We’ve seen two electrically-powered paragliders announced in the last few months; a single pilot British homebuilt by Tony Canderton and a tandem unit from Electravia. A pair of European hang-gliders are also using small electric motors to launch their minimalist frames skyward. Michael Kellermann, well known for his conversion of Briggs & Stratton engines into ultralight powerplants, has designed the Schwarze Elektro Minimum, a hang glider mounting two model aircraft electric motors (looking a lot like Turnigies) for launching from smooth surfaces and elevating its 180 kilogram (396 pound) mass up to 500 meters (1,600 feet). The prototype “will still merit improvement,” with plans for a folding propeller and fairing to smooth airflow around the power system. The Minimum sports two 31 Amp-hour, 26 Volts battery packs which add a mere 14 kilograms to gross weight and allow the two motors to produce 10 kilowatts (13.4 horsepower). La Mouette, a French firm which crafted the hydrogen fuel-cell-powered “trike” that flew …
British Twin-Motor Electric Paramotor
Jack Faust, a hang-glider pioneer, recently informed your editor of this British back-pack flying pioneer. Tony Canderton of Electric Paramotor UK has created a twin-motored parachute that uses stock aluminum extrusions and model aircraft components to take him flying. As noted on his web site, “Most of the parts used are pretty easy to come by, taken from giant scale RC and the frame is aluminum. No welding was used – just nylon lock nuts and bolts. The whole unit weighs in at just over 19 kilos (41.8 pounds) with batteries and harness and puts out 27 kilos (59.4 pounds) of static thrust.” Motors are EMP model XYH80-100-As, each capable of producing a peak 6,500 Watts (8.7 horsepower) from a 1.75 kilogram (3.85 pounds) unit. These have a 12 millimeter (1/2-inch) shaft, a bit more substantial than some model motors and aiding their purpose in turning direct drive propellers. EMPs seem to be available in England only, but cost a …