THE AIRCRAFT

The Aerotrike Spirit 912 (Pilot Mike Blyth)

Trike type microlight using weight shift controls and a delta Wing. Rainbow Aircraft manufactured the Aerotrike in South Africa and was model was specifically designed for the Cape to Cape Expedition. Designer and manufacturer: Mike Blyth.

Engine: 80 hp Rotax 912, 4 stroke, 4 cylinder, 1200cc, air & water-cooled.
Economy: 10 to 12 litres per hour (2.5 - 3 gph)
Wing: Spirit 16, designed by Mike Blyth.Wing span: 10 metres, wing surface 16 Sqm.
Tanks: 2 x 45 litres (12 gal) fixed and 2 x 25 litres (7 gal) removable.
Propeller: 3 bladed carbon DUC.
Cruising speed: 80 kph (50 mph). Maximum speed: 125 kph (80 mph).
Range: between 8 and 13 hours.

The DTA Voyageur 912 (Pilot Olivier Aubert)

Trike type microlight using weight shift controls and delta wing. The Voyageur 912 is manufactured in France and was initially designed at the beginning of the 90's for agricultural purposes as a crop sprayer. It soon became the perfect tool for media coverage and air-support during various African car rallies, but above all, an incredible adventure machine made for the roughest conditions. Designer & manufacturer: Jean-Michel Dizzier and DTA.

Engine: 80 hp Rotax 912, 4 stroke, 4 cyl, 1200cc, air & water-cooled (2.5-3 gph)
Wing: Synairgie Jaguar 18. Wing Span: 10.5m. Wing Surface: 18 Sqm.
Tanks: 85 litres (22 gal) fixed and 2 x 25 litres (7 gal) removable.
Propeller: 3 bladed carbon DUC.
Cruising speed: 80 kph (50 mph). Maximum speed: 105 kph (65 mph).
 

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Ballistic recovery parachutes on both aircraft, GPS navigation systems, engine monitoring systems, navigation instruments, navigation charts and road maps, Kevlar helmets, 2 way airband radios, strobe lights, life jackets for sea crossing, emergency beacon, tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, water canisters, first aid kit, survival kit and rations for 5 days, engine spare parts and a complete spare propeller, tools, bolts and screws, still cameras and video cameras.

Off-site resources:

DTA Voyageur: US/World
Aerotrike: World

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All text and images © 1995-2005, Mike Blyth/Olivier Aubert