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Miniplane Paramotor

Using the Top 80 Motor from Italy

Miniplane ParamotorsThe 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

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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

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