You've probably seen an rc plane plenty of times, but what about an rc paraglider? A model rc paraglider is usually powered.
From a distance, all motorized radio-controlled paragliders are basically the same thing. A canopy, with radio gear and motor suspended below it. Doing aerial ballet, all slow and graceful. Well, graceful if the pilot has a smooth touch on the controls, just like the real thing. Free flight model paragliders are also flown, mainly on slopes.
You can see that my definition of 'rc paraglider' is pretty broad. It includes free flight RC model paragliders, RC skydivers, powered RC paragliders and powered RC parachutes.
The Buzz
Now, these devices are guaranteed crowd pleasers from what I've heard. Someone at a trade show also observed that women in particular seemed to like the slow-moving and graceful spectacle of these miniature flying machines!
To sum it up, the buzz around various kinds of flying forums on the Web backs up the claim that flying an RC paraglider is fun, downright easy and safe.
How Do They Fly?
Very similar to the full size in most cases, with 2 primary controls. That is, steering left/right, and power, from idle to full.
In the simplest models,
steering is done purely by weight-shift. That is, by pulling down on the lines on one side or the other, the pilot or gondola weight is shifted to the left or right. The canopy pretty much keeps the same shape while this is happening.
Performing
climbs and descents is very very simple! The wings fly at almost constant airspeed, so increasing power enough makes the model climb, while decreasing power enough causes a descent. Somewhere in between, there lies a power setting which will maintain constant height.
On more expensive models, the trailing edges of the canopy can be pulled down, one side at a time. This is rigged similarly to the brakes on a full-size paraglider.
Toys
As with most model aircraft, the bottom end of the price range will just get you a plastic toy! There's one in particular that seems to be everywhere, and that's the Sky Surfer RC paraglider. The gondola and wing are plastic, the motor is electric and it needs fairly calm conditions.
The prices for these models are in the 10s of US dollars, particularly the second hand ones on eBay!
Serious Hobbyists
Since the year 2000 or so, a few hobbyists have been keen enough to construct and fly their own RC paraglider. Most just use power kites rigged with a container for the radio gear. Plus a motor in some cases.
There's at least one hobbyist whose designs fly well enough for him to sell them over the Web. He has been doing it for many years, and has the satisfaction of knowing that many units hand made by himself are flying at various locations all around the world.
For those that are for sale, these model aircraft are worth several hundred US dollars.
Commercial Manufacturers
As of 2007, there are now a number of companies producing very well designed and manufactured RC paragliders. They use the latest kiting materials, such as rip-stop nylon for canopies and Kevlar for the lines.
There is also a tendency to offer aerial-photography as part of the package. With these, high-quality photographic and/or video gear is included in the retail price. Not surprisingly, these units currently sell for between 500 and 1500 or so US dollars.
Who Flies These Things?
Compared to most model aircraft, the RC paraglider seems to appeal to a very wide range of people. Some groups that I found had a significant interest in these models include paraglider pilots, r/c pilots, aerial photographers and kite fliers.
I might add that plenty of non-fliers, particularly women, might end up getting interested too. An RC paraglider is quite a contrast to your usual macho high-speed RC aircraft!
The webmaster of
Paragliding Tales and Reviews is Tim Parish, a motorless flight enthusiast. This site will introduce you to many aspects of paragliding, with a sprinkling of humor. Tim has had the pleasure of soaring in sailplanes, hang-gliders and paragliders in the past. His enthusiasm for these activities is evident in his writing, which he hopes will inspire.
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