Paraplane PSE-2 Osprey

The PSE-2 Osprey was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 235 lb (107 kg). It features a Hi-Pro 370 sq ft (34 m²) parachute-style wing, single-place accommodation, tricycle landing gear and a single 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine.[1]

The aircraft carriage is built from aluminium tubing. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has foot pedal-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates spring rod suspension.[1]

The standard day, sea level, no wind, take off with a 50 hp (37 kW) engine is 200 ft (61 m) and the landing roll is 75 ft (23 m).[1]

The manufacturer estimates the construction time from the supplied assembly kit as five hours.[1]

PSE-1

Designed by Dan Thompson and only sold to the military.[2]

PSE-SF

Special Forces version of the PSE-2, with 12 delivered for use in Operation Desert Storm.[2]

PPSE-WD

Highly modified version of the PSE-2, made exclusively for Disney World use.[2]

PSE-2

Version for commercial sale, designed by Scott Kelly.[2]

Data from Purdy[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Length: 6.58 ft (2.01 m)
• Wingspan: 31 ft 6 in (9.60 m)
• Wing area: 370 sq ft (34 m²)
• Aspect ratio: 2.7:1
• Empty weight: 275 lb (125 kg)
• Gross weight: 540 lb (245 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
• Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 twin cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 50 hp (37 kW)
• Propellers: 2-bladed fixed pitch

Performance

• Maximum speed: 28 mph (45 km/h, 24 kn)
• Cruise speed: 28 mph (45 km/h, 24 kn)
• Range: 42 mi (68 km, 36 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
• Rate of climb: 750 ft/min (3.8 m/s)
• Wing loading: 1.5 lb/sq ft (7.3 kg/m²)