Avian Rio

The Avian Rio is a British high-wing, single-place, recreational hang glider, designed by Steve Elkins and Neil Hammerton and produced by Avian Limited of Hope Valley, Derbyshire.[1][2]

Rio
Role Hang glider
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Avian Limited
Designer Steve Elkins and Neil Hammerton
Status In production

Design and development

The Rio was designed as a sports glider for recreational local and cross-country flying, while still being light in weight and easy to fly.[1][2]

The Rio 15 model the sole version produced and is made from aluminum tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 9.4 m (30.8 ft) span wing has a nose angle of 120° and an aspect ratio of 6:1. The acceptable pilot hook-in weight is 61 to 95 kg (134 to 209 lb). The model number indicates the wing area in square metres.[1]

The glider can be broken down to a 27.3 kg (60 lb) package, 3.8 m (12.5 ft) in length for ground transportation on a car top.[2]

Specifications (Rio 15)

Data from Avian[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 9.4 m (30 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 15 m2 (160 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 6:1
  • Empty weight: 25.5 kg (56 lb) rigged ready for flight
  • Gross weight: 135.5 kg (299 lb)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 24 km/h (15 mph, 13 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 80 km/h (50 mph, 43 kn) in turbulent air
  • Rate of sink: 1.0 m/s (200 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 9.0 kg/m2 (1.8 lb/sq ft)

References
  1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 42. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Avian Limited (n.d.). "Rio 15". Archived from the original on 6 January 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
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