Swing-Europe Parashell
| Parashell | |
|---|---|
| Role | Powered parachute |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Swing-Europe |
| Designer | Oliver Münzer |
| Status | In production (2015) |
| Produced | before 2003-present |
| Unit cost |
€4,200 (2004) |
The Swing-Europe Parashell, also simply called Das Trike, is a German powered parachute that was designed by Oliver Münzer and is produced by Swing-Europe of Ebringen. The aircraft is supplied complete and ready-to-fly.[1][2]
Design and development
The Parashell was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight category and the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules. It features a 12 m (39 ft) span parachute-style wing, single-place accommodation, tricycle landing gear and a single 28 hp (21 kW) Hirth F-30 engine in pusher configuration.[1]
The aircraft carriage is built from a combination of composite materials and aluminium tubing, with a composite partial cockpit fairing. In flight steering is accomplished via handles that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has foot-pedal-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates spring rod suspension.[1]
The aircraft has an empty weight of 42 kg (93 lb) and a gross weight of 200 kg (441 lb), giving a useful load of 158 kg (348 lb). With full fuel of 20 litres (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal) the payload for crew and baggage is 144 kg (317 lb).[1][2]
Operational history
Reviewer Jean-Pierre le Camus, writing in 2003, said the aircraft would appeal to pilots who like comfort and described the design as "beautiful" and having "visual flair".[1]
Specifications (Parashell)
Data from Bertrand[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)
- Empty weight: 42 kg (93 lb)
- Gross weight: 200 kg (441 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 20 litres (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Hirth F-30 single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 21 kW (28 hp)
- Propellers: 2-bladed composite
Performance
- Maximum speed: 55 km/h (34 mph; 30 kn)
- Cruising speed: 47 km/h (29 mph; 25 kn)
- Stall speed: 25 km/h (16 mph; 13 kn)
- Rate of climb: 4 m/s (790 ft/min)