The cockpit features tandem seating and dual controls. It is a very stable, easy to fly and predictable machine.
It features a Rotax 914 turbo (115HP), makes for the ideal solution in terms of weight, power and good torque. This engine has proved itself for it reliability, being 4 stroke, with electronic ignition, and the ability to download data onto a laptop from its onboard serial port! It also is flexible in that one can use ordinary car fuel (95 Octane preferred), or Avgas. Fuel consumption ranges from 15-20 l/hour with a cruising speed range of 100-150km/h.
The fuel tank has a 73 litre capacity, good for a range of around 500km.
The rotor blades are made of aluminium, and have a factory recommended life span of 1 500 hours. A replacement set will not break the bank however, unlike helicopter blades that are 10x as much to replace!
A fundamental characteristic common to all modern gyros is the oversized tail planes with a large horizontal surface. The latter is essential in order to have a stable machine devoid of any "porpoising" tendencies, thus eliminating any possibility of PIO's (Pilot Induced Oscillations). The MT-03 is also designed with a low thrust line, which adds to it stability.
The MT-03 is easy to handle in any situation and, due to
the very nature of the gyroplane, it is only marginally hampered, if at all,
by either wind turbulence or updrafts (thermals).
With the gyro
lined up on the runway, the rotor is pre-rotated using a very convenient
pneumatic system to 200 RPM (rotor RPM). At 200 RPM, the pre-rotator is
released, and the stick is pulled all the way back so as to expose the most
rotor disk surface to the wind. The engine is simultaneously increased to
take off power. The MT-03 has so much power available, that it is not
necessary to use full power when solo! Normally I use climb power for the
take-off (5 500 RPM). The highest a gyro has flown in South Africa is 22 000
feet above sea level!
The gyro lifts off in about 80 metres,
leaving a good power reserve as the 914 can be pushed to 115% power or 5800
RPM.
The actual flight characteristics are very similar to a
conventional plane although with a more limited use of the rudder pedals.
Even with with two people on board, the gyro is very manoeuvrable. The real
impressive thing is the capability for this gyro to literally turn about its
vertical axis: a completely new sensation for anybody who has never flown
with this aircraft. Cruise is anywhere from 60-95 mph indicated.
The
approach can be flown power on, or a complete glide, maintaining an indicated airspeed of 50-60 mph, or as low as
45mph with a little power on, really dragging her in for a short touchdown. Touch-down, occurs at a ridiculously low
airspeed in the region of 20 mph! The aircraft stops in a space anywhere
between 0 and 30 metres. It is quite possible to have a high obstacle on the
approach, and be stationary within 100m of the obstacle after landing.
In conclusion, the MT-03 gyro is an aircraft which readily adapts to all
types of applications, always ensuring fun and safe flying. It is not
difficult to imagine how a possible power loss event can be easily turned
into a normal landing due to its incredibly low minimum speed and landing
space requirements, which are also a guarantee against overturning. I
would go as far to say that the gyro is the safest form of flying in the
event of a power failure, as it cannot stall like a fixed wing, and
cannot run out of rotor RPM like a helicopter, and because it touches down
at such a slow airspeed.
SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE:
Empty Weight:
246 Kg
Max take-off weight: 550 Kg
Useful Load:
304 Kg
Fuel capacity:
73 l
Cruise Speed:
40-160 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 10-21l/hr
T/O
Dist: 50m (S.L.), 125m (Two up at 6000ft Elev.)
Landing Dist:
0-30m
Endurance: 4:00 (no reserve)
