Colomban MC-15 (CRI CRI)

Cri-Cri: The Ultimate Pocket Twin-Engine

The Colomban Cri-Cri is a masterpiece of minimalist engineering and arguably the most famous homebuilt aircraft in the world. Designed by French engineer Michel Colomban, its genius doesn’t lie in using hardware store materials, but in applying high-precision aeronautical engineering on a tiny scale. It is officially recognized as the smallest twin-engine manned aircraft in the world.

Why Is It a Legend?

World Record Holder: It is incredibly small. With a wingspan smaller than many family cars, it fits on a small trailer without dismantling the wings, or comfortably inside a standard garage.

“Fighter” Performance: Unlike typical ultralights that “float,” the Cri-Cri flies fast and agile. It is fully acrobatic and handles like a miniature fighter jet.

Twin-Engine Safety: Having two engines offers redundancy. If one engine fails, the design allows (with proper skill) to continue flight or maintain altitude—something unheard of in aircraft this size.

All-Metal Construction: It isn’t made of tube and fabric; it is a “real” airplane made of aluminum sheets and foam, using construction techniques similar to commercial aviation, which gives it exceptional rigidity and durability.

Performance and Key Numbers
The Cri-Cri is fast, responsive, and efficient. It isn’t designed to float gently over fields, but to travel at speed and execute precise maneuvers.

General Specifications:

• Crew: 1 pilot

• Wingspan: 16 ft (4.9 m)

• Length: 12.8 ft (3.9 m)

• Wing Area: 33 sq ft (3.1 m²)

• Empty Weight: 172 lbs (78 kg) — Lighter than many pilots!

• Max Takeoff Weight: 375 lbs (170 kg)

• Useful Load: Approx. 200 lbs (90 kg)

• Typical Engine Power: 2 engines x 15 HP (Total 30 HP) – Often modified chainsaw engines, though jet and electric versions exist.

Performance:

• G-Limits: +6g / -3g (Acrobatic capability)

• Cruise Speed: 115 mph (185 km/h)

• Max Speed: 137 mph (220 km/h)

• Stall Speed: 45 mph (72 km/h)

• Rate of Climb: 1,180 ft/min (6 m/s)

• Takeoff Distance: 350 ft (100 m)

• Fuel Consumption: 2.6 – 3 gallons per hour (10 – 12 L/h combined)

• Range: Approx. 250 – 300 miles (400 – 500 km)

In short, the Cri-Cri is the perfect choice if you are looking for adrenaline, speed, and the technical prestige of building and flying a mechanical marvel that defies the laws of size. It isn’t just an airplane; it’s a high-performance suit with wings.