Zigolo MG 12 electric ultralight motorglider available from 25 to 75 HP!
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- www.sportaviati... - Dan Johnson talks to Chip Erwin about the Zigolo MG12 ultralight motorglider. The Zigolo is available in both a gas and electric version. It is also available in kit form or ready to fly.
Chip hopes to have an electric powered Zigolo ready to fly with battery included in the $20,000 range.
Zigolo Cracks the China Market as Part 103!
Chip Erwin flies Zigolo at Sun 'n Fun 2014 using electric power.
By Dan Johnson
I didn't see this one coming. Maybe you didn't either? In the new millennia gold rush represented by companies either being bought by Chinese businesses or gaining investment from wealthy Chinese business people or by setting up shop to sell in China (or even Cessna's ill-fated effort to have their Skycatcher manufactured in China), one element I've never heard of is Part 103 in China.
This least-regulated-of-all aviation category is solely an American thing, isn't it? Well ... yes and no. Germany has opened the door to a Part 103-like development in that country under the 120-kilogram class (using a number that is 264 pounds or very similar to Part 103's 254-pound empty weight limit). England has their SSDR class (SSDR being the abbreviation for Single Seat De-Regulated). Despite following those developments, I've never heard a word about China and any less-regulated sector.
"The first Zigolo in China was introduced to the public in that nation on July 17th at the Jingmen Airshow," reported representative Chip W. Erwin. The example was supplied in kit form by Aeromarine-LSA of Lakeland, Florida and Chip assembled it in just three weeks. Erwin, many will recall, was the main man behind the SportCruiser that ranks high in the U.S. market. After getting pushed out of the company he founded by an aggressive investor, he established a new enterprise in China. So, the following announcement might be expected, "Concurrently [to the aircraft's debut], a Zigolo assembly facility was established in the AVIC R&D center in Jingmen to supply the Chinese market with Ready-to-Fly (RTF) Zigolos."
Now, here's the part of their announcement that caught me by surprise. "The Chinese CAAC recognizes the FAA Part 103 rule," Chip related, "which means that Chinese customers can actually fly legally and fly now in China, something that has not been so easy in LSA or other GA aircraft to date." No kidding! Virtually everyone agrees the China market for aircraft is potentially enormous, but the key word is "potentially." It is developing but seems in well in the future. Maybe not.
If Chinese authorities permit Part 103 aircraft now, Zigolo could have a near-term impact on that market. Given its extremely low price, many Chinese flying enthusiasts could climb aboard. "The Chinese have been shipping thousands of RTF radio-controlled (RC) model aircraft to the USA," notes Erwin. "Now they will have the capability to build a man-carrying light aircraft for their own market.
Chip noted that the technology and design gap between large RC aircraft and this ultralight motorglider is small; with the coming electric-powered version of the Zigolo, the gap narrows further.
Want to know more? Zigolo is presently available to Americans in kit form with typical build time estimated at about 150 hours. Delivery positions are now available for the RTF version and first deliveries are planned for later in 2014.
I love the tagline Chip invented as it sums up the well-priced, simple aircraft - Zigolo: everything you need, and not much else.
• Zigolo MG 12 electric ...
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www.emergencypl... - Zigolo MG12 electric ultralight motorglider available from 25 to 75 HP!
Looks like a lot of fun. At about 8:00 minutes into the video he almost pulls the chute handle and catches himself before pulling on the "Armstrong" starter. The engine didn't start. I expected it to start on the 1st pull. That sells the electric motor for me! Good thing it stays aloft fairly easy!
Hi Benny, don't you think he might have done that on purpose? If he was really having trouble starting the engine, do you think he would have included that bit of footage on his SALES video? Of course not, he would have edited that bit out. I suspect he did it on purpose to show how safe the aircraft could land sans engine. There was no hint of panic, no panic, he simply sank down gently to a perfectly safe and controlled landing.
My guess is he did it to check the motor and perhaps ensure it would start should he need it to go around. Seems like a reasonable and safe thing to do as part of a 'dead stick' approach procedure. Like checking the brakes, belts, etc. If something you might need is not gonna work you want to know that before you need it.
+Greg Jensen How was he checking that the motor would start if it didn't?
Mark Marshall Maybe it did and he killed it right away. Or maybe he just needed to pull it over to keep it lubricated or primed or ?
He pulled it a lot of times for someone faking it. Two strokes are light but they're always looking for an excuse not to run. It's got to be electric, you just touch a button and whoosh.
Been following Mike's design and glad to see it in the market so maybe I can pick up one when my car's paid off..!!
Way to go Chip.!
Love the idea of having a variable pitch/constant speed prop on an electric. Very nice!
it has the cutest little landing gear!
I really would like to know more about that new electric motor. Charts and graphs of power and RPMs with torque indicated.
My hats off to for your marketing skills.
Cheers Chip. Excellent Vids and Info.
i love that thing with the electric motor. i live in Thailand and i think it's really hard to get licensed here.
One thing with that the Fuel line was run Badly ...
Better think about it you don't want water collecting in low spots in the line ... any spots where the fuel hose has a dip is not good.
I think PAR 103 should be adjusted to at least not let a recovery chute count against the weight. It would encourage safety and give builders that weight to do something else with.
Ultralight aircraft in the U.S. ARE allowed a parachute allowance, which does NOT count against the weight of the craft.
The Ultralight Flyer
Oh, good, I misunderstood when listening to the video, it sounded like you had to account for it, but I think he was just mentioning the weight of the chute for reference.
thank you chip. I really like your content and enthusiasm. ever met homer kolb, what did you think of him.
Love the plane and electric developments. Looks like there will be cheap copies of the airframe soon since you've essentially given the design away to the most prolific copy artists in the world. Doesn't matter... the Goat plans were (still are) free all along and this plane is just a slightly modified Goat. I would definitely like to have one. LOL I'll be watching Aliexpress for the Chinese kit at a discount.
OK, still no prices or availability on the electric components......checked your website, still says coming soon???
Chip Erwin looks like a younger Dan Johnson.
How much $ is this wonderful electric motor/prop combo going for now?
Looking to change my ultralight trike to electric. Could you still help me?
where can I get one of this electric motors I am from Colombia this is great. and what could be the price. thanks
so, why do you need a parachute for? wouldnt the plane just glide down gently?
Have you ever had a folding aluminum lawn chair collapse while you were sitting in it? LOL
It's only gotta go bad once when a parachute might save your life.
Blu, that's kind of an ignorant question. Spin, jammed flight control, broken wing................
Look for the youtube videos where the wings fold up on some ultralights. If I remember right, things fall to the ground at the same speed, regardless of design.
Depending on the system, you can add some additional battery with the extra allowance.
The Goat looks a bit better .
or his newest design...
LOL Dan Johnson did someone hack your youtube channel? The Zigolo link at the bottom of the description is to a Plumbing Company in Canada...
Seems like there are a lot of folks that know more than these designers. Have at it.
What is needed full enclosed and tricle gear.
Solar is getting lighter too so eventually this could have solar on the top of the wing surface....
8 years ago so what is the Reality today.
just check Aviad's website
75 HP that's a laugh for this little thing ....
Didn't watch the whole clip...But the title said electric engine...
Then watch the whole video, very informative re' the electric option.
BEEN YEARS NOTHING IS COMING OF THIS ....... GO BUY SOMETHING ELSE BUILD FROM SCRATCH WILL BE FASTER THAN THIS SHAM .