Paraborne Backplane
| Backplane | |
|---|---|
| Role | Paramotor |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Paraborne Aviation |
| Designer | Scott Alan |
| Introduction | circa 1999 |
| Status | Production completed |
| Produced | circa 1999-2004 |
| Unit cost |
US$5,000 (less canopy, 2001) |
| Developed from | Daiichi Kosho Whisper |
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]
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 (22 kn; 40 km/h)
- Rate of climb: 400 ft/min (2.0 m/s)