Engineering:Aerochute International Dual

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Short description: Australian powered patrachute

Dual
General information
TypePowered parachute
National originAustralia
ManufacturerAerochute International
History
Introduction date1992[1]

The Aerochute International Dual, (formerly called the Two Seater) is an Australian powered parachute designed and produced by Aerochute International of Coburg North, Victoria. The aircraft is supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[2][3]

Design and development

The Dual was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight category, including the category's maximum gross weight of 450 kg (992 lb). The aircraft has a maximum gross weight of 300 kg (661 lb). It features a 34 m2 (370 sq ft) Ram Air brand parachute-style wing made from rip-stop nylon, two-seats-in-side-by-side configuration, tricycle landing gear and a single 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine mounted in pusher configuration.[2]

The aircraft carriage is built from metal tubing. The flight controls are a foot pedal throttle, with handles for the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. The main landing gear incorporates spring rod suspension.[2][3]

The aircraft has an empty weight of 100 kg (220 lb) and a gross weight of 300 kg (661 lb), giving a useful load of 200 kg (441 lb). With full fuel of 29 litres (6.4 imp gal; 7.7 US gal) the payload for crew and baggage is 180 kg (397 lb).[2]

Specifications (Dual)

Data from Bertrand and Manufacturer[2][3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Wingspan: 11 m (35 ft)
  • Wing area: 34 m2 (370 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 100 kg (220 lb)
  • Gross weight: 300 kg (661 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 29 litres (6.4 imp gal; 7.7 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 twin cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 37 kW (50 hp)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed composite

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 70 km/h (43 mph, 38 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 60 km/h (37 mph, 32 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 72 km/h (45 mph, 39 kn)
  • Endurance: 2 hours
  • Maximum glide ratio: 4.5:1
  • Rate of climb: 5 m/s (980 ft/min)
  • Rate of sink: 2.99 m/s (588 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 8.8 kg/m2 (1.8 lb/sq ft)

References

  1. Aerochute International Pty. Ltd.. "Aerochute History". aerochute.com.au. http://aerochute.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=79. Retrieved 26 May 2015. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 79. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Aerochute International Pty. Ltd.. "The Aerochute Specs". aerochute.com.au. http://aerochute.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64&Itemid=94. Retrieved 26 May 2015.