Souricette

Basic UltraLight Motorized welcome to the world of low-budget flying

A French plan based on a old airplane style, but now built with modern (non costy) materails like foam. I found a good construction site of it (the Souricette of Anne Vandamme). It can only be a great help for those who want to join the group of Souricette-pilots.

On the Souricette site is it describes as:

"The souricette looks like a primary plane, these tiny machines that were the birth of a popular leisure aviation in the twenties. Michel Barry kept the old recipe for a cheap flight: small engine, low weight and a wood and fabric structure. He also used modern materials wherever they allow an easier and cheaper building.

This plane has been designed to be build easily. Easier than the Heath Parasol or the Team Minimax. Building time from plans is about 500 hours with cheap materials. A first time builder should need a bit more time but also should save time through the help of the Air Souris Set chapter. Their experience will prevent you from doing the same errors. And why not use the jigs and tools they don't use anymore?

This low price seems difficult to reach, but 3000 to 5500 euros should be possible, depending on the suppliers, the engine."

Nice retro look, this Souricette. (Permission to use picture by Anne Vandamme)

  • Span: 9m (29,5')
  • Length: 5,7 m (18,7')
  • Wing area: 10 m2 (107,5 sq ft)
  • Aspect Ratio: 8,4
  • Vne: 150 km/h (93 mph) (speed not to exceed)
  • +6/-3 g if 200kg (441 lbs)
  • +4/-2 g if 260kg (573 lbs)

Even the spar is a easy construction (Permission to use picture by Anne Vandamme)Fuselage is very squared, so ... easy (Permission to use picture by Anne Vandamme)

Here you see that the wings have foam ribs. (Permission to use picture by Anne Vandamme)

Here you see that the wings have foam ribs. (Permission to use picture by Anne Vandamme)

One wing is ready for covering. I like the looks and the way it is made a lot. (Permission to use picture by Anne Vandamme)

The Souricette of Anne Vandamme is ready for its first tests. (Permission to use picture by Anne Vandamme)

More info can be found at http://www.air-souris-set.fr/MB02/caractmb02.html (French)