior aerobatics. Although normally powered by piston engines, they have been equipped with jet engines.
Powered by jet engines the Cri Cri cruises at approximately 150 mph vs. 115 mph for the propeller driven version.
Pilots report that flying the Cri Cri is a very pleasant experience. It is extremely aerobatic and can be ready to fly with as little as three minutes preparation.
Some 170 Cri Cri aircraft have been registered around the world. About 120 are registered in their native France with some 30 more registered in the United States.
It is interesting to note that Guinness has honored the original Cri Cri as the world's smallest twin engine airplane. However, the jet-powered version of the plane is apparently ineligible for the world's smallest jet record due to Guinness's rules on the subject.
The Cri Cri fuselage is of all metal construction. Maximum weight of the fuselage alone is about 31 lbs. The only instruments installed in the prototype were a tachometer and an altimeter. Control of the aircraft flight surfaces is by the usual stick and two pedals.
The engines of the Colomban Cri Cri are installed on two fuselage pylons and are very close to the aircraft centerline. Should one engine quit in flight this compensates for a difference in thrust and the aircraft will be controllable.
The airplane utilizes a floating "T" elevator with the same airfoil profile as the main wings. Total elevator weight is only about 4 1/2 lbs.
The Colomban Cri Cri can accommodate a number of different engines. Common are engines from lawn mowers, motorcycles, and also from larger radio control airplanes.
The average propeller size used by the aircraft is about 28 inches. Each engine generally produces between 9 hp and 15 hp.
Pictured above is the rc Cri Cri ARF for sale by Nitro Planes. It has a 46 1/2" wingspan, a 37 1/2" length and comes with Speed 380 motors. Weight is about 2 lbs. 4 oz.
Mr. Lin of GWS tells us that they are working on a rc Cri Cri. GWS started the project over 8 years ago, however, the designer passed away. The project has been recently revived. The first picture below is of the original GWS rc Cri Cri.
The second picture below is of a rc Cri Cri scratch built by Sergio Vergara. The EDF is of all foam construction and has a wing span of 34". Power is by 2 x speed 300 motors driving Vasa 55 mm ducted fans.
We received the following email from George Welcome:
“Here is the rc Cri Cri that I fly. It has been featured in the Annual Joe Nall video and was in 6 magazines in 2007. The builder is Tom Czenthe of Port Saint John, Fl. In 2006 he also built a small electric rc Cri Cri for a friend.
They both fly great. The one pictured has 2 Ryobi 31cc engines, has a 110” wingspan and weighs 26 lbs. She will fly on one engine.”
You can find George and his rc Cri Cri in the last picture below.
There are 3 view drawings from which to help build a rc Cri Cri at richard.ferriere.free.fr/3vues.
Please email us if you know of a rc RC Cri Cri radio control airplane that you can recommend.
Radio
Control Airplane
A rc Cri Cri from GWS.
Radio Control Airplane
The rc Cri Cri built by Sergio Vergara.
Radio Control Airplane
The rc Cri Cri built by Tom Czenthe and flown by George Welcome.
P. Siemons of RC Universe was looking for rc Cri Cri plans.
Thomas B of RC Groups was looking for a rc Cri Cri.
Tord Erikson of RC Groups posted about the rc Cri Cri.
At RC Groups rc mann mentioned a rc Cri Cri.
At RC Groups bruff posted photos of his new rc Cri Cri.
Patrick Plawner of RC Groups started a rc Cri Cri scale model radio control airplane build thread.
A member of RC Universe goes by the name Cri Cri.
Jackjet of RC Universe started a thread about the Cri Cri.
At RC Universe arp67 was selling a rc Cri Cri ARF.
There is a discussion and pictures of the Cri Cri at RC Flying Models.
At Homebuilt Airplanes johnthewelder started a thread about a rc Cri Cri.
Doohan Industrial Ltd., Guandong, China, has a rc Cri Cri for sale. No information is provided about whether it is a ARF, RTF, or kit.
Wingspan, length, weight, and type of power are also not mentioned.
Cri Cri
