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Encyclopedia > Powered Hang Glider
Foot-Launched Powered Hang Glider. Note the control bar position for climb at full power.
Flying a powered hang glider over the Cyprus coast.

A foot-launched powered hang glider (FLPHG), also called powered harness, nanolight or hangmotor, is a powered hang glider harness with a motor and propeller in pusher configuration. An ordinary hang glider is used for the wing and the pilot can foot-launch from a hill or from flat ground, needing an area of about the size of a football field to get airborne, much less if there's oncoming breeze and absence of obstacles. Although their main appeal at the present time is to the already experienced hang glider pilot, interest in these machines is growing rapidly, particularly in areas where there are no hills to foot-launch from. Image File history File linksMetadata WikipediaHangmotor. ... Image File history File linksMetadata WikipediaHangmotor. ... Image File history File links Zenon. ... Image File history File links Zenon. ... Hang gliding is one of the windsports. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... A British WWI-era F.E.2b pusher. ... WING ESPN 1410 is a commercial AM radio station in Dayton, Ohio operating with 5,000 watts at 1410 kHz with studios, offices and transmitter located on David Road in Kettering. ...


The pilot can cruise around in good weather at speeds between 40 and 72 km/h (25 - 45 miles/h), sightseeing, but powered harnesses have limited power and thrust so are best used as a self-launch device in order to achieve enough height to find a warm rising air thermal and soar. Thrust is a reaction force described quantitatively by Newtons Second and Third Laws. ... Example of a thermal column between the ground and a cumulus This article is about the atmospheric phenomenon. ... Look up soar in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Contents

Glider history

Many early glider designs copied from birds failed, the problem was that early flight pioneers often copied bird wings without understanding the underlying principles that made them work. Arab and American historians found at least two accounts indicating that a successful glider flight was made in the year 875 by a Moorish chemist and inventor named Abbas Ibn Firnas near Cordoba, Spain (Ibn Firnas crater on the Moon is named in his honor). It's possible that word of Ibn Firnas' flight was brought to England by returning Crusaders and to a Monk called Eilmer of Malmesbury[1] who studied mathematics and astrology. A fellow Monk and historian -William of Malmesbury- reported years later that Eilmer flew off the roof of an Abbey in Malmsbury, England sometime between the years 1000 and 1010 gliding about 200 m (220 yards) and crashed breaking a leg. Abbas Ibn Firnas, or Abbas Qasim Ibn Firnas (Unknown- 887 A.D.) was a Spanish-Arab humanitarian, technologist, and chemist. ... See Córdoba for other places with the same name. ... Ibn Firnas is a lunar impact crater on the far side of the Moon. ... Stained glass window showing Eilmer, installed in Malmesbury Abbey in 1920 in memory of Rev. ... William of Malmesbury (c. ...


In 1638, Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi took flight from from the 66 m (183 ft) tall Galata Tower near the Bosporus strait in Istanbul. It is claimed that the flight was successful and Hezarfen Celebi landed on the other side of the Bosphorus strait, about 500 meters away. [2] Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi (Turkish: Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi), who lived in the 17th century in Istanbul in the Ottoman Empire, is one of the first aviators to have succeeded in flying with artificial wings. ... Galata Tower, Istanbul View from Galata Tower The Galata Tower (Turkish: Galata Kulesi) is located in Istanbul in Turkey to the north of the Golden Horn, at , . One of the citys most striking landmarks, it is a huge, cone-capped cylinder that dominates the skyline on the Galata side... Satellite image of the Bosporus, taken from the International Space Station in April 2004 Bosphorus Bridge Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge The Bosporus or Bosphorus, also known as the Istanbul Strait, (Turkish: İstanbul Boğazı or, for İstanbuls inhabitants, simply Boğaz; while the term Boğaziçi denotes those... Istanbul (Turkish: , Greek: , historically Byzantium and later Constantinople; see other names) is Turkeys most populous city, and its cultural and financial center. ...

Model of Jan Wnęk's glider (Kraków Museum of Ethnography, Poland). Jan Wnęk performed several public controlled flights from a church tower during 1866-1869.[3]
Otto Lilienthal, First documented controlled flights. ~ Early 1890s.
Rogallo's flexible Para Wing is a self-inflating parachute/wing system that was tested for the Gemini space capsule recovery. 1960.
Milton O. Thompson performs first towing test of NASA's Parasev glider (Para Wing Research Vehicle), March 1962.
Barry Palmer, 1961. First hang glider based on the Rogallo wing (Para Wing).
Richard Miller flying his 'Bamboo Butterfly' design, 1966.

An exception probably was the illiterate Polish sculptor and carpenter Jan Wnęk, who built several wing models and, although he did not understand the aerodynamics of lift, he mimicked a bird's wing. He tested his weighted models by throwing them by hand. In 1866 he completed construction of an ash wood frame which he covered with linen impregnated with varnish. Jan Wnęk was firmly strapped to the glider by the chest and hips and controlled his glider by twisting the wing's trailing edge via strings attached to stirrups at his feet. Wnęk managed his first short controlled flights in June of that same year from a small hill. After several short flights, Wnęk felt confident enough to ask for authorization from the village church priest to build a special ramp on top of the church tower to launch from. The tower stood 45 m high and was located on top of a 50 m hill, making a 95 m (311 ft) high launch above the valley. Church records indicate that Jan Wnęk made several public flights between 1866 - 1869 especially during religious festivals, carnivals and New Year celebrations. His flying activities spanned about four years in time but Wnęk left no known written records or drawings, thus having no impact on aviation progress. Wnęks Glider. ... Wnęks Glider. ... Model of Jan WnÄ™ks glider. ... Image File history File links Otto_is_going_to_fly. ... Image File history File links Otto_is_going_to_fly. ... Otto Lilienthal Otto Lilienthal (23 May 1848 – 10 August 1896), the German Glider King, was a pioneer of human aviation. ... Image File history File links Rogallo_NASA.jpg‎ Rogallos flexible wing, a parachute alternative for space capsule recovery system (Gemini & Apollo) developed by Francis Rogallo at NASA. NASA file press release, Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation... Image File history File links Rogallo_NASA.jpg‎ Rogallos flexible wing, a parachute alternative for space capsule recovery system (Gemini & Apollo) developed by Francis Rogallo at NASA. NASA file press release, Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation... Project Gemini was the second human spaceflight program of the United States of America. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1150x1024, 401 KB) Parasev, an experimental NASA aircraft that was designed to study demonstrate the ability of the Rogallo wing to fly a payload safely from high altitude to ground. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1150x1024, 401 KB) Parasev, an experimental NASA aircraft that was designed to study demonstrate the ability of the Rogallo wing to fly a payload safely from high altitude to ground. ... Image File history File links Barry_Palmer. ... Image File history File links Barry_Palmer. ... Image File history File links Richard_Miller. ... Image File history File links Richard_Miller. ... Model of Jan WnÄ™ks glider. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Species See text European Ash in flower Narrow-leafed Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) shoot with leaves Closeup of European Ash seeds 19th century illustration of Manna Ash (Fraxinus ornus) An ash can be any of four different tree genera from four very distinct families (see end of page for disambiguation), but... Torn linen cloth, recovered from the Dead Sea Linen is a material made from the fibers of the flax plant. ... Varnish is a transparent, hard, protective finish or film primarily used in wood finishing but also for other materials. ...


Starting in the 1880s advancements were made in construction that led to the first truly practical gliders and information was often shared and published by early aviators and inventors such as John J. Montgomery, Gustave Whitehead, Louis Pierre Mouillard, George Cayley, Félix du Temple, Clément Ader, Francis Herbert Wenham, Gabriel Voisin, Wilhelm Kress, Louis Blériot, Alberto Santos Dumont, John Stringfellow, Jean-Marie Le Bris, Samuel Pierpont Langley, Hiram Maxim and Percy Pilcher [4]. But two designers in particular were systematically active: Otto Lilienthal and Octave Chanute. Gliders or Sailplanes are heavier-than-air aircraft primarily intended for unpowered flight. ... John Joseph Montgomery (c. ... Gustave Albin Whitehead, born Gustav Albin Weißkopf (January 1, 1874 – October 10 1927 Gustave Whitehead with an early engine. ... Louis Pierre Mouillard (1834 - 1897) was a person who worked on flight in the late 19th century. ... Sir George Cayley Sir George Cayley, 6th Baronet (27 December 1773–15 December 1857) was an exuberant English polymath from Brompton-by-Sawdon, near Scarborough in Yorkshire. ... Félix du Temple de la Croix (1823-1890). ... Photograph of Ader Clément Ader (February 4, 1841 – March 5, 1926) was a French engineer born in Muret, Haute Garonne remembered primarily for his pioneering work in aviation. ... NASA wind tunnel with the model of a plane A wind tunnel is a research tool developed to assist with studying the effects of air moving over or around solid objects. ... Henry Farman, left, and Gabriel Voisin. ... Wilhelm Kress Wilhelm Kress (* July 29th 1836 in Saint Petersburg; † February 24th 1913 in Vienna) was a pioneer in aviations and constructor of airplanes. ... Louis Blériot Louis Blériot (July 1, 1872 – August 2, 1936) was a French inventor and engineer, who performed the first flight over a large body of water in a heavier-than-air craft. ... Santos-Dumont in his trademark Panama hat. ... John Stringfellows flying machine in the Science Museum, London. ... Le Bris and his flying machine, Albatros II, photographed by Nadar, 1868. ... Samuel Pierpont Langley. ... Hiram S. Maxim Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim (February 4, 1840 - November 24, 1916) was the inventor of the Maxim Gun in 1884, the first portable, fully automatic machine gun. ... Percy Sinclair Pilcher (1866-1899) was an English inventor and pioneer aviator who, in one of the big what if events of history, could well have become the first person to achieve controlled, powered, heavier-than-air flight well before the Wright brothers had he not been tragically killed in... Otto Lilienthal Otto Lilienthal (23 May 1848 – 10 August 1896), the German Glider King, was a pioneer of human aviation. ... Octave Chanute Octave Chanute (18 February 1832 - November 23, 1910) was an American railroad engineer and aviation pioneer. ...


Otto Lilienthal of Germany duplicated some of his contemporaries' work and greatly expanded on it from 1874, publishing all of his research in 1889. He also produced a series of ever-better gliders, and in 1891 was able to make flights of 25 meters or more routinely. He rigorously documented his work, influencing later designers; For this reason he is one of the best known of the early aviation pioneers. His type of aircraft is now known as a hang glider. By the time of his death in 1896 he had made about 2500 flights on a number of designs, when he crashed from a height of roughly 17 m (56 ft) fracturing his spine. Otto Lilienthal Otto Lilienthal (23 May 1848 – 10 August 1896), the German Glider King, was a pioneer of human aviation. ... Hang gliding is one of the windsports. ...


The modern hang glider was indirectly influenced by American engineer Francis Rogallo. In 1948 during his free time, he and his wife Gertrude Rogallo, invented and patented a self-inflating flexible kite [5] that they called the flexible wing.[6] It was on October 4, 1957 when the Russian satellite Sputnik shocked the United States and the space race caught the imagination of its government, causing major increases in U.S. government spending on scientific research, education and on the immediate creation of NASA. Rogallo was in position to seize the opportunity and released their patent to the government and with his help at the wind tunnels, NASA began a series of experiments testing Rogallo's wing in order to evaluate it as a parachute recovery system for the Gemini space capsules and recovery of used Saturn rocket stages.[7][8] Francis Rogallo adapted and extended the totally flexible principle into semi-rigid variants. This mainly involved stabilizing the leading edges with compressed air beams or rigid structures like aluminum tubes. By 1960 NASA had already made test flights of a heavily framed cargo powered aircraft called the 'flying Jeep' or Fleep [9][10] and by March 12, 1962, pilot Milton O. Thompson first flew a weight shift glider called Parasev.[11] It is interesting to note that NASA was simultaneously testing other two "winged parachutes" for manned spacecraft recovery: Domina C. Jalbert's Parafoil [12] and David Barrish's Sail Wing. The Sail Wing was a narrow double-surface parachute based on the French engineer Pierre Lemoigne's stearable Para-Commander parachute conceived in 1961. The Sail Wing and Parafoil were eventually fused and developed into the paraglider by many creative minds from several countries.[13] But by 1967 all Sail Wing, Parafoil and Para Wing projects were dropped by NASA in favor of using round parachutes without officialy considering development of personal ultralight gliders. In the 1960s and 1970s, Francis Rogallo at NASA, designed the Rogallo wing, which found its greatest success in hang gliders and kites. ... Sputnik 1 The Sputnik program was a series of unmanned space missions launched by the Soviet Union in the late 1950s to demonstrate the viability of artificial satellites. ... The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an agency of the United States federal government, responsible for the nations public space program. ... Image:Vostok Raumkapsel in der Endmontage. ... Staged combustion rocket cycle. ... A parafoil is a nonrigid airfoil, designed with an aerodynamically inflated cell structure. ... The Apollo 15 capsule landed safely despite a parachute failure. ... Paragliding (known in some countries as parapenting) is a recreational and competitive sport that is best described as a hybrid of hang gliding and parachuting. ...


Rogallo's Para Wing was discarded by NASA but did not go unnoticed by gliding enthusiasts. The simplicity of design, low weight, ease of construction, and its capability of slow flight, became an irresistible wing to continue hang glider development started by Otto Lilienthal back in the 1880s. The challenge: To design and build practical systems onto a modified Para Wing to allow for foot-launch and weight-shift control. Otto Lilienthal Otto Lilienthal (23 May 1848 – 10 August 1896), the German Glider King, was a pioneer of human aviation. ...


That task was attempted by very few independent hang glider designers like Tony Prentice (English) and Barry Palmer (North American), but it was John Dickenson (Australian) who succeeded becoming the inventor of the modern hang glider.


In August 1961 Barry Palmer saw a photo of the Fleep [38], he immediately completed construction and flew the first flexible wing hang glider; This took place near Latrobe, east of Sacramento, California.[14] He used aluminum tubing and no wires for construction as he did fear kinking during assembly. Most flights were performed with just a set of inclined parallel bars that split his weight between his underarms and hands, but he demonstrated that the Para Wing could be controlled by shifting weight alone. The last of Palmer's craft flew in the summer of 1962 and it had a ski-lift type of seat mounted to the keel with a universal joint. A single control stick was projected down from the wing. During the period from 1961 to 1963 Barry Palmer made tens of flights using the Rogallo wing concept. His longest flight ranged in length up to 180 meters (590 ft), at altitudes up to 24 meters (80 ft), and had an overall glide ratio of 4.5 to 1.[15] Palmer's wing was heavy and not particularly portable. Palmer relates that he had a good paying aerospace job at the time and he was flying on a minimalist and inexpensive glider purely for fun and did not attempt to modernize or market the hang glider; As far as promotion, Palmer did not seek any and concealed his efforts to the American aviation bureaucracy (FAA) of flying without credentials in a pre-ultralight era, but freely gave information about the wing to any person interested.[16] Palmer then moved on to design hovercrafts but the Palmer wing inspired Richard Miller to develop and fly the famous 'Bamboo Butterfly' hang glider, the plans of which circulated in some magazines in the mid 1960s. Location of Sacramento in Sacramento County, California County Sacramento Government  - Mayor Heather Fargo Area  - City  99. ... Glide ratio is an aviation term that refers to the distance an aircraft will move forward for any given amount of lost altitude (the cotangent of the downward angle). ... Look up aerospace in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... FAA may refer to: Federal Aviation Administration in the United States Fleet Air Arm in the UK Royal Navy Fuerza Aérea Argentina in Argentina This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... A Hovercraft, or Air-Cushion Vehicle (ACV), is an amphibious vehicle or craft, designed to travel over any sufficiently smooth surface - land or water - supported by a cushion of slowly moving, low-pressure air, ejected downwards against the surface close below it. ...


Starting in 1960, Tony Prentice designed and flew several novel hang gliders in England, including an intriguing 'split wing'. [17] He built a number of non-Rogallo gliders which got progressively larger [18], the leading and trailing edges of the sail had preformed airfoil. There was no solid frame beneath the glider and the support was a rope beneath his underarms as this gave pendulum stability to the aircraft. Limited on budget, his designs were never developed further. This article does not cite its references or sources. ...


Birth of the Modern Hang Glider

A world wide hang glider revolution started in 1963 when Australian John Dickenson, a Grafton water ski club member, set to build a portable and controllable glider he later called the Ski Wing. [19] An electrical engineer by profession, a big part of John's life revolved around televisions and their installation. He erected many television aerials, most of these were aluminum tubing with wire bracing. He understood this style of structure and knew in practical terms how strong triangular wire bracing was and the sorts of loads aluminum could take. Dickenson designed an incredibly smart and unique structure to fit on a Pawa Wing: The pilot sat comfortably on a swinging seat and a control frame became the 'fuselage', carrying the load and distributing that load to the wing as well as giving a frame to push against for control. The base bar carries tension stress during flight while the upright tubes are under a compression load. It also meant that the cross-bars operated under only a compression load, this is why the keel was able to be allowed to float, and why wing variable geometry (VG) for high glide performance became viable.[20] </ref> | est = 1851 | elevation = 5 | maxtemp = 25. ...


Dickenson's wing turned out to be stable, controlable and capable of producing lift, unlike the flat manned kites used at water ski shows. The wing was found to be versatile as it could be released at altitude to glide back down to a landing, The first release and land was by John Dickenson in 1964. Dickenson's wing was flown in public at the 'Grafton Jacaranda Festival' in September of 1963 by Rod Fuller while towed behind a motorboat. After four years of development, 5 model upgrades, and the commercial production of the wing by Aerostructures, Australian fliers Bill Bennett and Bill Moyes introduced Dickenson's hang glider to the rest of the world, stimulating a hang gliding boom in the 1970s.[21][22] The Dickenson Wing's efficiency, simplicity and portability changed personal flight, and although by the early 1970s many rigid wings were developed, none sold terribly well and dozens of hang glider companies were springing up all over the world building thousands of Dickenson Wing copies. It was the total system –the combination of the light main airframe, control bar for bracing as well as control, the pendulum weight shift system, and all of that combined to make the foldable, portable package that dramatically reduced difficulty in storage, transport, assembly and repair. In addition, the flexible wing could always be redesigned to improve the performance far more easily than a rigid wing could be designed for portability. In 1972, Popular Mechanics and Popular Science magazines published articles on hang gliding which further increased its popularity.[23] Yokaichi Giant Kite Festival held on the fourth Sunday every May in Higashiomi, Shiga, Japan A man flying a kite on the beach, a good location for flying as winds travelling across the sea contain few up or down draughts which cause kites to fly erratically. ... // Water skiing began inqq 1922 when Ralph Samuelson strapped two boards to his feet and rigged a clothesline up to his boat on Lake Pepin in Lake City, Minnesota. ... A 1962 Rebel. A wooden speedboat with an outboard engine. ...


It is certain that many people from many countries made contributions to the development of the modern hang glider, and in the aviation context of 'firsts flights' and recreational vs. commercial developments, it must be noted that new and old inventions often complement in synergy, and it is in this evolutionary and social context that the crucial developments put together by John Dickenson were the ones that were most successful and influential. Synergy (from the Greek synergos, συνεργός meaning working together, circa 1660) refers to the phenomenon in which two or more discrete influences or agents acting together create an effect greater than that predicted by knowing only the separate effects of the individual agents. ...


Adding a motor

The Ente was the first rocket powered aircraft, a hang glider designed by Alexander Lippisch. Germany, 1928.
Powered 'Standard' Rogallo hang glider. 1975, Argentina. (Unknown pilot and unknown aircraft performance.)
Attempt to power an Icarus V hang glider with a G8-2 rocket engine, 1979.

The reaction of most pilots would be to say that powered microlights (ultralights) developed from hang gliding in the late 1970s, but it was not that simple. In fact, microlights are a rebirth, a return to the love of low-speed flight which the earliest aviators felt so keenly, but which was subsequently lost in the quest for military superiority. For second time in aviation history, during the 1970s, motorization of simple gliders, especially those portable and foot-launched, became an obsession of many inventors and gradually, small wing-mounted power packs were adapted. These early experiments went largely unrecorded, even in log books, let alone the press, because the pioneers were uncomfortably aware that the addition of an engine made the craft liable to registration, airworthiness legislation, and the pilot liable to expensive licensing and probably, insurance. Inventors from Australia, France and England produced several successful microlight motor gliders in the early 1970s but very few were portable flexible wings. Surprisingly, what really launched the powered ultralight aviation movement in the USA was not Dickenson's flexible wing but a whole series of fixed wing motorized hang gliders.[24] The 'Icarus V' flying wing appeared with its tip rudders and swept-back style wing - a rigid biplane designed by genius teen-ager Taras Kiceniuk, Jr, while Larry Mauro's 'Easy Riser' biplane started to sell in large numbers. Hang gliding record holder Don Mitchell [25] fitted his BF-10 [26] with a motor, though he still used the pilot's legs as undercarriage, an arrangement which persisted until his 'B-10 Mitchell Wing' [27] appeared. Then there was the 'Manta Fledge IIB', the 'Pterodactyl' series, and the Quicksilver created in 1972 by Bob Lovejoy. But foot-launched powered hang gliding -as we know it today- had been unsuccessful prior to 1976 because three basic elements were unrefined: Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The Ente (German: duck) was the world&#8217;s first rocket-powered aircraft. ... Alexander Lippisch earned his PhD in 1943 at the University of Heidelberg. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Ultralight aviation is a segment of aviation that is permitted in the United States of America by the FAA as long as certain weight, speed, and fuel capacity restrictions are observed. ... Icarus and Daedalus Aviation history deals with the development of mechanical flight, including early attempts and practical aviation since the Wright brothers demonstration of sustained, controlled and powered heavier-than-air flight on December 17, 1903. ... “Publisher” redirects here. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto)1 Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total... Gliders are un-powered heavier-than-air aircraft. ... Huntair Pathfinder Mark 1 ultralight During the late 1970s and early 1980s, many people sought to be able to fly affordably. ... Fixed-wing aircraft is a term used to refer to what are more commonly known as aeroplanes in Commonwealth English (excluding Canada) or airplanes in North American English. ... Taras Kiceniuk, Jr (c. ... Quicksilver is a line of ultralight aircraft that evolved from weight shift hang gliders. ...

  • Most hang gliders had poor performance.
  • Small engine technology was underpowered and unreliable.
  • Piloting skills and experience were limited.

In 1963, Barry Palmer built and experimented with a foot-launched powered hang glider at Bloomfield, Connecticut. It was powered by a 7 hp West Bend engine and mounted on top of a Rogallo-type flexible wing hang glider; The propeller was 3 feet in diameter and was made of balsa wood, covered with fiberglass and mounted in pusher configuration. But the engine was quite underpowered and the craft could not achieve flight.[28] It is now estimated that a modern flex wing hang glider requires at least 6 hp at the prop shaft and about 45 lb of thrust just to maintain level flight. Barry Palmer build during 1967 what is likely the first weight-shift powered trike aircraft [29] and then moved on to design a successful line of hovercrafts.[30] Bloomfield is a town located in Hartford County, Connecticut. ... The West Bend Company was a West Bend, Wisconsin company from 1911 to 1987. ... Binomial name Ochroma lagopus Sw. ... Bundle of fiberglass Fiberglass or glassfibre is material made from extremely fine fibers of glass. ... Ultralight Trikes, also known as Flexwing Trikes, are a form of propeller-powered aircraft that merges a rigid tube-and-fabric wing with a three-wheeled undercarriage. ... A Hovercraft, or Air-Cushion Vehicle (ACV), is an amphibious vehicle or craft, designed to travel over any sufficiently smooth surface - land or water - supported by a cushion of slowly moving, low-pressure air, ejected downwards against the surface close below it. ...


In 1973, Australian Bill Bennett, who was one of the most skilled pilots of the time and the largest U.S. hang glider manufacturer, was following in Barry Palmer's footsteps and attempting to motorize a flexible hang glider. Bennett built a McCulloch engine backpack that drove a small caged propeller. It did not, however, work particularly well, as the prop was almost completely masked by his back, and what little efficiency remained was further reduced by the thick wire guard with which Bennett was prudent enough to surround the propeller. In practice, when used with the best hang glider of the day, it was nothing more than a glide extender. In the late 1970s, light two-stroke engines started to become more powerful and reliable and hang glider pilots were developing their skills to such an extent that they no longer considered it normal to crash each time they flew. The only unanswered questions were where to fit the engine, the size and pitch of the propeller and how it was driven. Hang gliding is one of the windsports. ... The two-stroke cycle of an internal combustion engine differs from the more common four-stroke cycle by completing the same four processes (intake, compression, power, exhaust) in only two strokes of the piston rather than four. ... Hang gliding is one of the windsports. ...

John Moody's powered 'Icarus II' on display at The Southeastern Wisconsin Aviation Museum.[31]

On March/15/1975 John Moody successfully added a 12.5 hp West Bend engine with a 71 cm (28") propeller to an 'Easy Riser' biplane hang glider designed by Larry Mauro. Moody opened the throttle and ran until he lifted from the frozen surface of a lake west of Racine, Wisconsin and he flew for 30 minutes in the first foot-launched powered hang glider. Then on July/27/1976 John Moody demonstrated[32] ultralight aviation at the annual EAA fly-in convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with a foot launched McCulloch 101 powered 'Icarus II' [33] in front of thousands of aviation-loving spectators, starting the modern ultralight aviation revolution in the USA. Later he added wheels to the aircraft and by the end of 1979, there were almost 100 competing companies selling powered ultralights (microlights) but very few were foot-launchable. Image File history File links John_moody1. ... Image File history File links John_moody1. ... The West Bend Company was a West Bend, Wisconsin company from 1911 to 1987. ... A man-made lake in Keukenhof, Netherlands A lake (from Latin lacus) is a body of water or other liquid of considerable size contained on a body of land. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an international organization of aviation enthusiasts based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. ... Location of Oshkosh, Wisconsin City hall Downtown Oshkosh at U.S. Route 45 Oshkosh Public Museum Mouth of the Fox River into Lake Winnebago. ... See also McCulloch (disambiguation) McCulloch Motors, Inc. ... Huntair Pathfinder Mark 1 ultralight During the late 1970s and early 1980s, many people sought to be able to fly affordably. ...


During the mid 1970s in England, Steve Hunt experimented by fitting a Scorpion glider with a McCulloch chainsaw engine driving a keel-mounted ducted fan via a reduction gear unit, but he stopped development "because it was too heavy". However, he visualized the need for a clutch unit to facilitate starting and to reduce shock loading on the drive system. Meanwhile, powered hang glider flight was progressing in the United States and in 1977 the Soarmaster company located in Scottsdale, Arizona, produced the first commercial foot-launched powered hang glider, the Soarmaster. The unit was recommended for fitting on an 'Electra Flyer Cirrus' or 'Olympus' hang glider, as the mounting brackets and thrust line calculations had been done for these two gliders only. They had developed a two-stroke engine unit with splash box lubricated chain reduction system, clutch and long drive-shaft that bolted just below the hang glider keel. It developed about 10 hp and produced a maximum of 80 lb of static thrust for a sustained climb rate as high as 150 ft/min (0.762 m/s). A fine balance existed between applying too much power, causing the aircraft to overtake the pilot or not enough power for flight. Though marginal and difficult to fly, the Soarmaster was an encouraging development, until strange accidents began to happen; When the pilot pushed out, propeller-related injuries to their feet ensued, earning it nicknames such as 'ToeMaster' and 'SawMaster'. It turned out that when the pilot went weightless or stalled under power, the glider would tuck forward violently because the line of thrust was well above the centre of gravity. Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto)1 Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total... See also McCulloch (disambiguation) McCulloch Motors, Inc. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A ducted fan is an arrangement of a propeller-driven aircraft where the propeller is mounted inside the fuselage, within a duct. ... For other uses, see Clutch (disambiguation). ... Nickname: Location in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA Coordinates: , Country United States State Arizona Counties Maricopa Government  - Mayor Mary Manross (D) Area  - City  184. ... A hummingbird Female Mallard Duck in midflight A dragonfly in flight Flight is the process by which an object achieves sustained movement either through the air by aerodynamically generating lift or aerostatically using buoyancy, or movement beyond earths atmosphere, in the case of spaceflight. ... In aerodynamics, a stall is a condition in which an excessive angle of attack causes loss of lift due to disruption of airflow. ... Thrust is a reaction force described quantitatively by Newtons Second and Third Laws. ... In physics, the center of mass of a system of particles is a specific point at which, for many purposes, the systems mass behaves as if it were concentrated. ...

Motolotnia - White Eagle backpack, flown by Tony Prentice, UK. on a "Wasp Falcon IV" glider. 1985
Mosquito powered harness.
The JetBug.

In 1979 a powered backpack called Motolotnia - White Eagle[34][35] designed by Jerzy Kolecki (Kolecki New Aviation Engineering, Sweden) became available for sale. It consisted of a 90 cc McCulloch chainsaw engine with a direct drive 61 cm (24") wooden prop, producing a quoted 77 lb of thrust; The rate of climb was about 150 feet/minute maximum and flight duration was limited by the small fuel tank and engine overheating after several minutes. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (869x507, 209 KB) Author: Tony Prentice. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (869x507, 209 KB) Author: Tony Prentice. ... Year 1985 (MCMLXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar). ... Image File history File links MosquitoHarness. ... Image File history File links MosquitoHarness. ... Image File history File links Jetbug. ... Image File history File links Jetbug. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...


The first truly successful foot-launched powered harness was the Mosquito. It did not have a keel-mounted motor, but the complete power unit was incorporated in the harness' frame. The harness was hooked on to the glider by a regular hang strap, placing the center of mass well below the keel, the ideal position for effective weight-shift control and thrust transmission. The Mosquito was designed and produced by Swedish inventor Johan Åhling (Swedish AeroSport). Åhling's Mosquito flew first in 1987, but it had only 10 horsepower and a few problems had to be worked out. When the Mosquito was released again in 1990 with a reliable 15 hp (10.2 kg, 118 cc) go-kart engine [36] its appeal grew first amongst European and Australian hang glider pilots, and it was not until the late 1990s that the Mosquito started to become somewhat popular in North America, that by then, was obsessed with larger and heavier ultralights and undergoing a decreasing hang glider pilot population. Åhling's Mosquito was later redesigned and released in 2000 as the NRG. In physics, the center of mass of a system of particles is a specific point at which, for many purposes, the systems mass behaves as if it were concentrated. ... hp, see HP (disambiguation) The horsepower (hp) is the name of several non-metric units of power. ... World Champion Davide Fore demonstrates the 2007 KF1 Zanardi chassis and KF1 at the Paul Ricard in Feb. ... World map showing the location of Europe. ... North America North America is a continent[1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ...


As of 2006, there were a few harness designs similar to the Mosquito/NRG, each sporting unique strengths, and produced by other FLPHG manufacturers.[37] The latest generation of powered harnesses bear names such as Wasp [38], DoodleBug [39], Raven [40], X1 [41], Zenon [42], and Explorer. [43]


On April/30/2003, a modified DoodleBug named 'JetBug' took to the skies over England while powered by a 95 pounds force (420 N) thrust gasoline turbine engine. The JetBug was produced in collaboration between Flylight Airsports Ltd. and MicroJet Engineering; It was piloted first by Ben Ashman and then by Stewart Bond. Its flight autonomy was only of ten minutes at 1 Liter/min. The JetBug is an occasional guest at air shows across England. Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto)1 Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total... A Pratt and Whitney turbofan engine for the F-15 Eagle is tested at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, USA. The tunnel behind the engine muffles noise and allows exhaust to escape. ... The Utterly Butterly wing_walking display team flying Boeing Stearman PT_17 biplanes An airshow is an event at which aviators display their flying skills, normally to the public, but occasionally to invited guests, or employees and their families only. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto)1 Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total...


World records

La Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) is the international standard-setting and record-keeping body for aeronautics and astronautics, so it also oversees the official records by foot-launched powered hang gliders, currently under the RWF1 category.[44] The Medium Ropuleim microlight piloted by Yves Rousseau holds the official foot-launched altitude and climb records. Somehow, these records are filed as foot-launched, however, this microlight was too heavy to be foot-launched and it made use of wheels to launch with a 42 hp Rotax 447 motor. (Click here for a photo of a similar aircraft:[39]). Such records by the Medium Ropuleim do not reflect in any way the performance of true foot-launched powered hang gliders, with a total aircraft & fuel weight limited by a pilot's strength to lift it, run and land on his/her feet. A review of the RWF1 category, past records and their logical classification are in order. Fédération Aéronautique Internationale The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) is a standard setting and record-keeping body for aeronautics and astronautics. ... Six F-16 Fighting Falcons with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team fly in delta formation in front of the Empire State Building. ... Astronautics is the branch of engineering that deals with machines designed to work outside of Earths atmosphere, whether manned or unmanned. ... Yves Rousseau (France) is credited with some ultralight aircraft FAI world records and has received international recognition for his 13 years of work on human-powered ornithopter flight. ... Rotax is an Austrian engine manufacturer, founded in 1920 in Dresden, Germany. ...


Unofficial FLPHG World Records - Confirmed but not validated by the FAI.

  • On October 1977, Trip Mellinger successfully flew his Easy Riser FLPHG from mainland California to Catalina Island some 42 km (26 miles) offshore.
  • On 5 August, 1978 French pioneer Bernard Danis mated a Soarmaster unit to this SK 2SS wing of 168 ft² (15.6 m²) and climbed to 1825 m (5990 ft) ASL at the Southern Alps.
  • On 1979, American pilot Larry Mauro flew 162 km (101 miles) on a foot-launched Easy Riser powered hang glider.
Gerry Breen - London to Paris in FLPHG. August 25, 1979.
  • On 7 May 1979 British pilot Gerry Breen set a new distance record for FLPHG of 325 km (202 miles) from Wales to Norwich, a non-stop world distance record that still stands today; Using a Soarmaster, the flight took about 4h with a tailwind of about 25 knots (28 miles/h) and reportedly consumed 25 L (5.5 UK gallons) of fuel.[45] Three months later, on August 25 through 28, inspired by the film "Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines" and sponsored by British Airways, Breen flew his powered hang glider from London to Paris: Wishing to use a British made aircraft, Gerry Breen and Steve Hunt set about building with their version of the powered Soarmaster, but had no clutch. The unit, including glider, was considerably heavier than the Soarmaster and Olympus glider combination but the wing was much more robust. The hang glider was a 'Hiway Super Scorpion' with a 10 hp McCulloch 125 cc engine mounted just forward of the hang strap.[46] The journey was plagued with mechanical failures but Breen overcame them and completed the trip.[47]
    Angelo d'Arrigo guiding Siberian cranes on a 5300 km migration from Siberia to the Caspian Sea. 2002.
  • On July 2002, Italian hang gliding champion and conservationist, Angelo d'Arrigo, guided a flock of 10 endangered Western Siberian Cranes -bred in captivity- with an Icaro hang glider equipped with an NRG powered harness 5300 km (3294 miles) from the Arctic circle in Siberia, across Kazakhstan to the shores of the Caspian Sea in Iran, avoiding Afghanistan and Pakistan where they fall victim to the abundant guns. For the most part, he relied on the sun and wind for propulsion in order to teach the young cranes to soar long distances. This exhausting $250,000 USD experiment lasted for six months and finished in winter 2002.[48] If repeated a few times, scientists hope the new migratory route will be passed on from parent to fledgling for generations of cranes to come.
  • On April 24 2005, English pilot Stewart Bond flew his DoodleBug and Aeros Discus-14 glider in still air at an altitude of 12,158 feet (3706 m) above sea level (ASL).
  • On July 16 2005, American pilot, Bruce Decker performed a 10,000 ft (3048 m) high density altitude takeoff in Colorado, USA using an X1 harness on an ATOS 146 rigid wing hang glider; The wind was only 4.8 km/h (3 miles/h).

Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ... Santa Catalina Island, location relative to the coast of Southern California Santa Catalina Island, often called Catalina Island, or just Catalina, is a rocky island off the coast of the U.S. state of California. ... Image File history File links Gbreen. ... Image File history File links Gbreen. ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... This article is about the country. ... Norwich (IPA: //) is a city in East Anglia, in Eastern England. ... A tailwind is a wind that hits an aircraft from behind. ... 1963 Replica of the Bristol Boxkite, now hanging in the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery. ... For the 1930s airline of similar name, see British Airways Ltd. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... City flag City coat of arms Motto: Fluctuat nec mergitur (Latin: Tossed by the waves, she does not sink) The Eiffel Tower in Paris, as seen from the esplanade du Trocadéro. ... See also McCulloch (disambiguation) McCulloch Motors, Inc. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Arrigo. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Arrigo. ... Angelo dArrigo (born April 3, 1961 in Paris; died March 26, 2006) was an Italian aviator who held a number of world records in the field of flight, principally with microlights and hang gliders, with or without motors. ... Angelo dArrigo (born April 3, 1961 in Paris; died March 26, 2006) was an Italian aviator who held a number of world records in the field of flight, principally with microlights and hang gliders, with or without motors. ... Binomial name Grus leucogeranus Pallas, 1773 The Siberian Crane, Grus leucogeranus, also known as the Siberian White Crane or the Snow Crane, is a bird of the family Gruidae, the cranes. ... World map showing the Arctic Circle in red A sign along the Dalton Highway marking the location of the Arctic Circle The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude that mark maps of the Earth. ... It has been suggested that Western Siberia be merged into this article or section. ... The Caspian Sea (Russian: Каспийское море; Kazakh: Каспий теңізі; Turkmen: Hazar deňizi; Azeri: XÉ™zÉ™r dÉ™nizi; Persian: دریای خزر Daryā-ye Khazar) is the largest lake on Earth by area[2], with a surface area of 371,000 square kilometers (143,244 sq mi) and a volume of 78,200 cubic kilometers (18... mtDNA-based chart of large human migrations. ... Mt Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. ... The Southern Alps is a mountain range which runs along the western side of the South Island of New Zealand. ... Gliders or Sailplanes are heavier-than-air aircraft primarily intended for unpowered flight. ... The term above mean sea level (AMSL) refers to the elevation (on the ground) or altitude (in the air) of any object, relative to the average sea level. ... Density altitude is the altitude in the International Standard Atmosphere at which the air density would be equal to the actual air density at the place of observation. ... Official language(s) English Capital Denver Largest city Denver Area  Ranked 8th  - Total 104,185 sq mi (269,837 km²)  - Width 280 miles (451 km)  - Length 380 miles (612 km)  - % water 0. ...

Configurations

Currently, there are two harness configurations: prone (face down) and supine (sitting). Both configurations allow the pilot to takeoff and land on his/her feet. In Prone position in competitive shooting the shooter lies face down on the ground. ... The supine position is a position of the body is laying down with the face up. ...


Construction

FLPHG with a folding propeller.

Foot-launched powered hang glider (FLPHG) harnesses are built around a light metal frame with the engine and propeller mounted on the rear in a pusher configuration. Current powered harnesses weigh 22-32 kg (50-70 lb) not including the safety parachute and fuel, and fold neatly into a 1.5 m (5 ft) long harness bag with a handle. Most powered harnesses in production are equipped with the 'Radne Raket 120' two stroke engine which is based on Husqvarna XP3120 chainsaw parts. It has a displacement of 118 cm³ (7.2 in³) and produces about 15 hp at 8900 RPM if equipped with a tuned exhaust; When coupled to a 1:3.5 belt-driven reduction drive and a 52" x 22" propeller, it produces about 100 lb of static thrust. For heavy pilots or pilots operating from higher than 5000 ft (1500 m) MSL fields, a powered harness equipped with an 18 hp engine is recommended.[49] It is now estimated that a modern flex wing hang glider requires of at least 6 hp at the propeller and about 30 or 40 lb of thrust to maintain level flight at 'best glide' speed. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1200x900, 440 KB) Dave Littles X1 foot-launched powered hang glider harness. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1200x900, 440 KB) Dave Littles X1 foot-launched powered hang glider harness. ... A British WWI-era F.E.2b pusher. ... The Apollo 15 capsule landed safely despite a parachute failure. ... The two-stroke cycle of an internal combustion engine differs from the more common four-stroke cycle by having only two strokes (linear movements of the piston) instead of four, although the same four operations (intake, compression, power, exhaust) still occur. ... Husqvarna is a manufacturer of power lawn equipment, sewing machines and formely mopeds. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... For other uses, see Revolutions per minute (disambiguation). ... An expansion chamber is an exhaust system used on two stroke cycle engines to enhance power output. ... Reduction drive (also with a transformation of the direction of rotation) A reduction drive is a mechanical device to shift rotational speed. ... Thrust is a reaction force described quantitatively by Newtons Second and Third Laws. ...


The motor is supported on the ground by two retractable landing gear skids, holding the propeller just off the ground. The 4 Liter aerodynamic fuel tank is attached to the top of the control frame or enclosed in the harness. Getting into the harness requires passing both legs through padded straps and wearing the harness like a vest, with a zipper and/or buckles at the front. The powered harness is hooked to the glider via a regular hang strap. The whole aircraft is easily maneuvered on the ground into takeoff position with the pilot buckled into the harness and ready to start the unit by themselves either with a manual or with an electric starter. The throttle is activated during takeoff by means of a mouth-throttle in order to have both hands free for proper weight-shift control. Once airborne, a foot throttle, thumb throttle or cruise control can be used. Zipping up the harness also retract the rear skids, which are then clipped into clamps on the side of the harness. The propeller is locked in place while soaring power off, as a wind milling propeller has more drag than a stationary one: Expect a 10 to 20% decrease in glide performance with a wind milling propeller (clutched units) and 2 to 4% decrease with a locked propeller. A folding propeller is often preferred by pilots who enjoy optimum soaring and cross country performance with the engine turned off. Luftwaffe Junkers Ju 87s, with fixed conventional landing gear. ... Aerodynamics is a branch of fluid dynamics concerned with the study of gas flows, first analysed by George Cayley in the 1800s. ... Zipper slider brings together the two sides A zipper (British English: zip fastener or zip) is a popular device for temporarily joining two edges of fabric. ... Archeological bronze buckles from southern Sweden A buckle (from Latin buccula) is a clasp used for fastening two things together, such as the ends of a belt, or for retaining the end of a strap. ... In an engine, the throttle is the mechanism by which the engines power is increased or decreased. ... Cruise control (sometimes known as speed control or Autocruise) is a system to automatically control the speed of an automobile. ... An object falling through a gas or liquid experiences a force in direction opposite to its motion. ... Look up soar in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...


Engine controls - Hang gliders are controlled by simply shifting the pilot's weight, but a powered harness must have engine controls and the pilot must know exactly where they are, without having to look and find them. Engine controls are ergonomically positioned at the sides of the harness, chest or shoulder straps and generally consist of throttle, choke, propeller lock, recoil starter handle or electric starter button and decompression valve. During training, it is very important to hang the harness from a solid location, climb in and practice often so that the pilot can automatically reach and activate any engine control without first looking at it. Dildonics (or human factors) is the application of scientific information concerning humans to the design of objects, systems and environment for human use (definition adopted by the International Dildonics Association in 2007). ...


Training & safety

Good gliding weather: Light wind and cumulus clouds with dark flat base.
  • Certified hang gliding schools in the USA: [40]
  • Certified hang gliding schools in the UK: [41]
  • Certified hang gliding schools in Canada: [42]

Hang gliding is an extreme sport but perhaps often viewed as a higher-risk sport than it actually is. Nonetheless, there is great potential for injury for the reckless or ill-prepared. Unlike powered paragliding, it is absolutely essential that the aspiring pilot first take lessons in an unpowered hang glider at a certified school and achieve some solo experience in order to develop all needed skills to perform automatic control inputs and consistently safe landings. Tow is the best launch method for progression to FLPHG. Basic aerodynamics, flight concepts, some meteorology, local regulations, field choice, safety and emergency procedures must also be learned during training.[50] This sky has nice day written all over it. ... This sky has nice day written all over it. ... Ice climbing is considered an extreme sport. ... Launch of a Powered Paraglider. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Hang gliding is one of the windsports. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A hummingbird Female Mallard Duck in midflight A dragonfly in flight Flight is the process by which an object achieves sustained movement either through the air by aerodynamically generating lift or aerostatically using buoyancy, or movement beyond earths atmosphere, in the case of spaceflight. ... Satellite image of Hurricane Hugo with a polar low visible at the top of the image. ... Warning signs, such as this one, can improve safety awareness. ...


It is sometimes said that the factor which most affects safety is pilot attitude. A large proportion of accidents involve over-confident novices failing to heed advice, or pilots flying beyond their limits. Flying often can keep the pilots' skills current. A major safety consideration is simply having a large enough field that is free of obstructions. The pilot must not assume about how fast he will climb or that the engine will not quit. The pilot needs to have a way to safely turn or land at all times during every flight.


Safety precautions include: Certified training, equipment maintenance, pre-flight checks of glider and harness systems, helmet, safety wheels at the lower end of the control frame, helmet, a hook-knife (for cutting their parachute bridle after impact or cutting their harness lines and straps in case of a tree or water landing), and a special emergency parachute (Note that unlike skydiving reserve parachutes in which the main canopy is cut away before deployment, hang gliding & paragliding reserves are designed to open at low speeds and deploy with the glider still attached to the pilot.) Water, knee pads, gloves a mobile phone and/or a transceiver radio are also desired. The force bearing on the axle has an eccentricity e with the point of contact to the rolling surface and exerts a moment about the contact point. ... This article is about the headgear. ... The Apollo 15 capsule landed safely despite a parachute failure. ... Skydiver about to land Parachuting, or skydiving, is an activity involving the breaking of a free-fall from a height using a parachute. ... Hang gliding is one of the windsports. ... Paragliding (known in France, Spain and Portugal as parapente) is a recreational and competitive flying sport. ...


Flying

Important: The highlights below are not meant to replace a comprehensive certified training course but to simply give the reader an idea of the skill development required for an experienced hang glider pilot to transition to a powered harness and of the general control input.


Takeoff

Common takeoff mistakes: 1) The pilot quit running before establishing climb and, 2) He is pushing on the control bar while still at low speed, generating too much drag to accelerate and climb.
Takeoff run: the pilot must lean forward and must avoid pushing the control frame.

Launching and landing are done into wind. Though it is possible to launch and land in nil wind, a steady 8 km/h (5 miles/h) breeze is ideal. A successful takeoff depends mostly on level wings, speed and precise control of the angle of attack: Too low the angle and the glider will simply not fly. If it is too high it will create excessive drag and will never get the speed it needs to fly and climb. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (696x663, 346 KB) Author: Gerry Farell at Bloomer, WI fly-in, July 2006. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (696x663, 346 KB) Author: Gerry Farell at Bloomer, WI fly-in, July 2006. ... Image File history File links Hang_strap. ... Image File history File links Hang_strap. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Look up Drag in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...


A committed and fast run is required with a smooth control of pitch angle throughout the run, similar to a shallow slope launch (see: aborting a takeoff). The pilot remains upright throughout the run, allowing forward acceleration to be gradually provided by the thrust so, the pilot does not use his legs to accelerate but only to carry the weight of him and the glider. By gradually increasing thrust the pilot has time to counter the pitch-up moment introduced by the thrust with an appropriate counter pitch-down control movement. The pilot runs as long as necessary, taking strides of ever increasing length ('moon walking') and during the last steps most of the pilot’s weight will be carried by the glider. There must be no noticeable change in pitch angle, and the pilot will have stopped running only after the last steps no longer touch the ground.


Failure to remain upright throughout the takeoff run is one of the main problems that experienced mountain glider pilots suffer, as their normal tendency is to move towards prone position as soon as they feel the glider lifting. But on a flat ground powered takeoff one do not have the hill dropping away to help achieve flying speed - the pilot must keep running up until he is firmly established in a climb. What can often make the difference between a successful takeoff and settling back to Earth are those last long 'moon walking' steps.


During the takeoff run, the thrust must be transmitted to the glider through the hang strap and not through the pilot's hands to the control frame. By the time the glider comes off the pilot's shoulders, he must pull in and move his upper body forward through the control frame so that the hang strap becomes tight and is angled slightly forward and the harness is pulling the glider forward by the hang strap, all while he is still upright and running. Because the thrust force enters the glider right at the hang point, it only requires of a light touch to control the pitch. During takeoff, particularly if something has started to go wrong, a fierce grip of the down tubes may cause the engine torque to be transmitted through the pilot to the glider. A tight grip can induce a roll which may require a rapid decision to abort the takeoff. A light touch on the control bar at all times can help to avoid this. Pull in and allow the glider to fly on ground effect for as long as possible in order to accelerate - the glider will climb on its own once it has the speed to do so; Use of a speed bar helps to pull in more effectively at this stage. Resist the temptation to push out. The overall sensation and glider behavior is similar to that of being aero towed or winch towed. A powered launch is easier to do well if you allow the glider to achieve flight from the trim position - so you want to make sure this glider trim speed is fast enough for safety. If you are trimmed exactly at minimum sink (very close to mush/stall) then it would be advisable to move the hang point forward to where you have good roll response and control authority without pulling in (when gliding power off). Setting the trim speed higher will mean you have to run a bit faster, but when you do get airborne it will be at a safer airspeed and there will be less drag for the motor to overcome. Thrust is a reaction force described quantitatively by Newtons Second and Third Laws. ... The term Wing In Ground effect (sometimes misleadingly referred to simply as Ground effect - this being a generic term describing all aerodynamic effects due to a flying bodys proximity to the ground[1]) refers to the reduction in drag experienced by an aircraft as it approaches within roughly 1...


Aborting a takeoff

Aborting a takeoff is an important procedure and experienced mountain glider pilots must note that this is an option for every powered takeoff. Unlike a mountain launch where your best bet is usually to continue once begun, significant sorrow and money can be saved by aborting a powered harness takeoff if things are not going exactly right. To abort a takeoff do not just stop running; Between yourself, the glider and the harness you will have a lot of momentum. First release the throttle while you continue running, then the drag of the harness' skids will help you to bleed off the momentum that both you and the glider have achieved, sense the speed and flare to a stop. If that fails, settle the glider on its safety wheels while pushing out the control bar and roll to a stop, then hit the kill switch.


Learning to let go of the mouth-throttle is critical. When things start to go wrong, the general tendency is to clench up our jaws, which compounds the problem with unwanted thrust; Letting go of the mouth-throttle is the equivalent of tow line release and must be done without hesitation when needed. It is very useful to practice releasing the mouth-throttle while under stress by using dynamic mental image. A mental image is the representation of an idea in a persons mind. ...


Climb and cruise speeds

Powered harness on climb at full power. Salinas, Baja California, Mexico.
Low nose pitch and high speed is best for climb. Andy Buchan
  • Climb speed

In general, the pilot must use best glide speed for takeoff and climb. The pilot must not push out on takeoff or climb. Note that the glider will climb on increased speed. Using full VG from a safe height is beneficial to climb rate. Many pilots new to powered flying make this common error, they are tempted to 'push-out' on climb but that causes to fly too slowly. To an observer on the ground they appear to wobble around and lose directional control; To the pilot there is a feeling that the glider wants to wind into turns and the wing feels unstable. The cause is a lack of airspeed. Pushing out will decrease airspeed -just as when free hang gliding- and the wing may stall. Even if it doesn't, it will certainly exhibit those nasty characteristics of slow speed flight - dropping a wing into turns and feeling unstable in roll, in short, the pilot will be in “mush mode” with very poor control authority. Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Baja California (literally lower California in Spanish) is the northernmost state of Mexico. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (960x720, 65 KB) Andy Buchan diagram. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (960x720, 65 KB) Andy Buchan diagram. ... This article contains information that has not been verified and thus might not be reliable. ... In aerodynamics, a stall is a condition in which an excessive angle of attack causes loss of lift due to disruption of airflow. ... A hummingbird Female Mallard Duck in midflight A dragonfly in flight Flight is the process by which an object achieves sustained movement either through the air by aerodynamically generating lift or aerostatically using buoyancy, or movement beyond earths atmosphere, in the case of spaceflight. ...


As soon as it is safe, the pilot gets the feet into the harness for stability (or supine position if flying the DoodleBug). One must keep the wings level at all times, keep the control bar pulled in and be ready to correct any roll early on. Again, note that the best rate of climb occurs at higher airspeed and that most flexible wings climb well at 10 miles/h above their stall speed! Today's powered harnesses develop a maximum of 45 kg (100 lb) of static thrust, but the rate of climb also depends on weather conditions such as field altitude, air temperature, humidity, etc., and on glider size and wing loading. The harness' thrust is adequate for a sustained 200 - 300 ft/min (1.0 - 1.5 m/s) rate of climb at full power even when flying at airspeeds well above minimum sink. If a powered harness experience an engine failure when climbing steeply, the aircraft will lose a lot of height before recovering; Climbing at a flatter angle and at a faster airspeed makes recovery easier and safer. Supine as an adjective generally refers to any upward-facing position. ... This article contains information that has not been verified and thus might not be reliable. ... Stall speed is an aerodynamic term. ... Thrust is a reaction force described quantitatively by Newtons Second and Third Laws. ... This page is a candidate to be moved to Wiktionary. ... Altitude is the elevation of an object from a known level or datum. ... This article includes a list of works cited or a list of external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... In aerodynamics, wing loading is the loaded weight of the aircraft divided by the area of the wing. ... This page is a candidate to be moved to Wiktionary. ... This article contains information that has not been verified and thus might not be reliable. ... A polar curve is a graph of the rate of sink of an aircraft, often a glider, versus its horizontal speed. ...

  • Cruise Speed

Cruise speed varies between hang glider brand, model, size and wing loading. To cruise fast and level while under power, pilots apply about 75% throttle (~ 6600 rpm for the Raket 120) and increasingly pull in while glancing at the variometer until top speed is achieved without descending. Flight autonomy with 4 Liters (aprox. 1 Gallon) of fuel depends on throttle settings, but it ranges between 60 and 90 minutes of continuous engine use. The term Variometer also refers to a type of tunable electrical transformer // Definition A variometer (also known as a rate-of-climb indicator, a vertical speed indicator (VSI), or a vertical velocity indicator (VVI)) is an instrument in an aircraft used to inform the pilot of the rate of descent... In an engine, the throttle is the mechanism by which the engines power is increased or decreased. ...


Control bar position

Adding the motor weight behind one's feet in a prone configuration unit, moves the combined center of gravity lower on the pilot's body. Because the pilot is now located farther forward in relation to the hang point, the control bar will appear to be further back by about 25 cm (10 inches). This apparent bar trim position change occurs without the addition of power. Note that the actual trim characteristics of the glider have not changed, only the pilot's position with respect to the control bar. Though this new bar position may be disconcerting to experienced hang glider pilots, it should be clear that the pilot must rely instead on feeling the bar pressure and remain aware of airspeed at all times. With more experience, the new powered pilot will learn the new bar positions and use them automatically when flying the powered harness. Replacing the base tube for a 'speed bar' is quite recommended.


Turns

Even very experienced hang glider pilots will need to learn some new tricks when it comes to turning under power. Most hang glider pilots were taught to 'lead with your feet' in making turns. This is effective for un-powered flight, but adding weight and thrust to our feet changes things. Note that full power turns will become increasingly unstable with increasing roll angle so once the glider gains enough altitude, most pilots reduce the throttle for easier control during turns, especially on the early training stage.

  • Power on - Ideally, keep the harness (and thrust line) parallel with the keel of the wing so that the thrust pushes forwards and not sideways; Some pilots simply yaw their body momentarily as that changes the thrust line and helps engage a turn. Most pilots use a combination of both weight-shift and thrust line to turn under power. Novice FLPHG pilots must not attempt powered turns at low altitude. Medium power and shallow bank turns at a safe height are recommended for the first few flights so that the new FLPHG pilot can get a feel for the effects of thrust on glider behavior. If the glider enters a powered 'lockout' simply reduce the power and stabilize the wing as usual. Shallow and medium bank turns must be well coordinated to prevent the engine from 'falling' toward the lower side and engaging the glider on a diving turn.
  • Power off - Turns in a prone unit hooked to a flex wing, require of a somewhat additional effort to weight-shift the center of gravity; Because of the engine mass, some experienced pilots new to powered harnesses find that only the front half of their body moves, that is: they cross-control without an effective shift of their center of gravity. Keeping the body parallel to the keel for turns or corrections is easier than weight-shifting one's feet. Shallow and medium bank turns must be well coordinated to prevent the engine from 'falling' toward the lower side and engaging the glider on a diving turn.
DoodleBug.
  • Limit Lines - The DoodleBug is a supine unit that uses limit lines at the rear to keep the engine & propeller relatively stationary; The port line is approx. 1 inch shorter than the starboard line, and are secured to the lower wing wire tangs so that sideways movement of the harness is restricted to 4 inches approximately on each side of dead centre. As the pilot moves to one side, this arrangement moves the thrust line so that it actually pushes in the turn direction. It is evident that this setup is beneficial in helping to create a more coordinated turn and also in stability while flying through turbulence. Some pilots flying prone configuration units like the freedom of being able to control the direction of thrust as it gives them another way to fine tune a turn. Prone configuration units do not require of limit lines but they are recommended during the early training stages. Limit lines may also offer help when moderate thermal turbulence is expected as they help prevent the engine from 'falling' toward the lower side of the turn or provoke oscillations. On the ground, the limit lines might also prevent propeller strikes to the trailing edge of the wing.

// In boats and ships, keel can mean either of two parts; a structural element, or a hydrodynamic element; these parts overlap. ... Image File history File links Doodlebug. ... Image File history File links Doodlebug. ...

Landing

Pilot semi-upright with one leg in the harness' boot for stability during final approach.

As usual, the pilot must plan the landing approach and execute it as planned in order to avoid sharp turns or sudden changes in aircraft attitudes. The FLPHG pilot must get ready at higher altitude than usual in order to set a landing configuration: turn off the engine (optional), lock the propeller, the harness' legs have to be un-clipped and the harness unzipped, and it is a little more work than a normal pod harness, definitely not something to be trying to do on final. The engine may be left on idle (if equipped with a centrifugal clutch) during final glide and if the pilot decides to abort the landing, then the propeller brake is released and the mouth throttle activated. Image File history File linksMetadata FLPHG_approach. ... Image File history File linksMetadata FLPHG_approach. ... Aircraft attitude is used to mean two closely related aspects of the situation of an aircraft in flight. ...


But the landings are surprisingly easy: keep the speed up as usual and keep one leg straight and snug in the harness' boot for as long as possible to prevent the motor from swinging sideways. Bleed off speed on ground effect and when you feel the harness' legs dragging, wait for the flare window appropriate for the glider and flare mildly. Your forward position and extra mass give you more flare authority than you are used to. The mass of the motor still wants to continue forward, so expect a feeling like a nudge from behind after you have landed, and be prepared to take a step or two. The term Ground effect (or Wing In Ground effect) refers to the increase in lift experienced by an aircraft as it approaches within roughly 1/4 of a wingspans length of the ground or other level surface (such as the sea). ... Look up Flare in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ...


Alternatively, running out the landing is possible as the rear skids generate enough drag against the ground to slow down the aircraft.


Soaring

Although it started out as simply gliding down small hills on low performance wings, hang gliding over the last 120 years has evolved to the ability to soar for hours with hawks and eagles, gain thousands of feet of altitude in thermal updrafts, and fly cross country over distances of hundreds of miles. If the pilot finds lift, he/she may wish to shut off the engine and soar. While soaring, the propeller is locked or folded to reduce drag. In-flight engine restarts can be a powerful didactic tool for learning or improving thermalling skills, as the pilot does not have to land every time he does an incorrect decision and loses the lift. This brings about significant increase in soaring airtime and opportunities needed to better understand lift, usable cloud life, sink, drift, ridge lift, timing transition glides, etc. Parasitic drag (also called parasite drag) is drag caused by moving a solid object through a fluid. ... What is a slope flying? 1. ...


While soaring a prone unit power off, the biggest difference will be the extra mass at one's feet when roll for a turn, which requires of additional effort at stabilizing the wing during mild or moderate turbulence. Unpowered glider pilots can stay airborne for hours. This is possible because they seek out rising air masses (lift) from the following sources: In fluid dynamics, turbulence or turbulent flow is a flow regime characterized by chaotic, stochastic property changes. ...


Thermals

The most commonly used source of lift is created by the sun's energy heating the ground which in turn heats the air above it. This warm air rises in columns known as thermals. Soaring pilots quickly become aware of visual indications of thermals such as: cumulus clouds, cloud streets, dust devils, soaring birds and haze domes. Having located a thermal, a glider pilot will circle within the area of rising air to gain height. In the case of a cloud street, thermals can line up with the wind creating rows of thermals and sinking air. A pilot can use a cloud street to fly long straightline distances by remaining in the row of rising air. This article is about the atmospheric phenomenon. ... This article is about the atmospheric phenomenon. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...


Ridge lift

Another form of lift occurs when the wind meets a mountain, cliff or hill. The air is deflected up the windward face of the mountain forming lift. Gliders can "surf" and climb in this rising air by flying along the feature. Another name for flying with ridge lift is slope soaring. Windward is the side of a boat into which the wind is blowing. ... What is a slope flying? 1. ...


Mountain wave

The third main type of lift used by glider pilots are the lee waves that occur near mountains. The obstruction to the airflow can generate standing waves with alternating areas of lift and sink. The top of each wave peak is often marked by lenticular cloud formations. Categories: Aeronautics | Meteorology | Stub ... A standing wave, also known as a stationary wave, is a wave that remains in a constant position. ... Lenticular clouds, technically known as altocumulus standing lenticularis, are stationary lens-shaped clouds that form at high altitudes, normally aligned at right-angles to the wind direction. ...


Convergence

Another form of lift results from the convergence of air masses, as with a sea-breeze front. In the absence of a more specific context, convergence denotes the approach toward a definite value, as time goes on; or to a definite point, a common view or opinion, or toward a fixed or equilibrium state. ... A: Sea breeze, B: Land breeze A sea-breeze (or seabreeze) is a wind from the sea that develops over land near coasts. ...


More exotic forms of lift are the polar vortexes which the Perlan Project hopes to use to soar to great altitudes. [51] A rare phenomenon known as Morning Glory has also been used by glider pilots in Australia.[52] The Perlan Project is a current research project to fly a sailplane to an altitude of 100,000 feet (30,480 meters). ... The spectacular Morning Glory cloud occurs in the Australian region called the Gulf of Carpentaria and off the Mexican coast in the Sea of Cortez The springtime phenomenon is a completely natural and quite spectacular, though relatively unknown. ...


Hang Glider Selection

An ideal glider would be an intermediate model that has a low stall speed, easy handling, good penetration and of the correct size. Consider that by adding about 40 lb to the hook-in weight, the free flying stall speed is increased by about 7% or 8% so a glider of appropriate size (hook in weight range) should be used. For first glider, the best choices are flexible gliders with single surface (novice) because of their low stall speed, ease of landing and gentle handling characteristics. Examples: Falcon II, Mark IV, Pulse, Eagle and Target, to name a few (2006). Stall speed is an aerodynamic term. ... Stall speed is an aerodynamic term. ... ‹ The template below (Expand) is being considered for deletion. ... Stall speed is an aerodynamic term. ...

  • Low stall speed - very important, especially for a beginner to FLPHG. Lower takeoff speeds are safer and less intimidating. Also good for higher altitudes.
  • Easy Handling/Roll Stable - roll stability is important, especially for a beginner. A spirally unstable glider (some high performance gliders have been tuned that way to help initiate turns into thermals) will be more of a challenge while climbing under power.
  • Good L/D (Lift/Drag ratio) - for maximum climb rate and best glide ratio. A fast rigid wing will climb better than a floater. Good L/D is useful to pilots who enjoy soaring cross-country power off.
  • Short to moderate root chord - for propeller clearance. All powered harnesses require the glider keel to be cut be cut off no further than 119 cm (47 inches) behind the hang point; The cut off section can be sleeved and refitted to help rig the wing.

Medium and high performance flexible hang gliders may also be used but only by well experienced pilots. Most "rigid wing" hang gliders such as the Exxtacy, Axxess and ATOS accept the powered harness readily. Some pilots believe the Exxtacy to be the ultimate hang glider for flying with a powered harness because of its docility, their high wing loading, penetration, ease of control with minimum weight-shift and the advantage of flaps, making the landings much easier. Stall speed is an aerodynamic term. ... Glide ratio is an aviation term that refers to the distance an aircraft will move forward for any given amount of lost altitude (the cotangent of the downward angle). ... Flaps are hinged surfaces on the trailing edge of an airplane wing which, when deployed, increase the lift (and drag) of a wing by changing the camber of the airfoil. ...


Instruments

In order to maximize a pilot's understanding of how the hang glider is flying, most pilots carry a series of small instruments, often interconnected. The most basic being an airspeed indicator, a variometer and altimeter. Many pilots also use two-way communication radios and some also carry a map and/or GPS unit. Some pilots also make use of a small tachometer to ensure the engine is developing full power prior to takeoff. Hang gliders do not have instrument panels as such, so all the instruments are mounted on the control frame of the glider, except for the radio and tachometer which are mounted on the harness. Tachometer showing engine RPM (revolutions per minute), and a redline from 6000 and 7000 RPM. A tachometer measures the speed of rotation of a shaft or disk (from Greek: tachos = speed, metron = measure), as in a motor or other machine. ...


Variometer

Vario-altimeter

People can sense the acceleration when they first hit a thermal, but they cannot detect the difference between constant rising air and constant sinking air, so they turn to technology for help. A variometer is a very sensitive vertical speed indicator; in other words, indicates climb or sink rate with audio signals (beeps) and/or a visual display. These units are generally electronic, vary in sophistication and often include, an altimeter and airspeed indicator. More advanced units often incorporate a barograph for recording flight data and/or a built in GPS. The main purpose of a variometer is in helping a pilot find and stay in the ‘core’ of a thermal to maximise height gain, and conversely indicating when he or she is in sinking air, and needs to find rising air. Variometers are sometimes capable of electronic calculations based on the 'MacCready Ring' to indicate the optimal speed to fly for given conditions. The MacCready theory solves the problem of how fast a pilot should cruise between thermals, given both the average lift the pilot expects in the next thermal climb, as well as the amount of lift or sink he encounters in cruise mode. Some electronic variometers make the calculations automatically, after allowing for factors such as the glider's theoretical performance (glide ratio), altitude, hook in weight and wind direction. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (566x916, 66 KB) Description: Simple Variometer for paragliders, hang gliders and balooneers taken by de:User:Flyout (12. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (566x916, 66 KB) Description: Simple Variometer for paragliders, hang gliders and balooneers taken by de:User:Flyout (12. ... Acceleration is the time rate of change of velocity, and at any point on a velocity-time graph, it is given by the slope of the tangent to that point basicly. ... The term Variometer also refers to a type of tunable electrical transformer // Definition A variometer (also known as a rate-of-climb indicator, a vertical speed indicator (VSI), or a vertical velocity indicator (VVI)) is an instrument in an aircraft used to inform the pilot of the rate of descent... Diagram showing the face of a three-pointer sensitive aircraft altimeter displaying altitude in feet. ... A barograph is a recording aneroid barometer. ...

2 meter band radio

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (300x1000, 37 KB) Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (300x1000, 37 KB) Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1. ...

Radio

Pilots use radio for training purposes and when traveling on cross-country flights. Radios used are PTT (push-to-talk) transceivers. Best range is achieved with FM VHF 2-meter band (144–148 MHz) radios. Usually a microphone and earphones are incorporated in the helmet and the PTT switch is strapped to a finger. Push-to-Talk (PTT), also known as Press-to-Transmit, is a method of conversing on half-duplex communication lines, including two-way radio, using a momentary button to switch from voice reception mode to transmit mode. ... A transceiver is a device that has both a transmitter and a receiver which are combined in to one. ... 2 Meters is a popular amateur radio band. ...


GPS

GPS (global positioning system) is a necessary navigation accessory when flying competitions, where it has to be demonstrated that way-points have been correctly passed. More common uses include being able to determine drift due to the prevailing wind, providing position information to allow restricted airspace to be avoided, and identifying one’s location for retrieval teams after landing-out in unfamiliar territory. It can also be interesting to view a GPS track of a flight when back on the ground, to analyze flying technique. Computer software is available which allows various different analyses of GPS tracks.[53] More recently, the use of GPS data, linked to a computer, has enabled pilots to share 3D tracks of their flights on Google Earth. This fascinating insight allows comparisons between competing pilots to be made in a detailed 'post-flight' analysis. Over fifty GPS satellites such as this NAVSTAR have been launched since 1978. ... A waypoint is a fixed location with a specified longitude and latitude and UTM coordinates, which is maintained by a global positioning system (GPS). ... Drift may refer to: Look up drift in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Airspace means the portion of the atmosphere controlled by a particular country on top of its territory and territorial waters or, more generally, any specific portion of the atmosphere. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Computer program. ... The NASA Columbia Supercomputer. ... 3D computer graphics are different from 2D computer graphics in that a three-dimensional representation of geometric data is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images. ... Google Earth is a virtual globe program that was originally called Earth Viewer and was created by Keyhole, Inc. ...


Pros & contras

Some compromises and advantages when comparing a FLPHG with unpowered hang gliding:


Pros

  • Glider launch autonomy. No crew required.
  • Multiple takeoff areas available. No long drives.
  • No need to invest a whole day in order to fly.
  • Easy to face the wind for takeoff, regardless of wind direction.
  • Ridge soaring new places without land access to the top.
  • In-flight restarts allow the pilot to soar cross-country downwind and then fly under power back to his departure point.
  • Restarts can also be a powerful didactic tool for learning or improving thermalling skills.
  • Significant increase in soaring airtime and opportunities needed to better understand thermals, usable cloud life, sink, drift, transition glides, ridge lift, landing approach, etc.
  • Ability to fly in non-thermal days.

Contras What is a slope flying? 1. ... What is a slope flying? 1. ...

  • By far, the largest disadvantage is the engine and propeller noise: about 90 dB at 1 m (3 ft) and about 58 dB at 760 m (2500 ft) AGL.
  • The added harness weight can increase injury in case of a severe nose in.
  • There is a slightly longer set-up time with a more complex preflight.
  • Requires some basic knowledge of two-stroke engine maintenance and repair.
  • Fuel and oil transport.
  • Slight drag increase when on glide.
  • Increased effort required to weight-shift a flexible wing.
  • Prone configuration units are more difficult to coordinate a sustained high bank turn.

For the Irish mythological figure, see Naoise. ... The decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit of measurement that expresses the magnitude of a physical quantity (usually power) relative to a specified or implied reference level. ... The decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit of measurement that expresses the magnitude of a physical quantity (usually power) relative to a specified or implied reference level. ... In aviation, Above Ground Level (AGL) denotes that an altitude is given above the ground. ... A spring scale measures the weight of an object In the physical sciences, weight is a measurement of the gravitational force acting on an object. ... Injury is damage or harm caused to the structure or function of the body caused by an outside agent or force, which may be physical or chemical. ... The two-stroke cycle of an internal combustion engine differs from the more common four-stroke cycle by completing the same four processes (intake, compression, power, exhaust) in only two strokes of the piston rather than four. ... Parasitic drag (also called parasite drag) is drag caused by moving a solid object through a fluid. ...

In Development

Powered harness' technology is quite young and continuously evolving and improving. But two interesting propulsion systems in development are light ducted fans and electric packs:


Ducted fan A ducted fan is an arrangement of a propeller-driven aircraft where the propeller is mounted inside the fuselage, within a duct. ...


Advantages:

  • A ducted fan offers greater propulsive efficiency and a smaller frontal area.
  • By reducing propeller blade tip losses and directing its thrust towards the back only, the ducted fan is more efficient in producing thrust than a conventional propeller advancing at low speed (80 knots).
  • Ducted fans are quieter than propellers: they shield the blade noise, and reduce the tip speed and intensity of the tip vortices both of which contribute to noise production.

Challenges: Wingtip vortices stream from an F-15E as it disengages from a KC-10 Extender following midair refueling. ...

  • Complex duct design.
  • Requires of high RPM and minimal vibration - Electric or Wankel engine needed.
  • A significant weight increase even if constructed from advanced composites.
  • Tradeoff between additional power and drag increase during glide (power off) and also, at an angle of incidence of 32o, parts of the duct would be stalled and producing drag.[54]

Electric motors - Wankel Engine in Deutsches Museum Munich, Germany The Wankel rotary engine is a type of internal combustion engine, invented by German engineer Felix Wankel, which uses a rotor instead of reciprocating pistons. ... Electric motors of various sizes. ...

  • Designers Csaba Lemak and Patrick MacKenzie constructed a powered paraglider powered by 112 Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries and a 17 hp custom wound three phase motor weighing 1.5 kg coupled to a 3.6 to 1 reduction dive.[55] Their electric powered paraglider flew for the first time on the 6 June, 2006 in Ontario, Canada. With flight autonomy of only 35 min, it has many advantages, such as ease of operation, minimum maintenance and power output is not altitude dependant.
  • Richard Kruger-Sprengel (Helix Propeller) and German designer Werner Eck, have produced at least two electric powered paraglider (EPPG) prototypes [56], their first machine flew in 2001 for 3.5 min and was the first EPPG; Their latest prototype was tested on February 2007 and it uses a motor described as: LEM 200 / Fa. Lemco, brushes – disc / 5.5 kg, direct current, 10 kW at 2.200 rpm, 50 Volt at 200 Ampere. Controller: Fa. Brusa, 48 V / 500 A / 1,7 kg. Battery: 14 accumulator Saft 35 Ah connected in series 14 x 3,6 V = 50,4 V. Lithium-Ion-Technology. Weight: 15 kg. Time to charge: 20 min to 2 hours.
  • ElectroPropulsion Ltd. and Electric Flight Systems Ltd. have teamed up with the British Defence Academy scientists to assist in research and development of electric powered flight optimised for the leisure aviation market

Advantages: A Powered Paraglider in flight. ... Lithium ion polymer batteries, or more commonly lithium polymer batteries (Abbreviated Li-Poly or LiPo) are rechargeable batteries which have technologically evolved from lithium ion batteries. ... Motto: Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Loyal she began, loyal she remains) Other Canadian provinces and territories Capital Toronto Largest city Toronto Lieutenant Governor James K. Bartleman Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) Area 1,076,395 km² (4th)  - Land 917,741 km²  - Water 158,654 km² (14. ...

  • Superb reliability.
  • Simple operation and maintenance.
  • Small size components.
  • No flamable fuel or oil required.
  • No exhaust gases.
  • Minimal cooling required, allowing for better aerodynamic profile.
  • Noise produced only by the propeller.

Challenges:

  • Battery weight.
  • Flight autonomy time.

Similar sports

Hang gliding is one of the windsports. ... Paragliding (known in France, Spain and Portugal as parapente) is a recreational and competitive flying sport. ... Launch of a Powered Paraglider. ... A powered parachute with its wing stowed. ... Gliders or Sailplanes are heavier-than-air aircraft primarily intended for unpowered flight. ... Ultralight Trikes, also known as Flexwing Trikes, are a form of propeller-powered aircraft that merges a rigid tube-and-fabric wing with a three-wheeled undercarriage. ... Huntair Pathfinder Mark 1 ultralight During the late 1970s and early 1980s, many people sought to be able to fly affordably. ...

External links

  • Wind-drifter Powered harnesses' technical details, articles, etc. by Mr. Richard Cobb, a hang gliding pioneer, former Advanced Instructor and a kind contributor to this article.
  • Foot Launched Powered Aircraft Links directory by category and location.
  • X1 manufacturer.
  • Mosquito - NRG manufacturer.
  • DoodleBug manufacturer.
  • Wasp manufacturer.
  • Raven manufacturer.
  • Zenon manufacturer.
  • Angelo d'Arrigo Conservationist, adventurer & pilot.
  • Gerry Breen - FLPHG & microlight pioneer.
  • FLPHG discussion list for questions & feedback.
  • Radne Raket 120 engine.
  • FLPHG modifications and tuning.

National organizations

References

  1. ^ White, L., Jr., Eilmer of Malmesbury, An Eleventh Century Aviator. Medieval Religion and Technology. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1978, Chapter 4.
  2. ^ This implies a minimum glide ratio of 1:7.5 if no rising thermals were used.
  3. ^ Jan Wnęk is reported to have constructed a glider in 1866 which he named "Loty" (Flyer) made from from ash wood and varnished linen. It appears that his aeronautical work is virtually unknown outside of Poland, and the reason is unclear. Odporyszow church records indicate that he performed several public flights from the church tower during religious festivals and New Years. The Odporyszow church tower is located next to a small valley and the distances reported are substantial, so he may have been aided by a prevailing thermal updraft. There does seem to be reason to believe that he performed at least a few true glides in his machine. Jan Wnęk died from injuries sustained in a failed flight made during the Pentecost Carnival held in May of 1869 at Odporyszow (some sources cite June of 1869, but Pentecost fell on May 16 in 1869). [1]
  4. ^ Percy Sinclair Pilcher (1866 - 1899) [2]
  5. ^ Article: How to Fly Without a Plane by Robert Zimmerman, aerospace writer. [3]
  6. ^ Diagrams of Rogallo's flexible wing.[4]
  7. ^ SPACEFLIGHT REVOLUTION [5]
  8. ^ In 1965 Jack Swigert, who would later be one of the Apollo 13 astronauts, softly landed a full-scale Gemini capsule using a Para Wing stiffened with inflatable tubes along the wing’s edges
  9. ^ NASA's Fleep was tested as a "flying jeep" for transporting supplies over enemy lines, this two-person aircraft used a small engine for power and Rogallo's wing for lift)[6]
  10. ^ The earliest photographic press release of a Rogallo flexible wing in record dates to August 14, 1961 by 'Aviation Week and Space Technology' magazine [7]
  11. ^ NASA's Parasev aircraft (Para Wing Research Vehicle). 01/25/1962. The Paresev was designed by Charles Richard, of the Flight Research Center Vehicle and System Dynamics Branch, with the rest of the team being: engineers, Richard Klein, Gary Layton, John Orahood, and Joe Wilson; from the Maintenance and Manufacturing Branch: Frank Fedor, LeRoy Barto; Victor Horton as Project Manager, with Gary Layton becoming Project Manager later on in the program. [8]. Milton O. Thompson. Parasev test pilot.[9][10][11]
  12. ^ Parafoil. NASA photo: [12]
  13. ^ Barrish made what can safely be called the first paraglider flight, launching himself under a Sail Wing off a slope at Bel Air, a ski resort in the Catskill Mountains in New York state. The Sail Wing and Parafoil were eventually fused and developed into a paraglider by many creative minds from several countries. NASA probably originated the term ‘paraglider’ in the early 1960’s, and ‘paragliding’ was first used in the early 1970’s to describe foot-launching of gliding parachutes.
  14. ^ Barry Palmer's web site. Dated photos.[13]. Video of his first flights in 1961 loaded in YouTube: [14]
  15. ^ Online discussion board by hang glider historians on hang glider invention.[15]
  16. ^ Interview with Gerard Farell on 1/23/2007 - 1/24/2007.
  17. ^ Tony Prentice. Split wing - The idea is that the wing can "morph" into a single surface for normal flight but can open up for slow speed take off and landing. This variable goemetry provides for a greater speed range and provide for short field capability. T. Prentice designs: [16]
  18. ^ Interview with Gerard Farell on Feb 5, 2007
  19. ^ Ski Wing [17]
  20. ^ This information was researched by Graeme Henderson and posted on this public forum: [18]. Content edited to Wikipedia standards.
  21. ^ On October/11/1963 Dickenson filed for a patent, and a provisional protection was awarded for his application number 36189/63
  22. ^ The Swallowtail hang glider was featured in the 1976 movie Sky Riders (filmed in Greece during 1975) starring James Coburn, Robert Culp, Susannah York, and Charles Aznavour. After filming of the action was complete, the Wills Wing team toured Europe and stopped by in England to win the British Championships at Mere, Wiltshire, in August 1975.
  23. ^ Hang gliding articles on Popular Mechanics and Popular Science magazines: [19]
  24. ^ British Microlight Aircraft Association, History of Microlighting [20]
  25. ^ In April of 1946 Mitchell completed construction of his 'Flying Wing' (not the 'Mitchell Wing' hang glider which was developed in 1975). The American FAA issued an Experimental Airworthiness number for it. The wing was flown as a glider by Mitchell, Bolwus and Paul Tuntland. Then Mitchell mounted a Nelson 2-cycle engine on it and flew it as a powered glider with wheels for landing gear.[21]
  26. ^ In the early 1940s Don Mitchell first became involved with flying wing glider design and construction. But WWII interrupted his research and experiments. Then in 1974, with the advent of hang glider mania, the Mitchell Wing resurfaced. It was at that time Dr. Howard Long took an interest in the half-forgotten project and asked Mitchell to make him a flying wing hang glider. The result was the foot-launched Mitchell Wing, controllable by a 'joystick'. The Mitchell Wing astounded the world of hang gliding. George Worthington, holder of eight world records in hang gliding and author of the book In Search of World Records, wrote in the book..."I predict that the Mitchell Wing will be the highest performance foot-launhced hang glider we'll see for a long time." He was right and it was from this preliminary design that Mitchell developed his later powered models: The B-10 and Mitchell U-2 Superwing.
  27. ^ Don Mitchell - U.S. Pacific [22], B-10 Photos: [23]
  28. ^ Interview with Gerard Farell on Jan. 23-24, 2007. "Foot launched powered Para-wing around 1963, 7 hp West Bend driving a 3 foot dia. glass over balsa propeller. Main structure is 6061-T6 aluminum tubing, 4 mil polyethylene. The craft was not particularly portable, the wind was always coming down the slight slope in Bloomfield, CT, and the project was terminated as I was re-engineering it with a bigger engine and as I got a job offer to move to Miami and design, build and fly the wheeled wings (trikes)."
  29. ^ Recorded by the FAA as: Palmer Parawing D-6, serial 1A, N7144, was registered on 4/24/1967. No limitations were noted.
  30. ^ SEVTEC hovercrafts [24]
  31. ^ The Southeastern Wisconsin Aviation Museum[25]
  32. ^ Article in PDF format: Powered hang glider, you can launch it any where [26]
  33. ^ Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. Icarus hang glider development.[27]
  34. ^ Power Up Company, United States Patent # 4546938 [28]
  35. ^ Powered backpack Motolotnia 80 White Eagle photo of advert in Flight Line magazine, march-June 1982 [29]
  36. ^ Radne Raket 120, 118 cc, 15 hp, 10.2 kg + exhaust and reduction drive[30]
  37. ^ FLPHG manufacturers: [31]
  38. ^ Wasp designers: Ed Cleasby and Chris Taylor - Wasp Flight Systems and Sperwill.
  39. ^ DoodleBug designer: Ben Ashman - Flylight Airsports Ltd.
  40. ^ Raven designer: Randy Haney - Powerplanes
  41. ^ X1 designers: Kenneth M. O'Sage II and Dave Little - Hidden Mountain Flight.
  42. ^ Zenon designer: Sotos Christoforou - Sky Gear.
  43. ^ Explorer designer: Bob Bauer - Airtime Products. Created in 1997; Discontinued in 2004 and released again in 2007 as the 'Explorer LD'.
  44. ^ FAI microlight world records, RWF1 (Weight-shift control, foot-launched and flown solo) [32]
  45. ^ Interview with Gerard Farell on November 2006.
  46. ^ This powered hang glider, registered G-BGNL, is now held by the British Hang Gliding Museum.
  47. ^ Despite this achievement, Breen and Hunt recognized the deficiencies of the keel mounted engine and when Breen saw a picture of Roland Magallon's trike in the French hang gliding magazine Vol Libre, he mentioned that the days of the Soarmaster 'were numbered.'
  48. ^ Siberian Crane Flyway coordination. [33]
  49. ^ 18 hp Harnesses such as the 'X1' or 'Wasp Venom' equipped with the Vittorazi EVO 100 cc for about 130 lb thrust at 7000 ft MSL
  50. ^ British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association Ltd. - FOOT LAUNCHED POWERED AIRCRAFT (FLPA) TRAINING SYLLABUS - POWERED HANG GLIDING
  51. ^ Pelan project [34]
  52. ^ A Guide to the Morning Glory at www.dropbears.com
  53. ^ e.g: CompeGPS.
  54. ^ Jon Longbottom - Mechanical aeronautics, thesis in PDF format: [35]
  55. ^ Electric Paramotor home page. [36]
  56. ^ Werner Eck, designer of an Electric PGG [37]


 

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peacemaker
29th June 2009
Geting started to make a glinder: Drawing and measurement

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