The company went out of business and production ended in 2011, but production was resumed by a new company, Next Aircraft of Rivanazzano in 2013, who supply it ready-to-fly.[2] [3]
Finally MD3 Rider was acquired by SD Aviation Srl at the beginning of 2024, including all licensing rights. The current models, along with their unmanned versions equipped with original software, are produced by SD Aviation Srl in Mornago, VA, Italy.
The aircraft was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight rules and US light-sport aircraft rules. It features a strut-braced high-wing, a two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit, fixed tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1] [2]
The aircraft is made with riveted and bonded aluminum sheet semi-monocoque construction, with a welded steel cockpit cage. The engine cowling and fairings are made from composites, with the cockpit doors fashioned from carbon-fibre. Its 8.51NaN1 span wing has an area of 9.5m2, electrically-operated flaps, electric elevator trim and integral fuel tanks. The cockpit is 1170NaN0 wide. A folding wing for storage and ground transport was a factory option. The standard engines factory supplied are the 800NaN0 Rotax 912UL and the 1000NaN0 Rotax 912ULS four-stroke powerplant.[1] [2]
The MD3 has a gross weight of 472.50NaN0 for the European microlight class and 5200NaN0 for the US LSA category.[1] [2]
A float version was under consideration in 2015.[2]