Paratech P43

P43
Role	Paraglider
National origin	Switzerland
Manufacturer	Paratech
Designer	Uwe Bernholz
Introduction	2003
Status	Production completed
Unit cost	€2,382 (M size, 2004)

The Paratech P43 is a Swiss single-place paraglider that was designed by Uwe Bernholz and produced by Paratech of Appenzell. It was introduced in 2003, but is now out of production.^[1]

Design and development

The aircraft was designed as an intermediate glider.^[1]

The wing design includes "Permanent Air Flow", a feature by which the cell openings are made smaller to improve the leading edge profile.^[1]

Variants

P43XS

Extra small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.29 m (37.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 23.6 m² (254 sq ft), 49 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.4:1. The pilot weight range is 60 to 80 kg (132 to 176 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.^[1]

P43S

Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.81 m (38.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25.8 m² (278 sq ft), 49 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.4:1. The pilot weight range is 75 to 95 kg (165 to 209 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.^[1]

P43M

Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.3 m (40.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28.0 m² (301 sq ft), 51 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.4:1. The pilot weight range is 85 to 105 kg (187 to 231 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.^[1]

P43L

Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.84 m (42.1 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.5 m² (328 sq ft), 50 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.4:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 128 kg (209 to 282 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.^[1]

Specifications (P43M)

Data from Bertrand^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Wingspan: 12.3 m (40 ft 4 in)
• Wing area: 28.0 m² (301 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 5.4:1

Performance

• Maximum speed: 51 km/h (32 mph; 28 kn)

References

1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 26. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X