Aerochute International Dual
| Dual | |
|---|---|
| Role | Powered parachute |
| National origin | Australia |
| Manufacturer | Aerochute International |
| Introduction | 1992[1] |
| Status | In production (2015) |
The Aerochute International Dual, (formerly called the Two Seater) is an Australian powered parachute designed and produced by Aerochute International of Coburg North, Victoria. The aircraft is supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[2][3]
Design and development
[edit]The Dual was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight category, including the category's maximum gross weight of 450 kg (992 lb). The aircraft has a maximum gross weight of 300 kg (661 lb). It features a 34 m2 (370 sq ft) Ram Air brand parachute-style wing made from rip-stop nylon, two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration, tricycle landing gear and a single 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine mounted in pusher configuration.[2]
The aircraft carriage is built from metal tubing. The flight controls are a foot pedal throttle, with handles for the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. The main landing gear incorporates spring rod suspension.[2][3]
The aircraft has an empty weight of 100 kg (220 lb) and a gross weight of 300 kg (661 lb), giving a useful load of 200 kg (441 lb). With full fuel of 29 litres (6.4 imp gal; 7.7 US gal) the payload for crew and baggage is 180 kg (397 lb).[2]
Specifications (Dual)
[edit]Data from Bertrand and Manufacturer[2][3]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: one passenger
- Wingspan: 11 m (35 ft)
- Wing area: 34 m2 (370 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 100 kg (220 lb)
- Gross weight: 300 kg (661 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 29 litres (6.4 imp gal; 7.7 US gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 twin cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 37 kW (50 hp)
- Propellers: 3-bladed composite
Performance
- Maximum speed: 70 km/h (43 mph, 38 kn)
- Cruise speed: 60 km/h (37 mph, 32 kn)
- Never exceed speed: 72 km/h (45 mph, 39 kn)
- Endurance: 2 hours
- Maximum glide ratio: 4.5:1
- Rate of climb: 5 m/s (980 ft/min)
- Rate of sink: 2.99 m/s (588 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 8.8 kg/m2 (1.8 lb/sq ft)
References
[edit]- ^ Aerochute International Pty. Ltd. "Aerochute History". aerochute.com.au. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 79. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ a b c Aerochute International Pty. Ltd. "The Aerochute Specs". aerochute.com.au. Retrieved 26 May 2015.