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Rapid Launch - The powered parachute
segment of aviation is one of the fastest growing and most innovative. Reasons
for this are pilots are able to solo in as little as a day, no hangar is
required, and they are easy move from home to field. But they do have
their limitations - limitations, like flying on floats.
Now according to a company called Rapid
Launch, not only float flying, but amphibious float flying can be done safely on
a powered parachute. The Rapid Launch system features "a retractable pneumatic
landing gear system with a CO 2 safety back up system, hydraulic disc brakes,
and four cavity fiberglass floats." "The system has been in development now for
four years, and has the advantage of increase safety, superior convenience, and
the lowest cost per use, of any ppc. "
Rapid Launch combines the buoyancy of
pressurized helium with the latest in ram air parasail technology, to make a
wing that is virtually impossible to collapse. The helium filled canopy can thus
be used safely for landing and taking off from water, as well as land. According
to Rapid Launch's Gordon Belena the "lighter than air wing" is not the standard
wing, but one that has been developed over the past 4 years. It is 574 sq ft,
and because it is a "rigid wing" it has an excellent decent rate, turns on a
dime, and has a better flare than a conventional ppc."
Adding to the safety is the fact that
unlike regular chutes which lay out behind the craft and require inflations
before the pilot can inspect his risers - the Rapid Launch system is located
overhead - so the risers are visible to the pilot at all times. This of
course also makes it ideal for float operation, since the chute floats overhead
rather than sinking into the water.
Storage is as simple as driving your ppc
right into its own hangar, so that the chute rests up in the hangar arch. The
cost for filling the chute is about $100 a season. "If a bag were to fail
in flight, the cell then becomes a ram air chute, with no difference in the
flight characteristics." The bags can be easily repaired or replaced if
necessary.
The amphibious system on display was
mounted on a Buckeye PPC, and took about 2 days to set up, but it is adaptable
to all major brands. Set up can be done by factory representatives at your
location or at the factory.
For more information contact:
Rapid Launch
25271 Terrace Grove Rd.
Los Gatos Ca 95033
1-866-889-5989
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