Colomban Cri-Cri The History of the World’s Smallest Twin-Engine Aircraft

 

In the world of aviation, where size often equates to power and prestige, the Colomban Cri-Cri stands out as a charming contradiction. Dubbed the “smallest twin-engine aircraft in the world,” this pint-sized plane has captivated pilots, engineers, and aviation enthusiasts since its debut in the 1970s. Its story is one of innovation, daring design, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in flight. Let’s dive into the fascinating history of this iconic micro aircraft.

Origins: The Vision of Michel Colomban

The Cri-Cri’s story begins with French aeronautical engineer Michel Colomban, a man driven by a desire to democratize aviation. In the early 1970s, Colomban noticed a gap in the market: there were no affordable, lightweight twin-engine planes suitable for amateur builders. Most small aircraft of the era were single-engine designs, but Colomban believed a twin-engine configuration could offer redundancy and safety while remaining compact.

Inspired by the idea of creating a plane that could be built in a garage, he set out to design an aircraft that was simple, lightweight, and cost-effective. The result was the MC-10 Cri-Cri (named after Colomban’s daughter’s nickname, “Cri-Cri”). Unveiled in 1973, the aircraft immediately turned heads with its diminutive size and unconventional twin-engine setup.

Design Philosophy: Small But Mighty

The Cri-Cri’s design was revolutionary for its time. Colomban prioritized weight reduction without compromising structural integrity. The aircraft’s frame was constructed from lightweight materials like aluminum and composite fabrics, resulting in an empty weight of just 78 kg (172 lbs). Despite its size, the Cri-Cri was no toy—it was designed to meet strict aviation safety standards.

What truly set the Cri-Cri apart was its twin-engine configuration. Colomban equipped the plane with two JPX PUL 212 engines, each producing a modest 9 horsepower. While this may seem underpowered, the engines’ placement on either side of the fuselage provided balanced thrust, enhancing stability and control. The Cri-Cri’s wingspan stretched just 4.9 meters (16 feet), and its overall length was a mere 3.9 meters (12.8 feet)—small enough to fit in a standard trailer.

First Flight and Public Reception

The Cri-Cri took to the skies for the first time on July 19, 1973, piloted by Robert Buisson, a close collaborator of Colomban. The flight was a success, showcasing the aircraft’s agility and surprising speed—it could reach up to 220 km/h (137 mph). Aviation magazines and enthusiasts quickly dubbed it the “flying matchbox,” a nod to its compact size and spirited performance.

The Cri-Cri’s debut at the 1973 Paris Air Show cemented its status as a marvel of engineering. Crowds marveled at its ability to perform aerobatic maneuvers, including loops and rolls, despite its tiny stature. For amateur builders, the Cri-Cri became a symbol of accessibility; Colomban published plans for home construction, allowing aviation enthusiasts to build their own micro aircraft for a fraction of the cost of a factory-built plane.

Technical Innovations and Challenges

Building the Cri-Cri wasn’t without hurdles. Critics questioned the safety of such a small twin-engine plane, arguing that engine failure in one motor could destabilize the aircraft. Colomban addressed these concerns by designing the Cri-Cri to remain flyable on a single engine, albeit with reduced performance. Pilots also noted that the plane’s lightweight frame made it sensitive to turbulence, requiring skillful handling.

Over the years, the Cri-Cri evolved. Builders experimented with different engines, including more powerful 15-hp units, and even electric motors. In 2010, an electric-powered Cri-Cri, dubbed the E-Cri-Cri, made headlines by completing a 30-minute flight powered entirely by lithium-ion batteries. This innovation highlighted the aircraft’s adaptability and enduring relevance in the age of sustainable aviation.

Legacy: A Cult Classic in Aviation

Today, the Colomban Cri-Cri holds a unique place in aviation history. Approximately 150 kits have been built worldwide, with enthusiasts praising its simplicity, affordability, and sheer fun factor. It has appeared in airshows, documentaries, and even the Guinness World Records as the smallest twin-engine manned aircraft.

For pilots, flying the Cri-Cri is a bucket-list experience. Its open cockpit, minimalist controls, and nimble handling offer a pure, unfiltered connection to the skies—a stark contrast to modern, computerized aircraft. As one owner put it, “Flying the Cri-Cri feels like strapping wings to your back. It’s aviation in its simplest, most joyful form.”

Conclusion: The Cri-Cri’s Enduring Appeal

The Colomban Cri-Cri is more than just a curiosity; it’s a testament to the ingenuity of its creator and the spirit of grassroots aviation. Michel Colomban’s vision of an affordable, homebuilt twin-engine plane not only succeeded but inspired generations of aviators to dream big—even when building small.

Whether you’re an amateur pilot, an engineering enthusiast, or simply someone who loves underdog stories, the Cri-Cri’s legacy reminds us that innovation often thrives in the most unexpected packages. As aviation continues to evolve, this tiny twin-engine marvel will forever hold its place as a pioneer of micro-flight.

Cessna 551: A modern and sophisticated private jet for your business and leisure travel.

The Cessna 551 is a light airplane that was manufactured by the Cessna Aircraft Corporation between 1977 and 1982. The plane is an upgraded version of the Cessna 500 series, which includes the Cessna 500, 501, and 550. The 551 is also known as the Citation II in reference to its model number. The 551 was intended to be a luxurious, high-quality aircraft that would compete with the Grumman G–III, Beechjet 400, and Learjet 35 for buyers interested in purchasing a small private jet.

The cockpit of the 551 features a wide-angle windshield that makes it feel open and airy on the inside. Coupled with the flush side windows and low-profile wingtips, this feature gives the illusion of a much larger cabin than it actually is. One drawback of this design is that there are no rear window panels—the only view out of the back of the plane is through narrow side windows in each door. The design of the 551 allows for faster cruising speeds than previous models in its class due to an improved engine and a smoother fuselage contour with less drag. 

Cessna 551 is a modern and sophisticated private jet for your business and leisure travel. With its superior-level luxury amenities, it’s the ideal way to fly in style. The Cessna 551 had quite a few different models that were available to people. The first model, the Model A, was developed in 1955 as a result of a request from the Air Force, which wanted to see if it would be possible to make a plane that could be used as a trainer but could also be used for civilian purposes. The Model A had an all-metal body with fabric covering on the wings and tail; it featured a Continental engine of either 100 or 130 horsepower. The plane made its first flight in 1956, and it became known as "the pride and joy" of Cessna.

Another model, called Model B, came out in 1957. This model featured an all-metal body with metal wings and tail surfaces; it also included hydraulically operated flaps.  This version was also capable of having two seats installed instead of four in order to save space for cargo. Cessna 551 is a small aircraft developed by Cessna in the early 50's, used as a private charter. It was designed to be a replacement for Cessna 170, which at that time was the most popular airplane in general aviation. The prototype first flew in 1951 and since then more than 10,000 Cessna 551 aircraft have been built.

From 1964 to 1977, Cessna produced a line of aircraft called the Cessna 551. This single-engine business aircraft was designed by Ted R. Smith and was the last design he worked on before he left Cessna to become an independent consultant. While it shared some elements with previous models, the 551 was noted for its aerodynamic improvements, increased performance, and improved pilot-vehicle interface. The Cessna 551 became the first mass-produced aircraft to have a completely fuel-injected engine when it entered production in 1969. This fuel injection system was not only more reliable than carburetors, it also allowed for leaner fuel/air mixtures, which made the engine more efficient.

The Cessna 551 boasted a number of improvements over its predecessors that made it safer to fly and easier to use. The wing spoilers were designed as an integral part of the wing itself rather than as add-ons like they'd been in previous models, which meant they were more effective at increasing drag for landing and reducing lift for takeoff. It also had leading edge slats that extended automatically during takeoff and landing to improve control of airflow over the wings, which reduced takeoff speeds and gave pilots better control over their landings.