Independence Raptor
| Raptor | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Paraglider |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Independence Paragliding |
| Designer | Michaël Nesler |
| Status | Production completed |
| History | |
| Manufactured | early 2000s |
The Independence Raptor is a German single-place, paraglider that was designed by Michaël Nesler and produced by Independence Paragliding of Eisenberg, Thuringia. It is now out of production.[1]
The aircraft is not related to the Skif Raptor.[1]
Design and development
[edit]The Raptor was designed as a competition glider, with an unusually low price as a method of assisting completion pilots. The models are each named for their relative size.[1]
Company test pilot Christian Amon was also involved in the development as well as flight testing of the Raptor.[1]
Variants
[edit]- Raptor S
- Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 12.7 m (41.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25.0 m2 (269 sq ft), 75 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.34:1. The pilot weight range is 70 to 95 kg (154 to 209 lb).[1]
- Raptor M
- Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 13.49 m (44.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28.3 m2 (305 sq ft), 75 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.34:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 105 kg (176 to 231 lb).[1]
- Raptor L
- Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 13.8 m (45.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.0 m2 (323 sq ft), 75 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.34:1. The pilot weight range is 100 to 125 kg (220 to 276 lb).[1]
Specifications (Raptor L)
[edit]Data from Bertrand[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 13.8 m (45 ft 3 in)
- Wing area: 30.0 m2 (323 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 6.34:1