Phoenix Industries TZ-1 ParaFlyer

The Phoenix Industries TZ-1 ParaFlyer is an American powered parachute that was designed and produced by Phoenix Industries of Southampton, New Jersey. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1]

TZ-1 ParaFlyer
Role Powered parachute
National origin United States
Manufacturer Phoenix Industries
Status Production completed
Unit cost
US$8,450 (1998)

Design and development

The TZ-1 ParaFlyer 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 115 lb (52 kg) and was marketed as the lightest powered parachute design available. It features a 365 sq ft (33.9 m2) parachute-style wing single-place accommodation, tricycle landing gear and a single 22 hp (16 kW) Zenoah G-25 engine in pusher configuration.[1]

The aircraft carriage is built from bolted aluminium tubing. 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. An instrument pod, including a tachometer, cylinder head temperature gauge and exhaust gas temperature gauge, was a factory option.[1]

The aircraft has a typical empty weight of 115 lb (52 kg) and a gross weight of 380 lb (170 kg), giving a useful load of 265 lb (120 kg). With full fuel of 3 U.S. gallons (11 L; 2.5 imp gal) the payload for the pilot and baggage is 247 lb (112 kg).[1]

The standard day, sea level, no wind, take off with a 22 hp (16 kW) engine is 200 ft (61 m) and the landing roll is 10 ft (3 m).[1]

The aircraft can be folded up and transported in most automobiles. The manufacturer estimates the construction time from the supplied kit as 10 hours.[1]

Specifications (TZ-1 ParaFlyer)

Data from Purdy[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 33 ft 0 in (10.06 m)
  • Wing area: 365.0 sq ft (33.91 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 3:1
  • Empty weight: 115 lb (52 kg)
  • Gross weight: 380 lb (172 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 3 U.S. gallons (11 L; 2.5 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Zenoah G-25 single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 22 hp (16 kW)
  • Propellers: 4-bladed wooden, fixed pitch

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 20 mph (32 km/h, 17 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 5,000 ft (1,500 m)
  • Rate of climb: 360 ft/min (1.8 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 1.04 lb/sq ft (5.1 kg/m2)
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References
  1. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 342. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
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