Magni M24 vs. Calidus vs. Cavalon

[aerobatic]

Originally Posted by 98InTheHole

Thanks a lot for the info, and the detailed tips, should I decide on the Calidus they will be very helpful.
Glad to hear that something was done about the blades.

I do fly in fairly warm weather, I was certainly thinking that the sun roof would be great, I was also thinking of getting the summer canopy with the side cut-outs, any experience with that one?

I own a Calidus with the summer canopy. It's great when it's hot and doesn't affect the aerodynamic of the gyro in flight except for the noise when you cruise fast. The opening are wide enough so it won't be a problem to get outside off the Calidus if you roll on the side.

I also have the standard canopy for winter flying. I didn't choose the sunroof option because visibility was one of my first criteria when I switched for a FW biplane to an autogyro. A tinted sunroof would be a good choice if that option was available...

Maher

[PTKay]

Originally Posted by Hugh Randall

However I have placed an order for a Cavalon.

You are a brave man.
There are few more than 10 Cavalons flying at the moment,
out of which one already crashed fatally.

There are over 130 Xenons and 50-60 M24 flying.

I have some concerns though.
1) the recent unexplained fatal Cavalon crash and burn on landing.
2) complaints on the web about service from Autorgyro.
3) issues with rotor blades
4) production and delivery delays.
5) I have paid the 50% deposit and promised delivery end Nov - holding thumbs.

I would suggest you start a separate thread with those questions,
Maybe someone knowledgeable will chime in.

I understand they have confirmed orders for 70 Cavalons currently!

That's what they claim.
Delivered were not many yet...

[BrianEsq]

Originally Posted by Hugh Randall

I have some concerns though.
1) the recent unexplained fatal Cavalon crash and burn on landing.
2) complaints on the web about service from Autorgyro.
3) issues with rotor blades
4) production and delivery delays.
5) I have paid the 50% deposit and promised delivery end Nov - holding thumbs.

Hugh

I'm currently looking at the same options but your reasons 1-4 are enough for me to look a little closer at the M24. I would like to have the Xenon G4 as an option as well but Canada might not see those for years.

[Steve_UK]

Hi


The highest known production number for a Cavalon that I've seen so far is #029 - this was exhibited at the Aero 2012 trade show in April 2012.


Just one registered in the UK so far.


Cheers

Steve

[HydroGyroNut]

Flew the Calidus and was quite impressed with the quality of production. Seems like the company has resolved some of the previous problems related to stick shake and others..Have been eying that machine significantly and currently torn between the MTO-3 and the Calidus myself..Recently contacted the factory requesting for Autogyro to consider having an open top(Canopy-less) version to the Calidus. That would be a nice option to have since without the canopy, the overall weight could be less probably ?30-40pounds. In place of the canopy, simple lexan windshields for both front and rear passengers(like in the MTO-3) would reduce wind blast and provide uncompromised aerodynamics in an already sleek machine. I strongly believe this Canopyless version of the Calidus would probably sell very well. Anyone with similar outlooks,, PLEASE contact the factory at their email and bombard them with this request, so we can have that option available.. If they even agreed to sell without the canopy(which they probably will not without testing), I'm pretty sure this machine retrofitted with individual lexan windshield would fly very well. This would be a new option for open air gyro flying and probably reduce the cost some.. I would probably consider getting the Calidus in the event this option is made avilable.. and whenever the euro-dollar exchange rate improves...

[aerobatic]

Originally Posted by Victor

Flew the Calidus and was quite impressed with the quality of production. Seems like the company has resolved some of the previous problems related to stick shake and others..Have been eying that machine significantly and currently torn between the MTO-3 and the Calidus myself..Recently contacted the factory requesting for Autogyro to consider having an open top(Canopy-less) version to the Calidus. That would be a nice option to have since without the canopy, the overall weight could be less probably ?30-40pounds. In place of the canopy, simple lexan windshields for both front and rear passengers(like in the MTO-3) would reduce wind blast and provide uncompromised aerodynamics in an already sleek machine. I strongly believe this Canopyless version of the Calidus would probably sell very well. Anyone with similar outlooks,, PLEASE contact the factory at their email and bombard them with this request, so we can have that option available.. If they even agreed to sell without the canopy(which they probably will not without testing), I'm pretty sure this machine retrofitted with individual lexan windshield would fly very well. This would be a new option for open air gyro flying and probably reduce the cost some.. I would probably consider getting the Calidus in the event this option is made avilable.. and whenever the euro-dollar exchange rate improves...

The canopy of the Calidus, even the standard one, surely don't weight 40 pounds or I'm much stronger than I thought.

I would say 15 pounds max, but I will put mine on a scale at the next swap to be sure.

Maher

[ckurz7000]

Thy do have a summer canopy for the Calidus.

-- Chris.

[WHY]

Total removal of the canopy might produce some undesireable flight effects ??

Tony

[Gyro_Kai]

If i am not mistaken, the Calidus requires the airflow into the intake at the mast. Omitting the canopy may result in overheating.

Kai

[HydroGyroNut]

All great points. I have emailed the factory. We will see what they say. If the canopy's weight is indeed insignificant then there would be no significant weight saving in ommitting it. I do still think it would provide another option for the Calidus, for those wanting the total canopyless experience ina sleek Calidus ,kinda like the MTO-3 but more sleek.

[tadel001]

I believe the Cavalon production number is up to 40 right now. Having sold 25 AutoGyros in the past 18 months, I can say that service and part supply has not been an issue. One of the reasons we were drawn to AutoGyro was its production ability. If you produce aircraft in low quantity, spare parts can be difficult. Doesn't mean it always is difficult but can be difficult. We are happy that if we need a spare part, we can get it quickly.

As for the rotorblades, there is a lot of disinformation out there. If you do some more indepth research, you will see that many of the concerns are either unfounded or outdated.

We love our Cavalon. It is fast, comfortable, looks awesome and is a pleasure to fly. Good luck and have fun!

[Steve_UK]

Hi tadel001

Which Cavalon do you fly - I only know of 1 example in the USA - N470CH.

Not seen a photo of N470CH so please post one for us - ta


Steve

[Hugh Randall]

Thanks for the re-assurance regarding my decision to buy a Cavalon. I was most impressed with it when I flew it. The all round trim system certainly reduces cruise workload and the seats most definiately the most comfortable in available in a gyro. I am interested in what you find the take off distance is in calm conditions - mine will have the 914 engine? I have also opted for the iPad holder rather than the glass cockpit - you opinion on that woulld be appreciated. Finally do you do SOP glide approaches or do yo use powered approaches and what do you find the cruise speed to be?