The first prototype of the M106 was built and flown in the Slovak Republic around 2003. Its constant chord wing has twin tubular aluminium spars with wooden ribs and, like the rest of the aircraft, is fabric covered. The wing, with 2° of dihedral, carries pushrod-operated Frise ailerons and manual flaps. On each side a pair of V-form lift struts of circular cross section brace the wing to the lower fuselage longerons, assisted by further jury struts. The fuselage and empennage have a steel alloy structure. The fin and rudder are swept and the horizontal tail placed slightly above the upper fuselage line; the fin and tailplane are wire braced together. The port elevator carries a trim tab. There is side-by-side seating for two under the wing leading edge.
After trials with Rotax and Volkswagen engines, Lambert chose the Belgian 61 kW (82 hp) ULPower UL260i flat-four to power the M106. The development period also produced changes to the undercarriage, which initially had V-strut main legs and half-axles. These were replaced with cantilever spring glass fiber legs. The standard M106 has a fixed tailwheel undercarriage, though tricycle gear is an option. The wheels may be faired. A glass cockpit electronic flight instrument system is standard equipment.[1] [2]
Production began in late 2005 with a batch of eight aircraft built in the Slovak Republic and assembled in Belgium. Belgian CAA certification was obtained in April 2006. The M106 is built to meet the European ULM maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) limits of 450 kg (992 lb) and is available only in flyaway form; the M108 variant is heavier, intended for areas which allow higher MTOWs, and may be kit built.[1] [2]
Eight Mission 106s appeared on the European Civil aircraft registers in mid-2010 and one 108 is registered in the UK in 2012.