Top 10 smallest planes in the world. The smallest planes in the world. The smallest jet in the world

Cricket plane

The smallest aircraft in the world, the E-12, was designed by Ulyanovsk aviation enthusiasts based on a single-seat French super light aircraft called “Cricket”, which, with a mass of 170 kg and a speed of 200 km/h, could perform aerobatic maneuvers. The main task of the future aircraft was to make safe, short-distance flights, and takeoff and landing should take place even from an ordinary field with a short take-off run, and not on a special runway.

In addition, the main idea was to make an aircraft that could be disassembled and assembled in a matter of minutes, easily transported, and would not take up much space when stored.

Airplane structure

Thus, an aircraft was designed with a unique wing design and skin made from Dacron fabrics. Initially, the aircraft was equipped with two chainsaw engines, but due to insufficiently good performance, noise and inefficiency, they had to be replaced with engines that were specially developed for this aircraft by Kharkov manufacturers. The basis of the structure frame is duralumin pipes with diameters of 42-48x1(1.5) mm.

The aircraft is controlled by a steering wheel in the form of a handle, which is located in the center. The pilot sits in a reclining position in the aircraft, which reduces air resistance and ensures greater safety. There are weight restrictions for the pilot - up to 80 kg, while the take-off weight is 140-150 kg.

During testing, the E-12 had a total of 40 hours of flight time. The maximum speed during landing reached 145 km/h. The reliability, stability and good controllability of the aircraft at wind gusts of 10-12 m/s were also proven.

Nakhodka for tourism

The result of the work done was an excellent ultra-light aircraft for tourism and pleasure flights. From manufacturers you can purchase both a finished aircraft and drawings for it. Basic flight performance: D-150 engine; wingspan – 5020 mm; fuselage length – 4100 mm; weight – 45 kg; fuel consumption – 6 l/hour; run - 90m.

The cost of the smallest and cheapest aircraft in the world is only 4-6 thousand euros, while the smallest helicopter in the world, designed in Japan, costs hundreds of times more.

IrinaIvanitskaya, Samogo.Net

In the minds of a large number of people, one way or another connected with general aviation, the concept of a “personal aircraft” for some time was inextricably linked with light single- or twin-engine propeller-driven aircraft, which were equipped with turboprop or piston engines. Until very recently jet planes seemed too expensive and uneconomical for customers who could afford this type of transport. There is nothing strange in this, since even cheap planes with jet engines cost several million dollars, and their powerful engines consumed large amounts of fuel compared to their piston counterparts. Therefore, attempts to create a small jet aircraft for private use for many years ended in nothing.

However, today there is every reason to believe that significant changes will occur in business aviation in the near future: the era of single-engine and twin-engine jet aircraft is coming. In this case, we are talking not only about business class jet aircraft, which are designed to carry 4-8 passengers, but about cars that are similar to sports cars. That is, ordinary 2-4 seater jet aircraft, which are in no way inferior to their counterparts with piston engines.


At the same time, naturally, civil business jet aircraft such as ECLIPSE 500, CITATION MUSTANG, ADAM 700 and Embraer PHENOM 100 have more prospects in the market, as they allow you to comfortably move a small company anywhere. According to experts, in the next 10 years, about 4300-5400 “pocket” jet aircraft will be sold in the world, and this is quite impressive figure. At the same time, there is a demand not only for standard business jets, but also for completely new machines, super-light business jets or even unique air taxis.

Such aircraft even have a special designation VLG - Very Light Jet. Entry-level jets or personal jets, formerly such aircraft were often called microjets. The maximum passenger capacity of such vehicles does not exceed 4-8 people, and the maximum weight does not exceed 4,540 kg. Such aircraft are lighter than those models that are usually called business jets and are designed to be flown by one pilot. Examples of such machines are the models already mentioned above.

The ultralight jet is a completely new concept, and that's it. large quantity Experts around the world come to the conclusion that the appearance of such aircraft can create a real revolution in the business aviation segment. Honeywell and Rolls-Royce took this factor into account in time when drawing up their rather serious annual forecasts for assessing the market situation. The market situation is already changing. The widespread use of composite materials in the creation of aircraft, the miniaturization of jet engines, the emergence of new aircraft electronic systems all this, since the late 1990s, has been moving the market for such aircraft forward.

Currently, owners of aircraft equipped with piston engines, some of which were designed and built in the post-war period, are beginning to think about purchasing modern jet aircraft. The enormous interest of the audience led to the emergence of a large number of very diverse projects and developments. Unfortunately, most of them will forever remain concepts and projects that have not even reached the prototype stage.

Embraer PHENOM 100


The first company that managed to overcome the entire development process and present a finished aircraft was the Brazilian company Eclipse Aviation. It was this aircraft manufacturing company that entered the civil aviation, the first to receive certification for a “pocket” jet. The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer entered the market with its Embraer PHENOM 100 model, the demand for which exceeded all expectations, which became one of the harbingers of the coming commercial revolution.

Currently, the prospect of purchasing your own jet aircraft on the market for a conditional $500,000 leaves a large number of aviation professionals indifferent, but those people who love and have dreamed of flying all their lives - and they are the main buyers of such unusual means movement - they simply couldn’t believe their luck. And although the real cost of the Brazilian first-born has exceeded 1 million dollars (sales started at prices of 1.3 million dollars), it remains not just competitive, but simply a unique offer with an incredibly low price. It was simply unrealistic to purchase such an aircraft with such flight characteristics in the recent past. At the same time, all airlines operating in this segment are trying to do everything possible to ensure that prices for their products do not exceed the psychologically important mark of $1 million.

The passion for the Very Light Jet has even led to quite bold projects, such as the transformation of a combat trainer aircraft into a civilian ultra-light jet. It’s not hard to imagine if Russia’s most modern training aircraft, the Yak-130, suddenly became available to civilian customers. There would definitely be a demand for it. There would be their own home-grown “Abramovichs” (and not their own), who would want to purchase something vaguely, but reminiscent of a combat vehicle. This opportunity was almost realized by Aviation Technology Group (ATG).


The training aircraft, which was developed by ATG, was called ATG Javelin and was quite different from its traditional representatives. It differed from promising models of training equipment, first of all, by its very low weight - no more than 2,900 kg, which, for example, is 2.3 times less than that of the Russian Yak-130 training aircraft in a similar configuration. At the same time, the American ATG Javelin was a twin-engine aircraft with full electronic filling, which allowed it (as stated) to quite effectively train pilots of both civil airliners and the latest 5th generation fighters.

It was “hardwired” into its on-board electronics great amount various scenarios of possible air battles, as well as simulation of the operation of self-defense systems and on-board weapons, the ability to analyze the actions of the pilot and plan combat sorties. According to representatives of the ATG company, the implementation of all this in practice made it possible to successfully use the ATG Javelin not only for basic and initial training of pilots, but also for advanced training of military pilots, who could then move on to control such machines as the Eurofighter, Su-30 or Rafale.

In its design, the ATG Javelin trainer was similar to a fighter with a lightweight and durable airframe, which was produced with extensive use of composite materials. The crew members were seated in the cockpit in tandem under a special two-section canopy. The vehicle was distinguished by a low cantilever wing with a swept leading edge. Arrow-shaped horizontal tail, 2 fins, 2 ventral ridges were inclined outward by 20°. The aircraft's landing gear was three-post, the nose gear was equipped with a hydraulic drive. The engines were mounted behind the cockpit, and air was supplied to them through the side air intakes. Flat exhaust nozzles were located between the fins.


Initially, this aircraft was developed and designed specifically as a training aircraft, but subsequently it increasingly began to be positioned as an air taxi or even a light business jet solution. In order to fly on civil air routes without restrictions, the ATG Javelin was supposed to be equipped with a set of equipment similar to that used on passenger planes, including air and ground collision avoidance equipment, systems for flights with reduced vertical separation intervals, and an aircraft navigation computer system. Reading such statements from the developers, one could only think about how they were going to fit all this equipment into the declared weight of the aircraft, which did not exceed 3 tons.

Also, the creators of the car hoped to be certified according to FAR-23 standards. The first flight, the only built copy of the ATG Javelin, was carried out on September 30, 2005. Despite the fact that the company received 150 firm orders for its brainchild, ATG was never able to find a strategic partner that would allow the new product to be launched into mass production. In 2008, the company declared itself bankrupt, and development and testing of the ATG Javelin was stopped. Thus, fans of light aviation lost the opportunity to get their hands on a practically combat training aircraft with an enviable, practically supersonic speed. The maximum speed of the ATG Javelin was 975 km/h.

Information sources:
-http://luxury-info.ru/avia/airplanes/articles/karmannie-samoleti.html
-http://pkk-avia.livejournal.com/41955.html
-http://www.dogswar.ru/oryjeinaia-ekzotika/aviaciia/6194-ychebno-boevoi-samol.html

The smallest aircraft were originally developed for military purposes. Due to their small size, they coped well with the role of reconnaissance aircraft and fighters. After the end of World War II, there was a high demand in America and Europe for inexpensive miniature biplanes, monoplanes and jets for one person. Against this background, a secret competition began among aircraft designers around the world to create the most small plane in the world. We bring to your attention the TOP 10 smallest aircraft in the world.

1. BD-5J

The BD-5J mini-plane was developed in 1971 in the USA by aircraft designer Jim Bede. After flight tests, representatives of the Guinness Book of Records awarded it the title of “the lightest jet aircraft in the world.” In addition to its small weight of 162.7 kg, it also stood out for its modest dimensions - the length of the vessel was 3.66 m and the wingspan was 5.18 m. With such tiny dimensions, the BD-5J was capable of accelerating to 483 km/h, and its cruising speed the speed was 386 km/h. The little one had enough fuel for flights of more than 1.5 thousand km. Given the low price of gasoline in the United States, flying on a private jet was cheaper than flying on a public airliner.

2. Bumble Bee II

In 1988, Robert Starr wanted to beat his personal best and built Bumble Bee II. With its own weight of 180 kg, the dimensions of the aircraft were amazing - length 2.7 m and wingspan 1.7 m. Bumble Bee II flew at an average speed of 305 km/h. But during its first performance on May 8, 1988, the plane crashed due to engine failure at an altitude of about 120 m. Ray Starr himself was at the controls. He was seriously injured in this plane crash, but over time the aircraft designer recovered.

3. Baby Bird

Ray Stits, having learned about the emergence of a competitor in the form of Robert Starr, began working on a new project for a tiny aircraft. And although the Baby Bird was 3.4 m long, which exceeded the size of the Bumble Bee, Stits reduced the wingspan to 1.9 m. In addition, the aircraft's dead weight was only 115 kg with a cruising speed of 177 km/h. This aircraft was included in the ranks of Guinness record holders as the smallest monoplane in the world. Thus, both Stits and Starr found a place in the book of records. Over the course of five years of operation, Baby Bird made 35 flights, all without incident. In 1989, the inventor donated his unique aircraft to the museum.

4. Bumble Bee

The creator of this aircraft is Robert Starr, who at one time was the pilot of Sky Baby. Having witnessed the success of Ray Stits, he also decided to leave his mark in the Book of Records and receive a cash prize. Starr worked on Bumble Bee for five years from 1979 to 1984. As a result, his biplane turned out to be heavier than Sky Baby. The empty weight of the new aircraft was 248 kg with a maximum load of up to 329 kg. However, the wingspan of 2 m and overall length of 2.9 m brought the long-awaited title of the smallest biplane in the world. Bumble Bee reached speeds of up to 290 km/h, which was almost comparable to Sky Baby.

5. Sky Baby

Another creation of Ray Stits, which, unlike the previous model, was a biplane. The dimensions of Sky Baby were very tiny - a length of 3 m and a wingspan of 2.1 m. But at the same time, it had a fairly impressive weight of 205 kg with a maximum load of up to 302 kg. The body of the aircraft was made of chrome pipe, and the wings consisted of wood, which was covered with fabric on top. The Sky Baby's main problem was its low center of gravity. To minimize this disadvantage, Stits decided to place the engine above the pilot's legs, and the fuel tank and carburetor between the knees. This design solution, combined with an 85 l/s engine, allowed the biplane to fly at a top speed of 300 km/h.

This tiny plane, called Junior, was created by Americans Ray Stits and Martin Young as a counterweight to the Wee Bee. Their main goal was to get into the Guinness Book of Records, thanks to its miniature dimensions - a wingspan of 2.8 m and a length of 3.4 m. Interestingly, the aircraft was not assembled from scratch, but on the basis of the Taylorcraft L-2, developed for participation in the Second World War. world war. For a small aircraft, single-piston engines with power from 36 to 75 l/s were selected. As a result, Stits opted for the most powerful option, so the maximum speed of the aircraft was 240 km/h.

7. Nano

The Nano electric seaplane was created by the Finnish company FlyNano in 2011. With a length of 3.8 m and a wingspan of 4.8 m, it weighs only 70 kg. This low weight is made possible by the use of modern carbon fiber as the main material. Since the Nano is designed exclusively for takeoff and landing on water, it does not have landing gear.

8. Colomban Cri-cri

The history of the miniature Cri-cri began in 1971, when French aircraft designer Michel Colomban came up with the idea of ​​​​building a very small and economical aircraft with two engines. A couple of years later, on July 19, 1973, his dream came true - the plane took off for the first time. Kolomban named his creation Cri-cri in honor of his own daughter. The plane had a wingspan of 4.9 m and a total length of 3.9 m. The Cri-cri also stood out for its low dead weight of 78 kg. Thanks to these parameters, Guinness representatives recognized it as the smallest aircraft with two engines.

9. Wee Bee

In the late 40s of the twentieth century, this unusual aircraft appeared in San Diego, California. It was created by three ambitious young aircraft designers eager to surprise the world. They called their creation Wee Bee, which means tiny bee in English. The aircraft justifies this name due to its tiny dimensions - 4.25 m in length and 5.5 m in width.

10. X-12H

Tenth place is occupied by the development of a Russian resident from Armavir. Dmitriev Viktor Pavlovich independently designed a miniature aircraft weighing 80 kg. When unfolded, this aircraft miracle takes up very little space, so it can even be stored in a suitcase. It takes just over half an hour to assemble and disassemble this unusual aircraft. On this moment The X-12H is in the flight testing stage, after which mass production of the small aircraft is planned.

What do you, dear readers, think is turbulence for an airplane, or rather on a Boeing 767, bad or not so bad? If you think it’s bad, then what about those people (pilots) who fly much smaller aircraft (airplanes)? Do not know? Let's imagine together for a while what it is like for pilots to be at the controls of a small aircraft in the situation we described above (?). Especially for those who fly mini-planes without an additional body. We offer you an overview of the smallest air transport aircraft piloted by pilots. And so, we begin.

10) Microjet 200.


This French aircraft project was never completed. The first Microjet 200 aircraft took off only in 1980. A total of four such prototypes were built.

The aircraft was equipped with two turboactive Microturbo TRS 18 engines.

The length of the aircraft was 6.67 meters, the wingspan was 7.56 meters. The maximum speed of the aircraft was 463 km/h, and the maximum altitude of its flight was 9150 meters. Crew - 2 people (pilot and navigator).

9) Ikarus 451M.


"Ikarus" is the first Yugoslav jet aircraft. This was created to study the ergonomics of an aircraft cabin and for many other research purposes. But despite the narrow specialization of the aircraft, they decided to use it for other scientifically important purposes. For example, to try to set a world speed record, which at that time was 750 km/h. Unfortunately, it was not possible to set a record on this plane; it was only able to accelerate to 724 km/h.

The length of the Ikarus 451M aircraft is 7.45 meters, the wingspan is 6.78 meters. The maximum flight altitude of the aircraft was 8500 meters. Crew - 1 person (pilot).

8) Gee Bee Model R.


The Gee Bee Model R was designed exclusively for racing purposes. In 1932, one of the modifications of the Gee Bee Model R could accelerate to 476 km/h. True, this was only possible if the plane was flown by a very experienced pilot.

This plane crashed three times. In two of the three cases, the pilots died in the crash. These accidents were associated with the rather low stability of the complex control system and the imbalance of the structure itself.

The length of the aircraft is 5.38 meters. Its wingspan was 7.62 meters. The maximum speed of the aircraft was 476 km/h. Flight range (distance) - 1488 km. Crew - 1 person (pilot).

7) McDonnell XF-85 Goblin.


Yes, you're right, it's certainly not the most impressive aircraft on our list. Especially when it comes to its flight speed and other technical characteristics. But this plane still surprises many. For example, by its size.

The length of the aircraft is 3.9 meters. Its wingspan is 4.9 meters. The maximum speed of the aircraft is 220 km/h. The maximum flight altitude is 3700 meters. Crew - 1 person (pilot).

5) Stits DS-1 Baby Bird.


This aircraft is known all over the world, as it is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest monoplane (airplane) on a plane. Indeed, the dimensions of the DS-1 aircraft are very small. Why do you think such an aircraft was developed? Do not know? Then it's better not to guess. We answer. This equipment was designed and built specifically, i.e. precisely in order to enter (get into) the history of Guinness Records.

Not to say that this plane can boast of any other stunning and amazing technical characteristics except for the sizes. , since only 35 flights were made (made) on it.

The length of the aircraft is 3.4 meters. Its wingspan is only 1.91 meters. The maximum speed of the aircraft is 177 km/h. Crew - 1 person (pilot).

4) Bensen B-8 Gyrocopter.


The Bensen B-8 Gyrocopter doesn't actually have the annoying hull design that all traditional airplanes have. Such aircraft allow it to fly and allow the pilot to enjoy the view around him. But the fact is that it does not have a main body. In fact, this plane is made (assembled) quite simply, namely, there are: a frame, a seat, and a rotor, that’s the whole plane.

Let's face it, is there really anything else needed for true aviation fans(?).

The length of the aircraft is 3.43 meters. Its maximum speed is 137 km/h. The maximum flight altitude is 3800 meters. Crew - 1 person (pilot).

3) Stits SA-2A Sky Baby.


In 1952, this aircraft model took to the skies to try to become the single smallest aircraft in the world. However, after 25 hours of flight time (flight time), this aircraft did not make any more missions.

As we see, in this area (air flights), it is impossible to create an aircraft that, being the smallest aircraft in the world, could be used in the future for quite a long time.

The length of the aircraft is 2.7 meters. Its wingspan is 1.68 meters. The maximum speed of the aircraft is 305 km/h. The maximum flight altitude is 2460 meters. Crew - 1 person (pilot).

2) Starr Bumble Bee II.


Another of the smallest manned aircraft in the world, which made its first and last flight in 1988. Unfortunately for us, this plane crashed due to engine failure. Fortunately, its creator, Robert H. Starr, who piloted the plane by God's will, remained alive, although he received very serious injuries.

The length of the aircraft is 3.0 meters. Its wingspan is 2.18 meters. The maximum speed of the aircraft is 354 km/h. Crew - 1 person (pilot).

1) Jetpack Wingsuit.


In an attempt to expand his diversity in aircraft technology for fans of hang gliding and freefall, pilot Yves Rossi developed this “gizmo” (i.e. device). This Jetpack Wingsuit is equipped with four jet engines that are mounted on mini-wings and placed directly on the back of the pilot. The maximum flight time of the device is 13 minutes.

Yves Rossi, using a Jetpack Wingsuit, flew across the entire Alps (through the mountains).

The most amazing thing here is that this aircraft can be transported right in the trunk of a car!

 

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