Heldeberg Marathon
| Marathon | |
|---|---|
| Role | Powered parachute |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Heldeberg Designs |
| Status | Production completed |
| Unit cost |
US$21,995 (2012) |
The Heldeberg Marathon, also called the Blue Heron Marathon, is an American powered parachute, that was designed and produced by Heldeberg Designs of Altamont, New York.[1][2][3]
Design and development
The Marathon was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles two-seat trainer rules and today is marketed as a light-sport aircraft. The aircraft takes its name from its design goal of an aircraft with long range and endurance and features a range of 115 mi (185 km). It features a parachute-style high-wing, two-seats-in-tandem accommodation, tricycle landing gear and originally a single 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine in pusher configuration. The 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 was the standard engine used on later models.[1][4]
The aircraft is built from a combination of bolted dural aluminium and stainless steel tubing. It features a double ring propeller guard that has been roll-over tested. The 10 U.S. gallons (38 L; 8.3 imp 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.[1][3]
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.[1][3][4]
Specifications (Blue Heron Marathon)
Data from Manufacturer[4]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: one passenger
- Length: 9 ft 8 in (2.95 m)
- Wingspan: 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m)
- Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
- Wing area: 500 sq ft (46 m2)
- Empty weight: 308 lb (140 kg)
- Gross weight: 850 lb (386 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 10 U.S. gallons (38 L; 8.3 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 582 twin cylinder, two-stroke, liquid-cooled aircraft engine, 64 hp (48 kW)
Performance
- Cruise speed: 32 mph (28 kn; 51 km/h)
- Range: 115 mi (100 nmi; 185 km)
- Rate of climb: 900 ft/min (4.6 m/s)
- Wing loading: 1.7 lb/sq ft (8.3 kg/m2)
References
- 1 2 3 4 Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-8. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
- ↑ Downey, Julia: 2005 Trikes 'Chutes and Rotorcraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 22, Number 2, February 2005, page 50. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
- 1 2 3 Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 80. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
- 1 2 3 Heldeberg Designs. "Blue Heron Marathon". Archived from the original on 29 February 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2012.