Swing-Europe Parashell

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]

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)

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)
  • Cruise 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)
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References
  1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 87. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. "Die Luftmofa Seite Das Trike". luftmofa.com. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
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