Gryf MD-line is the group of aircraft projets with the same technology - family of all-metal aircraft prepared originally with Marián Mečiar, after good experiences with original Raven technology, coming from Mr. Pottier. First of all we prepared MD1, MD2 and MD3 studies (low-wing, tandem and high-wing) to find new investor. After MD3 was chosen and developed for Flyitalia s.r.l., we continued with next studies enlarging good experiences we received with MD3 ... Together with Marián, we created as a first needed aircraft definition (weights, areas, requirements, load envelopes) and aerodynamically-technological structure of wing - with strength structure and flaps geometry, coming from our former works in bigger aircraft industry. Max. permissible speed VNE 275 km/hr covered all our needs, so stayed the same for all members of family - to be able to use subassemblies for all types.

MD1 crossBLADE

all-metal low-wing with side-by-side seats designed to be ideal for training, cross-country flying and towing. Max. cruising speed VCmax 225 km/hr ( 240 km/hr with 100HP Rotax 912ULS)

MD2 crossTRAINER

all-metal low-wing with tandem seats designed to be ideal for training flights in quazi-military style.

Max. cruising speed VCmax 230 km/hr (250 km/hr with 100HP Rotax 912ULS)

All these designs was created according to preliminary requests of specific companies - this one had its special customer, wanted to establisg production company in Italy.

All negative brings something positive too - from that preliminary works we known tandem-seating weighing problems and used analyzis to reduce CG range in Shark design.

MD3 crossCLASSIC

MD3 was originally designed as third member of family - and from this reason used some subassemblies from low-wings, which was not ideal for high-wing only.

First idea of MD3 used squared rear bottom fuselage part, classic empenage similar like original of Pottier's low-wing , straight wing and welded cage coming from Marián's experiences with Kitfox ( later Eurofox)

Final MD3 - for which Italians chosen name Rider did not calculate with continuing with MD1 and MD2, but created background for next designs, using their "high-wing" solution and subassemblies :

- rounded rear fuselage part

- rounded nose coming from P27 shapes

- swept fin with simple dismountable rocket-back stabilizer

- struts from last version of Skyboy

- and welded cage without classical front triangle of Kitfox.

Originally we thought MD3 will be not so fast like scheduled MD1 and MD2 - but all of that changes created from strutted MD3 with 1,17m wide cockpit faster aircraft then all Pottier's low-wing UL followers , from which original idea was coming.

MD3F RIDER - Rider with floats

Float version study used standard floats of Chip Erwine CZAW company - including negotiation with him, to create its installation and proofs in flight.

When Marino Pezzotti fold in love with Chris Nielsen, stopped prepared floats installation and gave to Aveo to prepare "better floats version". Like all of other, after some years there is not one float from that company finished by my information.

MD3 RIDER SL - without strut all-metal high-wing

Strut-Less design can bring 10km/hour to maximal level speed (230 km/hour with on the ground adjustable propeller) and increase its cruise capabilities:

- higher cruising speed and climbing speeds

- smaller fuel consumption

- increased range

 

MD3 RIDER RG - retractable gear MD3SL version

Retractable Gear can bring the highest performance. Aircraft will use all changes from MD3 SL as its new SL wing and other options. RG can bring next 10km/hour of speed (240 km/hour) and again increase its cruise capabilities:

- higher cruising speed and climbing speeds

- smaller fuel consumption

- increased range

MD4 CROSSFIRE

MD4 is project of all-metal low-wing, directly following MD3SL abilities - using the same nose and rear fuselage cone part from MD3 Rider, identical empenage and without strut wing, developed for MD3 SL design.

Only welded cage and outside fuselage shell has to be redesigned, with front part of cockpit created in style of P27 project - but still can use subassemblies and parts from former designs. Undercarriage, control systems and engine installation can be identical with former designs.

50-70% of parts and subassemblies can be used from existing documentation.

MD5 CROSSBLADE

MD5 CROSSBLADE should be the most performanced member of MD family - with trapeze wing and scheduled RG version. It was originally scheduled as last development - to be able to offer really all extras - like BombScooters - foldable small scooters with possibility to carry them under the wing...

MD6 CORSAIR

Corsair is simpler technology follower of MD-3 Rider aircraft. The basic idea is to leave welded cage in central fuselage part and use aluminum sheet construction for the same purposes. To be simple, there is needed to change 3D outside skins to 2D - bended sheets. This way, structure can be simpler and lighter - but of course not so much perfect from the aerodynamic and aestetic side.

Corsair aircraft , redesigned for simpler serial production and LSA rule limits offers simpler production and maintenance, smaller empty weight - together with better climbing (thanks of smaller weight and bigger wing area).

we thinks, with CNC production - this version can be ideal for kitbuilders .

MD7 SKYRIDER

 

MD7 SkyRider is a little bigger follower of European Ultralight MD3 Rider – with larger wing to have enough lift for LSA rules limit by MTOW 600kg and adequate longer- what brings higher stability and wider cockpit ( 1,23 m ) . Next changes are bigger baggage compartment accessible from the side doors, more aerodynamic shape of windshield thanks of its 3D shape and production from Plexiglas, reducing problems in service. Little longer nose brings ability to use longer engine starter, recommended for 100HP engine, longer ailerons create better controllability.

MD9 Metík

MD9 is sumarization of all studies : All of that studies has in computer own 3D models and combination of MD6 , MD7 and one next model of composite high-wing designs brought ideal solution.

Aircraft created this way can be again on the top of today market offer.

Originally we thought MD9 has to use more expensive technology of 3D pressed aluminum alloy skins. But after 3D shapes analyzis, we believe there is possible to reach ideal outside shape by using of more technological ways... Of course, that version can use not so many subasemblies from original MD3 - but is ideal for brand new start.

P32 combi

... and to show more alternatives only:

Some American and Canadian Skyboy users asked us about possible Skyboy successor, aircraft without actual Skyboy limits, touching all borders of LSA :

When somebody would like to invest, there is interesting challenge - to combine all three prepared Gryf design families - with facelifted center part of Skyboy (and at last finished engine cowlings) , MD3 SL wing and P27 tail and main undercarriage there can be simple developed pusher aircraft able to fly above 200 km/hour