Arplast Micro'B

The Arplast Micro'B (English: Microbe) is a French ultralight aircraft that was designed and produced by propeller manufacturer Arplast Helice. It was supplied as a kit for amateur construction or as a complete ready-to-fly-aircraft.[1]

Micro'B
Role Ultralight aircraft
National origin France
Manufacturer Arplast Helice
Status Production completed

Design and development

The Arplast Micro'B was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules, with a lightened version for the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles category. It features a strut-braced high-wing, a single-seat enclosed cockpit, fixed tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1]

The Micro'B is made from a combination of welded steel and carbon fibre, with the flying surfaces made from the latter material. Its 8.6 m (28.2 ft) span wing is supported by a single strut per side and features automatic flaps. Standard engines included the 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447 two-stroke or other small lightweight motors, mounted on the main keel tube above the cockpit.[1]

Variants
Micro'B
Initial version, which was used to win the World Microlight Championships.[1]
Micro'B ML
Improved version, with carbon fibre construction for the FAI Microlight class. Standard engine supplied was the 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447 two-stroke aircraft engine. Empty weight of 125 kg (276 lb).[1]
Micro'B 103
Lightened version for the US ultralight category, equipped with a 25 hp (19 kW) Briggs & Stratton V-twin engine. Empty weight of 110 kg (243 lb).[1]

Specifications (Micro'B 103)

Data from Bayerl[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 8.6 m (28 ft 3 in)
  • Wing area: 8.3 m2 (89 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 110 kg (243 lb)
  • Gross weight: 250 kg (551 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 15 litres (3.3 imp gal; 4.0 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Briggs & Stratton V-twin engine, 19 kW (25 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 145 km/h (90 mph, 78 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 110 km/h (68 mph, 59 kn)
  • Stall speed: 40 km/h (25 mph, 22 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 2.5 m/s (490 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 30.12 kg/m2 (6.17 lb/sq ft)

References
  1. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 26. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
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