Parascender I

The Parascender I, originally just called the Parascender, is an American single-seat powered parachute that was designed and produced by Parascender Technologies of Kissimmee, Florida and introduced in 1989. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1][2][3]

Parascender I
Role Powered parachute
National origin United States
Manufacturer Parascender Technologies
Introduction 1989
Status Production completed (2004)
Produced 1989-2004
Unit cost
US$7,159 (kit, 1998)

Design and development

The Parascender I was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 230 lb (104 kg). It features a 440 sq ft (41 m2) parachute-style wing, single-place accommodation, tricycle landing gear and a single 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447 engine in pusher configuration. The 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine was a factory option, as was a 520 sq ft (48 m2) canopy.[1][2]

The aircraft carriage is built from bolted aluminium tubing, with a unique octagonal dual-tube propeller guard. Inflight steering is accomplished via foot pedals that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has left hand lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates spring rod suspension. The aircraft has a typical empty weight of 230 lb (100 kg) and a gross weight of 540 lb (240 kg), giving a useful load of 310 lb (140 kg). With full fuel of 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal) the payload for the pilot and baggage is 280 lb (130 kg).[1][2]

The standard day, sea level, no wind, takeoff with a 40 hp (30 kW) engine is 100 ft (30 m) and the landing roll is 50 ft (15 m).[1]

The manufacturer estimated the construction time from the supplied kit to be 20 hours.[1]

Specifications (Parascender I)

Data from Purdy[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 8.80 ft (2.68 m)
  • Wingspan: 36 ft 6 in (11.13 m)
  • Wing area: 440 sq ft (41 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 3.0:1
  • Empty weight: 540 lb (245 kg)
  • Gross weight: 230 lb (104 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 447 twin cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 40 hp (30 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed wooden, fixed pitch

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 26 mph (42 km/h, 23 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 26 mph (42 km/h, 23 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 7,500 ft (2,300 m)
  • Rate of climb: 450 ft/min (2.3 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 1.2 lb/sq ft (5.9 kg/m2)
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References
  1. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 340. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
  2. All-Aero (2015). "Parascender Technologies Parascender I". Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  3. Parascender Technologies (1997). "Why Buy From Us?". Archived from the original on 27 December 2003. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
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