Paraborne Backplane

The Paraborne Backplane is an American paramotor that was designed by Scott Alan and produced by Paraborne Aviation of Kissimmee, Florida for powered paragliding.[1][2]

Backplane
Role Paramotor
National origin United States
Manufacturer Paraborne Aviation
Designer Scott Alan
Introduction circa 1999
Status Production completed
Produced circa 1999-2004
Developed from Daiichi Kosho Whisper

Design and development

As production of the Daiichi Kosho Whisper, for which Paraborne acted as US distributor, came to a close, the company developed its own derivative design, replacing the Daiichi Kosho DK 472 engine with a Hirth powerplant of similar output.[1][2]

The Backplane was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules. It features a paraglider-style high wing, single-place accommodation and a single 22 hp (16 kW) Hirth F-33 engine in pusher configuration. Original factory canopy options included the Ranger or the Seal designs. As is the case with all paramotors, takeoff and landing is accomplished on foot.[1]

The aircraft was not a commercial success, production was halted and the company went out of business in about 2004.[2]

Specifications (Backplane)

Data from Cliche[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wing area: 340 sq ft (32 m2)
  • Empty weight: 42 lb (19 kg)
  • Gross weight: 260 lb (118 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 3 U.S. gallons (11 L; 2.5 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Hirth F-33 single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 22 hp (16 kW)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed ground adjustable, carbon fiber

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 25 mph (40 km/h, 22 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 400 ft/min (2.0 m/s)

References
  1. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-23. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
  2. Goin, Jeff (n.d.). "Powered Paragliders From the Past". Foot Flyer. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
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