During the 1980s microlights became popular and many were designed and built only to fail due to an unsuitable engine being installed. The prototype Tiger Cub microlight was our G-MBUE, and it was built in 1982 by Micro Biplane Aviation (MBA) of Worksop, Notts.
The Tiger Cub was recorded in the British Civil Aircraft Register as having the unusual feature of an alloy tube construction joined at 90-degrees by metal fixtures with the popular Fuji Robin EC44PM engine. The wings folded back against the fuselage making it easy to tow on a trailer or place in storage, the total package was marketed in kit form.
During some early taxiing trials G-MBUE became airborne; in the aircraft history file in the museum archive, the pilot noted the following hand written details on 16.09.88. “G-MBUE 001 became airborne with wind speed at 5 KTS. 5 gallons of fuel onboard – aircraft handled extremely well. All controls fully functional.”
The pilot flew for about one hour and then attempted to land. On touch down the starboard wheel was ripped off and came through the starboard plane. The aircraft took off again and a second landing was attempted at a lower speed. This time the pilot noted: “On touchdown, fuel off, ignition off – the prop snapped, then the nose dug in. G-MBUE ground looped and came to a complete stop, upside down.”
The aircraft was rebuilt and was later awarded a design medal at a subsequent Cranfield PFA Rally. The type had a wingspan of 21 feet; length 13 feet 3 inches this had maximum speed of 80 mph at a cruising speed of between 60 - 70 mph. It could climb to 10,000 feet; was able to land and take off from grass strips and was powered by a single 37 kw (50 hp) Fuji Robin engine.
Some MBA Tiger Cub 440 microlights are on display in UK aviation museums. A quick inspection, reveals G-MBUE is minus its cockpit panels, which would normally partially cover the engine and its undercarriage wheels remind me of those found on a garden wheelbarrow.
Some Tiger Cubs are also believed to still be airworthy. The original Micro Biplane Aviation sales brochure featured a picture of G-MBUE in flight and described the design as “ A Unique Microlight Aircraft”.
Photo Credit: Jan McGeachie
