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Finsterwalder Funfex

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Funfex
Role Hang glider
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Finsterwalder
Status In production

The Finsterwalder Funfex is a German high-wing, single-place, hang glider, designed and produced by Finsterwalder.[1]

Design and development

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The Funfex and the smaller-sized Airfex are intended as man-packable double-surface intermediate gliders for recreational cross-country flying. As such the Funfex weighs only 24 kg (52.9 lb) and can be reduced to a folded size of 1.95 m (6.4 ft)[1][2]

The aircraft is made from aluminum tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 9.4 m (30.8 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost. The nose angle is 120° and the aspect ratio is 5.5:1.[1]

Variants

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Airfex
Medium-sized glider with wing area of 13.8 m2 (149 sq ft) and a pilot hook-in weight of 45 to 75 kg (99 to 165 lb). DHV certified as Class 1-2.[1]
Funfex
Large-sized glider with wing area of 16 m2 (170 sq ft) and a pilot hook-in weight of 70 to 105 kg (154 to 231 lb). DHV certified as Class 2.[1]

Specifications (Funfex)

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Data from Bertrand[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 9.4 m (30 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 16 m2 (170 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 5.5:1
  • Empty weight: 24 kg (53 lb)
  • Gross weight: 136 kg (300 lb)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 25 km/h (16 mph, 13 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 80 km/h (50 mph, 43 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 10.5:1
  • Wing loading: 8.5 kg/m2 (1.7 lb/sq ft)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 44. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ^ a b Finsterwalder (2011). "Funfex". Retrieved 16 February 2012.
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