Heldeberg Spirit 103
{{Short description|American powered parachute}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2022}}
| {{Infobox aircraft begin
| name=Spirit 103 | image= | caption= }}{{Infobox aircraft type | type=Powered parachute | national origin=United States | manufacturer=Heldeberg Designs | designer= | first flight= | introduced= | retired= | status=In production | primary user= | more users= | produced= | number built= | developed from= | variants with their own articles= }} |
The Heldeberg Spirit 103, also called the Blue Heron Spirit 103, is an American powered parachute, 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
As its name implies, the Spirit 103 was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of {{convert|254|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. The aircraft has a standard empty weight of {{convert|205|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. It features a parachute-style high-wing, single-place accommodation, tricycle landing gear and originally a single {{convert|45|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} 2si 460 engine in pusher configuration. The {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Rotax 447 and {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Rotax 503 engines are used on current models.{{cite web|url = http://www.blueheronppc.com/spirit103.htm|title = Blue Heron Spirit 103|accessdate = 14 March 2012|last = Heldeberg Designs|date = n.d.|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110109055601/http://www.blueheronppc.com/spirit103.htm|archive-date = 9 January 2011|url-status = dead}}
Early models used a large sized {{convert|500|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} parachute, whereas current models use a smaller and faster {{convert|400|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} wing.
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 is now marketed under the brand name Blue Heron, although the manufacturer remains the same.
Specifications (Blue Heron Spirit 103)
{{Aircraft specs
|prime units?=imp
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|crew=one
|capacity=
|length m=
|length ft=8
|length in=6
|length note=
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|span ft=39
|span in=6
|span note=
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|height ft=6
|height in=0
|height note=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=400
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=
|empty weight lb=235
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=580
|gross weight note=
|fuel capacity={{convert|5|u.s.gal}}
|more general=
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=Rotax 503
|eng1 type=twin cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine
|eng1 kw=
|eng1 hp=50
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|cruise speed mph=32
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|ceiling m=
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|climb rate ftmin=700
|climb rate note=
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|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=1.45
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References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.blueheronppc.com/spirit103.htm}}
{{Heldeberg Designs aircraft}}
Category:1990s United States ultralight aircraft