RAeS Design Conference

SkywalkingFoot launched & very light flight

Ian Currer: Technical Officer

British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association

Who are we? and where did we come from?

Otto Lilienthal: 1848- 1896

The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association

MB

Who are the BHPA?7,500+ flyers who have formed one association to protect and promote safe and self-regulated flying.

Paragliding pilotsHang gliding pilotsParascendersMicrolight pilotsHuman powered pilots

We estimate a further 1,000 pilots are also flying in the UK

IC

Paragliders: Weigh around 10-20kg, back packable. Can be

powered, foot, or tow launched. Sink Rate 1.0m/sec Glide of 9:1

Hang gliders: Weigh around 30kgs, car transportable,

foot launched. Can be powered, towed or Aerotowed. Trim of 30mph, Top speed 60mph. Sink rate 0.8m/sec Glide of 15:1. Flexwing and rigid versions.

Speed wings, & Single skins: Weigh less than 4kgs,

Speed wings are small and fast but poor sink rate, single skins are slow and very light (1.5kg)

Paramotors & sub-70Kg self-propelled hang gliders

Paragliding cross-country

flights registered with the

BHPA league 2017

Video of instability training.

What are the design goals and challenges facing manufacturers of these aircraft?

1/ Economically viable

2/ Safe

3/ Performance

4/ Light weight

Economically viable.

Available and affordable components and materials

Easy to build and replicate accurately

What the market wants

Price point the market will be prepared to pay

Safe

EN standards

Strength

Stability

Flight testing

Safety

Improved emergency systems.

Improved training

Understanding the behaviour of inflated wings. Including the recovery characteristics in instability situations

Design for performance

Offset entry slots

Sharknose

PerformanceImproving lift: Accurately controlling the airfoil, Slots, Diffuser tips, “Shark nose” Battens.

Reducing drag: Spars, Lines or cables, Skin friction, Pilot, Wheels

Powerplants: Efficient motors/ Batteries/ Propellers

Weight reductionSize

Eradicating components

New materials

End.

Are there any questions?