Apco Simba

The Apco Simba (English: Lion) is an Israeli single-place, paraglider that was designed and produced by Apco Aviation of Caesarea. It is now out of production.[1]

Simba
Role Paraglider
National origin Israel
Manufacturer Apco Aviation
Status Production completed
Produced mid-2000s

Design and development

The Simba was designed as a competition glider for the Serial Class and the Open Class, replacing the Apco Bagheera in that role.[1][2]

The Simba is made from 46gr/m2 "Zero Porosity" ripstop nylon. The Simba was produced in regular and competition models, with competition version differing only in the type of line used. The competition model employs unsheathed Aramid lines of identical lengths and layout to the sheathed lines of the regular model.[2]

The design progressed through two generations of models, the Simba and the Simba II. The Simba II was introduced in 2002 as an update of the original Simba design. It incorporates an improved speed system, along with a new tip A-line layout. This gives better glide and stability at top speed, as well as an increase in the top speed. The improved tip line layout gives easier "Big Ear" deployment.[1][2]

The models are each named for their relative size.[1][2]

Variants
Simba XS Competition
Extra small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.90 m (39.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 24.90 m2 (268.0 sq ft), 106 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.70:1. The pilot weight range is 60 to 75 kg (132 to 165 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Performance certified.[1]
Simba S
Small-sized model for light-weight pilots. Its 12.20 m (40.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25.8 m2 (278 sq ft), 109 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.80:1. The pilot weight range is 73 to 90 kg (161 to 198 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Performance certified.[1]
Simba II XS
Extra small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.90 m (39.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 24.90 m2 (268.0 sq ft), 103 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.7:1. The glider empty weight is 6.8 kg (15 lb) and pilot weight range is 60 to 75 kg (132 to 165 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Performance certified.[2]
Simba II S
Small-sized model for light-weight pilots. Its 12.20 m (40.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25.80 m2 (277.7 sq ft), 106 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.80:1. The glider empty weight is 7.0 kg (15 lb) and pilot weight range is 73 to 90 kg (161 to 198 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Performance and DHV 2 certified.[2]
Simba II M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.90 m (42.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.60 m2 (297.1 sq ft), 112 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.00:1. The glider empty weight is 7.4 kg (16 lb) and pilot weight range is 85 to 105 kg (187 to 231 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Performance and DHV 2 certified.[2]
Simba II L
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 13.50 m (44.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.40 m2 (316.5 sq ft), 124 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.30:1. The glider empty weight is 7.6 kg (17 lb) and pilot weight range is 100 to 120 kg (220 to 265 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Performance and DHV 2 certified.[2]

Specifications (Simba XS Competition)

Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 11.90 m (39 ft 1 in)
  • Wing area: 24.90 m2 (268.0 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 5.70:1

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 59 km/h (37 mph, 32 kn)
  • Rate of sink: 0.9 m/s (180 ft/min)

References
  1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 12. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Apco Aviation. "Apco Simba II". Archived from the original on 26 July 2008. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
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