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While most people think that the "pioneers" of powered parachute design
and innovation originate in the U.S. - a Canadian company "Paraski/Propulsion"
has actually been the first to introduce many of the new features found on
PPC's. In 1985 they were one of the first PPC companies to incorporate a
single engine/single propeller concept in a 3-wheel design and to
incorporate snow skis. In 1986 they were the first to introduce a rudder
to aid in steering. In 1990 they were the first to introduce a 4 wheeled
powered parachute. In 1991 they were the first to introduce and fly a ppc
on floats. In 1993 they introduced the first enclose powered parachute. In
1996 they introduced the first adjustable angle of attack parachute, as
well as a PPC that
could also be converted to a trike wing. In 1997 they became the first
company to offer a 6 point parachute attachment system. At Sun N
Fun 2001 they became the first powered parachute manufacturer to offer a
retractable powered parachute system, as well as an amphibious float
system for the Paraski/Propulsion. According to the Paraski/Propulsion
international distributor Joe Albanese and Propulsion owner/manufacturer
Jacques Fleury the retractable chute concept came about because of the
desire to be able to land and take off a Para Ski on water. Up
until now it has been impossible to take-off from water, or land on water
in a PPC, because the chute could not be laid out and then inflated in the
water, nor could it be landed unless landing downwind, in which case the
chute would land forward of the craft - hopefully on land. With the
"retractable parachute system" introduced at Sun N Fun and
employed on the Paraski/Propulsion the chute starts out stored in a bag on top of
the prop guard. As power is applied the chute is gradually released
through a set of controls and time release pins using a twin
drum electric winch system connected to the chute lines. With the
winch system, once in flight you also have the ability to change the
angle of attach of the chute for better performance and handling.
This has allowed dramatic increases in speed of the Paraski/Propulsion
PPC. This was demonstrated at Sun N Fun with circuit speeds estimated at
over 40 mph - and stall speeds decreased to approximately 20 mph. Landing
procedure is also very simple, you touch down on water and engage the
winch system which retracts your chute back onto the top of the prop guard
cage. Thus the chute never touches the water! Once retracted you
only have to reinstall the chute into the deployment bag and reset your
pins. The system is completely battery operated, and in the case of a
battery or switch failure the pilot would simply land in the more
conventional PPC configuration. When the Paraski/Propulsion is equipped with
floats the floats sit retracted above the landing gear when on land. The
pilot takes off and in flight releases the floats, they lower and lock
into position, with the floats now sitting below the landing gear. This
allows for take-offs from water to land on land, or take-offs from land to
land on water. Currently it is not possible to land on water and taxi out
onto shore. The Top Gun retract by Paraski/Propulsion is powered by an F
30 Hirth 110 HP engine and is now available. The Top Gun uses a 6061T6
aluminum welded fuselage, on a 4 wheel base. The craft is available in
either kit form or factory built. Kit building times are reported at 100
hours, with no welding required. Construction is bolt and rivet. For more information contact:
Paraski/Propulsion
P.O. Box 76075
Mascouche, Quebec
J7K 3N9 |
