NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The 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 model aircraft.
Cri Cri 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 it cruises at approximately 150 mph vs. 115 mph for the propeller driven version.
Pilots report flying the Cri Cri as 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 Cri Cri are installed on two fuselage pylons and are very close to each other. 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. It can accommodate a number of different engines. Common are engines from lawn mowers, motorcycles, and also from radio control airplanes.
The average propeller size used by the aircraft is about 28 inches and each engine generally produces between 9 hp and 15 hp.
Pictured above is the Nitro Models RC Cri Cri. The rc has a 44 1/2" w/s. The ARF comes with two 380 motors.
Mr. Lin of GWS tells us that they are working on a rc Cri Cri rc. 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 RC airplaneis 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.
Please email us if you know of a rc RC Cri Cri radio control airplane that you can recommend.
