Presta
Role Paraglider
National origin Israel
Manufacturer Apco Aviation
Status Production completed

The Apco Presta is an Israeli single-place, paraglider that was designed and produced by Apco Aviation of Caesarea. It is now out of production.[1]

Design and development

The Presta was designed as an intermediate glider, to fit in the company's line between the Apco Allegra and the Bagheera, with higher performance than the Allegra. The sail is made from 46gr/m2 "Zero Porosity" ripstop nylon. The design uses an Active Double Valve System to allow closed cells to be easily inflated on launch. The four models are each named for their relative size.[1][2]

Variants

Presta XS
Extra small-sized model for light pilots. Its 11.7 m (38.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.1 m2 (281 sq ft), 39 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.3:1. The pilot weight range is 64 to 80 kg (141 to 176 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Standard certified.[1]
Presta S
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 12.1 m (39.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.1 m2 (292 sq ft), 39 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.4:1. The pilot weight range is 79 to 99 kg (174 to 218 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 and AFNOR Standard certified.[1]
Presta M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.7 m (41.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.0 m2 (312 sq ft), 41 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.6:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 115 kg (209 to 254 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 and AFNOR Standard certified.[1]
Presta L
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 13.4 m (44.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 31.0 m2 (334 sq ft), 43 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.8:1. The pilot weight range is 105 to 130 kg (231 to 287 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 and AFNOR Standard certified.[1]

Specifications (Presta L)

Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 13.4 m (44 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 31.0 m2 (334 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 5.8:1

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 50 km/h (31 mph, 27 kn)
  • Rate of sink: 1.0 m/s (200 ft/min)

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 12. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ↑ Apco Aviation. "Apco Presta". Archived from the original on 29 April 2010. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
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