Paramotor
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Paramotor is a generic name for the propulsive portion of a powered paraglider ("PPG"). It consists of a frame that combines the motor, propeller, harness (with integrated seat) and cage. It provides two attachment points for the risers of a paraglider wing that allows for powered flight.
The term was first used by Englishman Mike Byrne in 1980[1] and popularized in France around 1986 when La Mouette began adapting power to the then-new paraglider wings.
Pilots who fly these engage in paramotoring, also known as powered paragliding.
Engines used are almost exclusively small two-stroke types, between 80cc and 350cc, that burn mixed gasoline and oil. These engines are favored for their high output power and light weight. At least one manufacturer is producing a 4-stroke model and electrically powered units are on the horizon. Csaba Lemak created the first electric PPG, flying it first on June 13, 2006.[2][3] Flight duration for electrics is considerably shorter.
The pilot controls thrust via a hand-held throttle and steers using the paraglider's brake toggles similar to sport parachutists.
[edit] References
- ^ Goin, Jeff (2006). Dennis Pagen. ed. The Powered Paragliding Bible. p. 253. ISBN 0-9770966-0-2.
- ^ "Marks Paragliding Pages". First Electric PPG. Mark Andrews. 2006-06-13. http://www.marksparaglidingpages.com. Retrieved 2007-01-25.
- ^ "Electric PPG Questions". Electric Paramotor Website. Airhead Creations. 2006-06-25. http://www.ElectricPPG.com. Retrieved 2007-01-25.
[edit] See also
- Powered paragliding Article on flying a paramotor and the sport of powered paragliding.
- Powered hang glider Article on powered hang gliding.
- Paragliding - Many of the flight principles outlined there also apply to paramotoring.
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