Arplast Micro'B
| Micro'B | |
|---|---|
| Role | Ultralight aircraft |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Arplast Helice |
| Status | Production completed |
| Unit cost |
€39,000 (103 model, assembled, 2011) |
The Arplast Micro'B (English: Microbe) is a French ultralight aircraft that was designed and produced by propeller manufacturer Arplast Helice. It was supplied as a kit for amateur construction or as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft.[1]
Design and development
The Arplast Micro'B was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules, with a lightened version for the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles category. It features a strut-braced high-wing, a single-seat enclosed cockpit, fixed tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1]
The Micro'B is made from a combination of welded steel and carbon fibre, with the flying surfaces made from the latter material. Its 8.6 m (28.2 ft) span wing is supported by a single strut per side and features automatic flaps. Standard engines included the 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447 two-stroke or other small lightweight motors, mounted on the main keel tube above the cockpit.[1]
Variants
- Micro'B
- Initial version, which was used to win the World Microlight Championships.[1]
- Micro'B ML
- Improved version, with carbon fibre construction for the FAI Microlight class. Standard engine supplied was the 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447 two-stroke aircraft engine. Empty weight of 125 kg (276 lb).[1]
- Micro'B 103
- Lightened version for the US ultralight category, equipped with a 25 hp (19 kW) Briggs & Stratton V-twin engine. Empty weight of 110 kg (243 lb).[1]
Specifications (Micro'B 103)
Data from Bayerl[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 8.6 m (28 ft 3 in)
- Wing area: 8.3 m2 (89 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 110 kg (243 lb)
- Gross weight: 250 kg (551 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 15 litres (3.3 imp gal; 4.0 US gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Briggs & Stratton V-twin engine, 19 kW (25 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 145 km/h (90 mph; 78 kn)
- Cruising speed: 110 km/h (68 mph; 59 kn)
- Stall speed: 40 km/h (25 mph; 22 kn)
- Rate of climb: 2.5 m/s (490 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 30.12 kg/m2 (6.17 lb/sq ft)
