Paramotor Inc FX series
| FX series | |
|---|---|
| Role | Paramotor |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Paramotor Inc |
| Status | Production completed |
The Paramotor Inc FX series is a family of American paramotors that was designed and produced by Paramotor Inc of Weldon Spring, Missouri for powered paragliding.[1][2][3][4]
Design and development
[edit]The company started as an importer of the French Adventure F series of paramotors and also sold the Japanese Daiichi Kosho Beat. It then introduced its own designs, the FX series in the mid-1990s. The company currently produces military specification paramotors for sale to governments, the military and police.[1][2]
The FX series was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules. All models feature a paraglider-style high-wing, single-place or two-seats-in-tandem accommodation and a single engine in pusher configuration. As is the case with all paramotors, takeoff and landing are accomplished on foot.[1][2]
All models were delivered from the factory with a hand throttle. Options available included a reserve parachute and electric starting. The line was noted for its unusually long three year warranty.[1][2]
Variants
[edit]- FX1
- Initial model powered by a 18 hp (13 kW) Solo 210 two-stroke engine. Empty weight is 35 lb (16 kg).[1]
- FX2
- More powerful model with a 22 hp (16 kW) Zenoah G-25 two-stroke engine. Empty weight is 85 lb (39 kg).[1][4]
- FX3
- Model with a 22 hp (16 kW) Zenoah G-25 two-stroke engine.[3]
- FX4
- Model with a 22 hp (16 kW) Zenoah G-25 two-stroke engine.[3]
- FX5
- Model with a 27.5 hp (21 kW) Zanzottera MZ 34 two-stroke engine.[3]
Aircraft on display
[edit]Specifications (FX1)
[edit]Data from Cliche[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Length: 1 ft 6 in (0.46 m) (motor unit only)
- Height: 2 ft 0 in (0.61 m) (motor unit only)
- Wing area: 300 sq ft (28 m2)
- Empty weight: 35 lb (16 kg)
- Gross weight: 185 lb (84 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 1.25 U.S. gallons (4.7 L; 1.04 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Solo 210 single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 18 hp (13 kW)
Performance
- Cruise speed: 25 mph (40 km/h, 22 kn)
- Endurance: 1:30
- Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-25. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
- ^ a b c d Downey, Julia: 2000 Trike and 'Chute Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 17, Number 2, February 2000, page 51. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
- ^ a b c d Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 71. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ a b Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 338. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
- ^ Cradle of Aviation Museum (2001). "Visitor's Atrium". Archived from the original on 12 February 2011. Retrieved 6 April 2012.