TYPE: Side-by-side ultralight kitbuilt.
PROGRAMME: Mini Explorer is third, and smallest, of a series of similar concept aircraft, begun with the twin-engined Explorer, produced by Hubert DeChevigny nad Dean Wilson (the latter, designer of the Avid Flyer and other light aircraft). The single-engined Private Explorer (14,40 m; 47 ft 3 in span, 1,860 kg; 4,102 lb MTOW) flew in 1998 and was marketed as a kit from Idaho, USA. The sixth of the type was registered in Canada during September 2003.
First Mini Explorer (C-IGXF) was registered in November 2001; marketing began 2002.
European marketing proceeding in parallel; first French-built aircraft was noted in 2003.
CUSTOMERS: At least three built in Canada and one in France by mid-2003.
DESIGN FEATURES: Rugged construction, with deep and wide fuselage to provide sleeping accommodation.
High, constant-chord wing with V bracing struts each side.
FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual.
STRUCTURE: Tubular steel fuselage frame with fabric covering.
LANDING GEAR: Tricycle type; fixed.
POWER PLANT: One flat-four piston engine: 73.5 kW (98.6 hp) Rotax 912 ULS or 84.5 kW (113.3 hp) Rotax 914 Ul. Fuel capacity 76 litres (20.0 US gallons; 16.7 Imp gallons).
ACCOMMODATION: Two persons, side by side. Floor to rear with space for (typically) utensil storage cupboard and hand-basin, plus bed.