Flyitalia MD3 Rider explained

The Flyitalia MD3 Rider is an Italian ultralight and light-sport aircraft that was designed by Jaro Drostal in the Czech Republic and produced by Flyitalia of Dovera, Italy. The aircraft was supplied by Flyitalia complete and ready-to-fly.[1] [2]

The company went out of business and production ended in 2011, but production was resumed by a new company, Next Aircraft of Rivanazzano in 2013, who supply it ready-to-fly.[2] [3]

Design and development

The aircraft was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules and US light-sport aircraft rules. It features a strut-braced high-wing, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit, fixed tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1] [2]

The aircraft is made with riveted and bonded aluminum sheet semi-monocoque construction, with a welded steel cockpit cage. The engine cowling and fairings are made from composites, with the cockpit doors fashioned from carbon-fibre. Its 8.51NaN1 span wing has an area of 9.5m2, electrically-operated flaps, electric elevator trim and integral fuel tanks. The cockpit is 1170NaN0 wide. A folding wing for storage and ground transport was a factory option. The standard engines factory supplied are the 800NaN0 Rotax 912UL and the 1000NaN0 Rotax 912ULS four-stroke powerplant.[1] [2]

The MD3 has a gross weight of 472.50NaN0 for the European microlight class and 5200NaN0 for the US LSA category.[1] [2]

A float version was under consideration in 2015.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 54. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 70. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015.
  3. Web site: Md3 Rider is back . Next-aircraft.com . 2013-07-01.