The new generation of light-paramotors is born!
MINIPLANE CONSTRUCTION PHILOSOPHY
The increase in performance of modern paragliders makes it possible to fly with almost one-half the power of a few years ago.
A little two-stroke engine, built with modern technology, can offer more then enough reliable power and much less weight. This makes the critical take-off run easier and safer.
The philosophy of a reliable Minimotor, combined with optimizing the resonance of the exhaust provides the pilot:
- Light weight
- Less vibration
- Easier to start
- Less fuel; less to carry
- Less weight means a lighter frame
- Less weight in flight means a smaller, easier to inflate Paraglider
- Less weight means running faster, more erect, and under control - not struggling with a heavy load
Following Miniplane's philosophy of SAFETY and RELIABILITY, these engines come complete with:
CENTRIFUGAL FRICTION CLUTCH
- At Idle, the propeller does not turn (= no push).
- Easier starting the motor.
- Easier to inflate the Paraglider without the back blast.
- A normal pilot can start the motor, inflate the sail, and take-off alone.
- Less torque on the pilot when accelerating or decelerating.
- No risk of tearing apart your glider if you blow your launch and the paraglider falls over your head.
- Easier to reverse inflate the glider, since a turning propeller has a gyroscopic effect which affects your equilibrium when turning into the wind.
- No vibration waiting for take-off or during thermalling.
LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME
- Made of aluminum alloy and glass fiber, the best balance between weight and strength.
- Easy to completely disassemble the cage for convenient transportation.
PROTECTIVE CAGE
- Since the propeller does not turn at idle, a simpler and lighter cage can be used.
- Our aluminium and fiberglass cage is strong but flexible, so you
can forget about cage replacement after a small mistake.
LARGE DIAMETER PROPELLER
- This means more efficiency; optimized for ease of running and transport.
- Less noise because the propeller turns slower.
- Two blades means you can put it in a sack and transport it with the glider.
HARNESS
- Miniplane's New system PSF, (no high or low connections) stabilizes the Paraglider, suppresses the gyroscopic effect of the motor and lets you fly "Actively."
- Since 1996 when they invented this system, 80% of the manufacturers use a similar solution.
- Unique front extensions for attaching the Paraglider.
- Provides greater safety in mishaps and a stable position during take-off, flight and landing.
- Tested by experienced pilots and schools.
- Simple to put on and adjust.
- Comfortable, relaxed flight.
REDUCTION
- Miniplane introduces a geared reduction system.
- Minimizes size and weight.
- The motor and the propeller turn in different directions reducing almost to Zero the torque during acceleration and deceleration.
- Extra long life.
STARTING THE MOTOR
- Self rewinding pull starter; Minimotor takes less power to pull start on the ground or in flight.
- Starts from the front and not the side. Hand moves away from the propeller and the other hand and your body holds the motor from moving.
- Starting a paramotor from the side has caused many accidents. When a motor does not start quickly, a common reaction is to give it more gas. When it does start, it shoots forward since you cannot stop it from the side.
- NOTE: since the end of 1998 Miniplane stopped the devlopment of electric starter because the TOP 80 is VERY easy to start with manual starter.
GAS TANK
- Transparent and easy to fill.
- Easy to remove and seal; no fumes in the car during transport.
ENGINE COOLING
- Tough to cool an engine behind your back; two-stroke engines need to be reliably cooled.
- TOP 80 Minimotor is AIR COOLED with a fan.
- More power, less noise, reliable, constant power, less oil in mixture.
THROTTLE CONTROL
- Light and simple, fits in your hand comfortably. Weight only 114 grams ! Easy to set for your size also with winter gloves.
- Is not possible to push the throttle control accidentally and suddenly accelerate the motor. This is a significant safety factor.
CARBURETOR
- Diaphragm-type; allows the engine to work in any position; gas is not spilled, either during flight or transport. Easy to adjust.
More about the Miniplane Paramotor at www.Miniplane-USA.com
|
115 |
125 |
propeller |
cm |
2 blades
115 |
2 blades
125 |
empty weight |
Kg |
18,5
harness included |
engine |
|
|
carburetor |
|
Diaphragm
Walbro, or basin Dell'Orto |
dimensions |
cm
cm |
125 x 125
x 75 |
135 x 135
x 75 |
reducible
to h 75 x 40 x 40 |
reducible
to h 80 x 40 x 40 |
static thrust |
Kg |
47 |
52 |
noise level |
dB |
|
climb
rate ** |
m/s |
2,2 |
2,5 |
consumption in level flight ** |
l / h |
2 |
<
2 |
max. pilot weight |
Kg |
90 |
110 |
frame |
|
aluminum
ergal and fiberglass |
fuel
capacity |
l |
11,5 |
11,5 |
Range |
|
3
Hours |
more than 4
hours |
** with 75 kg pilot and performance
glider |
Video of Miniplane Assembly
Miniplane with Weight Shift
by Chad Bastian (photos are of Stan, not Chad)
I got to try the Low Hangpoint Miniplane this weekend. All I can say is WOW!! What a nicely balanced machine. Jeff only had a 46" 23 pitch prop on it, not the carbon fiber prop, so I imagine the thrust could have been even better.
I was blown away with the weight (even though it is a bit heavier than the regular one) and the balance - especially when under full power. Usually, the motor tilts you way forward when you give it gas, but this motor just pushes you forward beautifully!
I especially like the LACK of straps around my head! With the low hook-in, there is lots more room for me to look around without banging my helmet into the biners and shoulder support straps, really a nice surprise!
The motor sits way up high on my back, so there is no chance of banging the lower cage and frame on my legs. The throttle was a complete joy to operate, it seems they really thought about the design of this for the hands.
PICTURES |
More about the Miniplane Paramotor at www.Miniplane-USA.com
|