Ontwerpinterview
Cicare 8 Primaire Functie: Ultralichte Helikopter · 20 vragen
Our goal was to communicate both agility and safety, moving explicitly away from the utilitarian and "homemade" look that usually defines ultralight aircraft.
What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
Our goal was to communicate both agility and safety, moving explicitly away from the utilitarian and "homemade" look that usually defines ultralight aircraft. Because this is a very compact helicopter, we aimed for a friendly, approachable aesthetic, while still expressing power. The features of agile animals inspired this dynamic form.
What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
The main idea for the Cicaré 8 was to translate the historic manufacturing quality and maneuverability of Cicaré into a modern aircraft design. We wanted to preserve that visceral bond that has always defined Cicaré’s helicopters, making the pilot feel interconnected with the machine.
What are your future plans for this award winning design?
The future plans focus on consolidating the aircraft's positioning across international markets. From a design perspective, the Cicaré 8 platform will serve as a benchmark for upcoming models. Additionally, we are already improving a new version of the same aircraft equipped with a more powerful engine.
How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
The design development spanned two years of continuous iteration alongside Cicaré's composites team, engineers, mechanics, and Augusto Cicaré himself. It involved an initial phase of conceptual sketching, followed by digital surface modeling to get the files fully ready for CNC machining and mold tooling production.
Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
The project was a commission developed in my role as an industrial design consultant for Cicaré S.A.. The main challenge was to evolve our previous single-seat ultralight model into a side-by-side two-seater configuration. We wanted to create a new paradigm in the ultralight segment by merging their legendary mechanical reliability and aeronautical heritage with a world-class design. We share a design philosophy based on the simple, the essential, and the pure.
Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
The helicopter is manufactured, commercialized, and distributed globally by Cicaré S.A., an internationally renowned institution in the helicopter industry. As the industrial designer responsible for the styling, cabin definition, and exterior surfaces, I operate as their dedicated design consultant, while the factory holds the manufacturing infrastructure and global commercial rights to deliver the aircraft to international customers.
What made you design this particular type of work?
I have been working with Cicaré since 1991, starting as a technical hand-drafter when I was just 14 years old. Later on, after graduating as an industrial designer, I naturally became the team's designer. Having worked side by side with Augusto Cicaré for so many years, I have learned immensely and feel like a vital part of the company. Designing this aircraft was an organic step for me, as I am deeply involved not only in the industrial design but also in the company's strategic decisions.
Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
The design is mainly influenced by Augusto Cicaré, whose practical philosophy focused on efficiency and simplicity. Additionally, the project draws inspiration from minimalist industrial design and automotive and motorbike studios, emphasizing clean surfaces and emotional geometry. We also took visual cues from movies and anime characters, with nature remaining the ultimate design reference.
Who is the target customer for his design?
The target audience includes private aviation enthusiasts, sport pilots, flight training academies, and corporate operators seeking an agile, cost-effective, and safe aircraft. Users who value not only mechanical excellence and low operating costs, but also demand fit and finish, safety, and reliability.
What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
While most ultralight helicopters appear intricate or purely utilitarian, the Cicaré 8 features a fully enclosed, sculptural carbon fiber cabin. The interior feels like a sports car rather than a basic cockpit, offering a wide field of view and a level of fit and finish rarely found in this weight class.
How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
The name directly honors the historic brand identity of Cicaré. The number "8" denotes its specific place within the product generation.
Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
The development relied on a multi-platform design workflow. Initial concept ideation was captured through digital sketching over the existing platform photos and drawings. The exterior fairings and interior layout were developed using CAD surface modeling.
What is the most unique aspect of your design?
The most unique aspect is the canopy architecture and its seamless structural integration. We managed to create a large, wrap-around panoramic windscreen that provides exceptional visibility while maintaining a fluid profile. The design integrates distinct automotive-style features and surface treatments rarely achieved in this aircraft segment.
Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
This project was a deeply collaborative synergy between design and specialized technical teams within the company. I worked directly with Augusto "Pirincho" Cicaré and the company’s R&D team, including aeronautical engineers, mechanics, composite materials manufacturing team, and management. This close relationship was crucial to ensuring that every surface met both functional requirements and the company's market goals.
What is the role of technology in this particular design?
Technology is deeply embedded in both the creation and execution of the Cicaré 8. The cabin utilizes carbon fiber composites to minimize empty weight while maximizing impact protection. During development, 3D surface modeling was key to generating the precise files needed for mold tooling.
However, the true paradigm of this project lies in avoiding over-engineering. Guided by Cicaré’s philosophy, where others introduce technical complexity, we relied on intuitive problem-solving to find the most direct, simple, and efficient path.
Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
Building upon our previous aircraft data, we conducted an anthropometric percentile analysis (5th to 95th percentiles) within the 3D model to evaluate pilot statures, analyzing reach zones, line-of-sight angles, and control clearance. Additionally, the metallic airframe structure was validated through both digital simulations and physical tests. Consequently, the layout and engineering of the composite material assemblies were adapted to build upon that structural foundation.
What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
The greatest challenge was uncompromising weight management to keep the aircraft within international ultralight limits. Simultaneously, within a compressed one-year timeline, we had to translate our concept into production-ready tooling while balancing functionality, ergonomics, costs, and flight requirements. This process ran in parallel with real flight tests, demanding design adjustments.
How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
I had been following the competition's newsletter for years, always admiring the quality of the winning designs. Although I felt my work was competitive, participating seemed distant due to the high standards and costs. However, a dear friend who truly believed in my work surprised me with a nomination ticket. I fully committed to the opportunity, dedicating time to the presentation: refining the images, texts, and documentation.
What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
Although I already had experience in CAD modeling, this project was a milestone because it was our first time using my 3D files directly for CNC mold production instead of manual prototyping for all the fairings assemblies. This required a much higher level of precision.
However, the most valuable lesson was learning to trust my own design convictions. This time, I stood firm behind my innovative vision for the helicopter. It was a challenge to overcome past conventional boundaries, but the company management recognized that it was exactly what allowed the aircraft to achieve great global reception and success.
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
Winning the Platinum A' Design Award is a wonderful validation of our team effort. Augusto Cicaré began developing his first helicopters in 1958 in a small Argentine town. He had no resources and worked since the age of nine to support his family. Despite this, he built an aircraft legacy that spanned many different models. I joined his journey in 1991, evolving from hand-drafting and mechanical 3D modeling to eventually designing.
I took full responsibility for the Cicaré 8’s interior and exterior fairing design with absolute confidence. We knew we had to compete against global aerospace giants. And today, seeing this aircraft recognized internationally is an immense honor. It celebrates a legacy of humble craftsmanship that started in a small town and has now reached global success.