Microlight Aircraft of New Zealand - Firebird Liechtflugzeugbau Firebird M1

We have only had one Firebird M1 microlight registered in New Zealand.  It was made by Firebird Liechtflugzeugbau GmbH of Seeg/Algau in Southern Germany.  A single seater, it first flew in 1979 and was derived from the Fledgeling hang glider wing that was designed by Klaus Hill.  This wing was used on the Pterodactyl Fledgeling which was later developed into the Ascender.  The Firebird M1 also used a canard out front like the Ascender but it was strut braced (instead of the Ascender's kingpost and flying wires). 

Specifications for the Firebird M1 are:  wingspan 10.00 metres (32 feet 10 inches), wing area 175 square feet.  Empty weight 98 Kg (216 pounds) and the MAUW was 190 Kg (420 pounds).  It was powered by a 3 cylinder 24 HP Konig SC430 engine which was well muffled to conform with West Germany's more stringent noise regulations and the 3 bladed propeller was driven by a 2.1 to 1 reduction belt.  With this engine the maximum cruising speed was 50 mph and the economical cruise speed was 37 mph.  The stall speed was around 24 mph.

ZK-FEB (c/n MAANZ/020).  This photo is believed to be of ZK-FEB in flight.  Note the struts.

ZK-FEB was registered on 25 Nov 1982 to Paul D. Leach trading as Engineers for Industry Ltd, Auckland. First Flight in NZ 15 Dec 1982.  Then 29 May 1984 to A. P. North, Auckland, then 18 Dec 1992 to  Hassan. Khayami, Onehunga, Auckland.  Cancelled 18 Sep 1995 as withdrawn from use.