The Aero Nord AIR series is a family of French paramotors that was designed and produced by Aero Nord of Lorgies, and later Bénifontaine, for powered paragliding. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied as a complete and ready-to-fly.[1]
Design and development
The aircraft was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules as well as European regulations. It features a paraglider-style wing, single-place accommodation and a single 22 hp (16 kW) RDM engine in pusher configuration with a 4:1 ratio reduction drive and a 100 to 125 cm (39 to 49 in) diameter two-bladed wooden propeller. The fuel tank capacity is 9 litres (2.0 imp gal; 2.4 US gal). As is the case with all paramotors, take-off and landing is accomplished by foot.[1]
The aircraft is built with a welded aluminium tubing propeller cage, which can be broken down into two or four sections for ground stowage. Inflight steering is accomplished via handles that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw.[1]
Operational history
Reviewer Rene Coulon wrote in 2003 that the "machine shows good understanding of the market and skill in the production" and noted that the series has attracted "considerable attention".[1]
Variants
- AIR 1
- Single place paramotor, with an empty weight of 21 kg (46 lb) and a single 22 hp (16 kW) RDM engine with a 100 cm (39 in) diameter two-bladed wooden propeller.[1]
- AIR 2
- Single place paramotor, with an empty weight of 21.5 kg (47 lb) and a single 22 hp (16 kW) RDM engine with a 113 cm (44 in) diameter two-bladed wooden propeller.[1]
- AIR 3
- Single place paramotor, with an empty weight of 21.5 kg (47 lb) and a single 22 hp (16 kW) RDM engine with a 125 cm (49 in) diameter two-bladed wooden propeller.[1]
Specifications (AIR 1)
Data from Bertrand[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Empty weight: 21 kg (46 lb)
- Fuel capacity: 9 litres (2.0 imp gal; 2.4 US gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × RDM single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, with a 4:1 reduction drive, 16 kW (22 hp)
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 62. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
