The Magni Gyro

The Magni Gyro M16 Tandem Trainer is a sophisticated gyroplane built in Italy by Vittorio Magni, a specialist in the design and construction of gyros for the last 20 years.

The cockpit features tandem seating and dual controls. It is a very stable, easy to fly and predictable machine designed specifically for training, which gives even neophytes a feeling of safety. The frame is constructed entirely of TIG welded 4130 chromoly steel tubing. The 28-foot composite rotor is also designed and built by Magni Gyro. The cockpit and the tail surfaces are also in composite using a sandwich structure. Empty weight is 270 Kg.

The tank, built into the rear seat, has a 72 litre capacity. Range can be extended by installing an auxiliary 50-litre tank which takes the place of the rear passenger. Even so, this tank can be installed or removed in minutes thanks to a quick release fastening mechanism.

A fundamental characteristic common to all Magni gyros are the oversize tail planes with a large horizontal surface. The latter is essential in order to have a stable machine devoid of any "porpoising" tendencies, thus eliminating any possibility of PIO's (Pilot Induced Oscillations). The engine is a Rotax 914 turbo which, in combination with a carbon fibre three-blade Arplast ecoprop propeller, designed specifically for this engine, makes for the ideal solution in terms of weight, power and good torque even at low rpms.

The Magni is easy to handle in any situation and, due to the very nature of the gyrocopter, it is only marginally hampered, if at all, by either wind turbulence or updrafts (thermals).

FLYING CHARACTERISTICS

With the gyro lined up on the runway, the rotor is prerotated when the engine reaches approximately 2000 rpm. As the rotor picks up speed the throttle is pushed in more in order to supply enough horsepower to the mechanical prerotator. At 130 rotor rpm the stick is pulled all the way back so as to expose the most rotor disk surface to the wind.

At approximately 180 rotor rpm the prerotator is disconnected and the throttle is pushed in firmly but gradually, thus beginning the take-off phase.

About 5600 engine rpm are required, with two occupants, for a normal take-off. Under such conditions, the gyro lifts off in about 70 metres, leaving a good power reserve as the 914 can be pushed to 115% power or 5800 rpms.

The actual flight characteristics are very similar to a conventional plane although with a more limited use of the rudder pedals.

With two people on board, it is possible to perform all manoeuvres holding approximately 4500 engine rpms. The most impressive thing is the capability for this gyro to literally turn about its vertical axis: a completely new sensation for anybody who has never flown with this aircraft. Top speed is around 185 kph, with a normal cruise speed of 145kph or less.

The landing phase is usually carried out with the engine at idle and a nose down attitude, so as to maintain an indicated airspeed of 60 mph which is reduced in the flare when in ground effect. Touch-down occurs at a ridiculously low airspeed. The aircraft stops in a space anywhere between 0 and 30 metres. Fuel consumption is definitely higher than in a fixed-wing aircraft, due to the induced drag of the rotor, and is between 15 to 20 litres/hour, depending on use.

In conclusion, the Magni gyro is an aircraft which readily adapts to all types of applications, always ensuring fun and safe flying. It is not difficult to imagine how a possible power loss event can be easily turned into a normal landing due to its incredibly low minimum speed and landing space requirements, which are also a guarantee against overturning.

The Factory

Magni Gyro, based just outside of Milan, Italy, has been manufacturing gyros since the mid 1980's. The founder of the company is Vittorio Magni, who like so many others, got his first taste of gyro flying when he bought plans for and built a Bensen gyroplane. The year was 1967. Since then, Vittorio has developed a complete range of one and two-seat gyros. There are about 490 Magni gyros flying worldwide.

The Magni Autogyro factory is located in Besnate, Italy. Composite moulds and rotor blades are made at the factory with many parts CNC-machined for accuracy and quality.

There are currently 4 models of the Magni autogyro being manufactured. The Magni factory is situated in the middle of the aviation centre of Italy, just outside Milan, near the airport and Agusta Helicopter.
Vittorio developed his aircraft production skills at this Agusta helicopter factory and takes advantage of the local abundance of experienced aviation craftsmen in his own autogyro operation. For instance, a certified computer numerical controlled (CNC) shop, 90% dedicated to Magni autogyros, fabricates all the critical Magni parts from fully engineered CAD drawings.

All fibreglass parts are fabricated at a separate Magni factory, where every machine is fully assembled as well. Magni's sons, Pietro and Luca, handle this end. Pietro is largely responsible for the composite and fiberglass work components - fuselage pod, tail group, landing gear and rotors; Luca takes on aircraft assembly and wiring.

Vittorio and his family must love their work. They work in the factory five days a week, then on the weekends, it's off to the airfield for training, flight tests and gyro design. Vittorio trained his sons well. Both Pietro and Luca are certified flight instructors. Lisa Magni, Pietro's wife, flies her own gyroplane as well and also handles office duties at the factory.