Heldeberg Convertible
{{Short description|American powered parachute}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2022}}
| {{Infobox aircraft begin
| name=Convertible | image= | caption= }}{{Infobox aircraft type | type=Powered parachute | national origin=United States | manufacturer=Heldeberg Designs | designer= | first flight= | introduced= | retired= | status=Production completed | primary user= | more users= | produced= | number built= | developed from= | variants with their own articles= }} |
The Heldeberg Convertible, also called the Blue Heron Convertible, is an American powered parachute, that was designed and produced by Heldeberg Designs of Altamont, New York.Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-8. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. {{ISBN|0-9680628-1-4}}
Design and development
The Convertible was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules for single seaters, including the category's maximum empty weight of {{convert|254|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. The aircraft has a standard empty weight of {{convert|245|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. It took its name from the design feature whereby it can be fitted with a second seat for instruction or passenger carrying.
The model features a parachute-style high-wing, single seat, or optionally two-seats-in-tandem, accommodation, tricycle landing gear and a single {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Rotax 503 engine in pusher configuration.
The aircraft is built from a combination of bolted aluminium and stainless steel tubing. It features a double ring propeller guard that has been roll-over tested. The {{convert|5|u.s.gal}} fuel tank is made from aluminium. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals, or optionally a control stick, that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates gas strut suspension. The aircraft is factory supplied in the form of an assembly kit that requires 30–50 hours to complete.
Originally marketed by the factory under their own name, the aircraft was later marketed under the brand name Blue Heron, although the manufacturer remained the same.
Specifications (Blue Heron Convertible)
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References
{{reflist}}
{{Heldeberg Designs aircraft}}
Category:1990s United States ultralight aircraft