The Aerochute PPC from down under!
It is always interesting to interview designers and manufacturers from
other countries who have designed and built something for their market and
then come over to the U.S. in an effort to increase sales. It is
interesting because in many cases something that from a distance looks
very similar, is in fact totally different. Case in point, while at Sun N
Fun I came across a PPC called the Aerochute. From a distance it looked a
lot like the units designed built and offered for sale by U.S.
manufacturers. But up close it was totally different! How do you make a
powered parachute different? Well first the Aerochute unlike most PPC's is
side by side seating. Secondly it uses a set of hand controls connect to
the parachute risers very similar to what a conventional parachute uses.
Thirdly while most PPC's in a two place configuration would require the
582 Rotax engine the Aerochute uses the Rotax 503 which is run inverted on
the airframe. Another noticeable difference is that the Aerochute
has a very low profile, with a low center of gravity, which is the reason
the engine is run inverted. Add to this a
"hard point chute attachment" which according to the factory
"makes the unit a lot more stable in winder conditions than the
typical machine." The control system is also a different than most
machines. Power is applied via a foot linkage, with both the pilot and
student having a foot control, versus the hand control
found on U.S. manufactured units. The chute used on the
Aerochute is one that has been under development for just over 6 years. In
1992 the chute started out at 350 square feet, the new chute of 370 sq.
ft. is more stable and gives a faster cruise speed. The chute is also
installed with anti-stall rings. The Aerochute will come into the
U.S. in kit form and be assembled by the U.S. distributor. For
more information contact
Easy Flight, Inc.
PO Box 38
Greenville, IL
62246 |
