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 Colomban Cri Cri cruises at approximately 150 mph vs. 115 mph for the propeller driven version.
Pilots report that flying the Colomban 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 Colomban 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 Colmban 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 Colomban 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 Colomban Cri Cri is about 28 inches. Each engine generally produces between 9 hp and 15 hp.
Pictured above is the Colomban Cri Cri for sale by NitroPlanes. It has a 46 1/2" wingspan, a 37 1/2" length, and Speed 380 motors. Weight is about 2 lbs. 4 oz.
Mr. Lin of GWS tells us that they are working on a Colomban 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 Colomban Cri Cri.
The second picture below is of a Colomban 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 Colomban 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 Colomban 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 Colomban Cri Cri in the last picture below.
There are 3 view drawings from which to help build a Colomban Cri Cri at richard. ferriere.free.fr/3vues.
Please email us if you know of a Colomban Cri Cri that you can recommend.
Colomban Cri Cri
A Colomban Cri Cri from GWS.
Colomban Cri Cri
Colomban Cri Cri built by Sergio Vergara.
Colomban Cri Cri
The Colomban Cri Cri built by Tom Czenthe and flown by George Welcome.
P. Siemons of RC Universe was looking for Colomban Cri Cri plans.
Thomas B of RC Groups was trying to find a Colomban Cri Cri.
Tord Erikson of RC Groups posted about the Colomban Cri Cri.
At RC Groups rc mann mentioned a Colomban Cri Cri in a posting.
At RC Groups bruff posted photos of his new Colomban Cri Cri.
Patrick Plawner of RC Groups started a Colomban Cri Cri build thread.
Jackjet of RC Universe started a disussion about the Colomban Cri Cri.
At RC Universe arp67 had a Colomban Cri Cri for sale.
There is a discussion and pictures of the Colomban Cri Cri at RC Flying Models.
At Homebuilt Airplanes johnthewelder started posting about a Colomban Cri Cri.
Doohan Industrial Ltd., Guandong, China, has a Colomban 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
