Founded as VPM in 1976 by Vittorio Magni, this company developed the single-seat MT5 and two-seat MT7 gyrocopters. It was renamed Magni Gyro in 1996 and currently produces a range of ultralight autogyros, including the open-cockpit single-seat M 18 Spartan and two-seat M 14 Scout and M 16 Tandem Trainer. In total, around 300 examples were active at the beginning of 2002. The M 20 and M 21 are in development, but the M 19 is not expected to enter production.

MAGNI M 16 TANDEM TRAINER

TYPE: Two-seat autogyro ultralight.

PROGRAMME: Current production Magni aircraft.

CURRENT VERSIONS: Tandem Trainer: As described.

M 16-2000T: One aircraft (c/n 022074) supplied by manufacturer in September 2003 and modified to United Kingdom BCAR Section T standards for 'Golden Eagle’ world circumnavigation expedition (www.globaleagle. co.uk), then due to begin in February 2004.

DESIGN FEATURES: Open, tandem seating. Pod and boom fuselage with sweptback tailplane and triple fins; rudder on central fin only.

STRUCTURE: Chrome-alloy 4130 steel; TIG welded: glass fibre pod.

LANDING GEAR: Fixed tricycle type.

POWER PLANT: One turbocharged 84.6kW Rotax 914 UL flat-four with electric starter, driving a ground-adjustable pitch, three-blade, carbon fibre pusher propeller. Fuel in integral cockpit seat/tank of epoxy/glass fibre, capacity 50 litres.

EQUIPMENT: Optional 150 litre agricultural spray gear.

Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 2004-2005

Technical data for Magni M 16 Tandem Trainer Rotor diameter: 8.23m, overall length: 4.65m, overall width: 1.80m, overall height: 2.60m, propeller diameter: 1.70m, weight empty: 270kg, max take-off weight: 450kg, max level speed: 185km/h, cruising speed: 145km/h, rate of climb at sea level: 300m/min, service ceiling: 3500m, take-off run: 50m, landing run: up to 30m, range, no reserves: 481km, endurance: 3h