Spirit 103
Role Powered parachute
National origin United States
Manufacturer Heldeberg Designs
Status In production

The Heldeberg Spirit 103, also called the Blue Heron Spirit 103, is an American powered parachute, designed and produced by Heldeberg Designs of Altamont, New York.[1]

Design and development

As its name implies, the Spirit 103 was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 205 lb (93 kg). It features a parachute-style high-wing, single-place accommodation, tricycle landing gear and originally a single 45 hp (34 kW) 2si 460 engine in pusher configuration. The 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447 and 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engines are used on current models.[1][2]

Early models used a large sized 500 sq ft (46 m2) parachute, whereas current models use a smaller and faster 400 sq ft (37 m2) wing.[1][2]

The aircraft is built from a combination of bolted aluminium and stainless steel tubing. It features a double ring propeller guard that has been roll-over tested. The 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 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]

Originally marketed by the factory under their own name, the aircraft is now marketed under the brand name Blue Heron, although the manufacturer remains the same.[1][2]

Specifications (Blue Heron Spirit 103)

Data from Manufacturer[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
  • Wingspan: 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m)
  • Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
  • Wing area: 400 sq ft (37 m2)
  • Empty weight: 235 lb (107 kg)
  • Gross weight: 580 lb (263 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 503 twin cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 50 hp (37 kW)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 32 mph (51 km/h, 28 kn)
  • Rate of climb: 700 ft/min (3.6 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 1.45 lb/sq ft (7.1 kg/m2)

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-8. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
  2. 1 2 3 4 Heldeberg Designs (n.d.). "Blue Heron Spirit 103". Archived from the original on January 9, 2011. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
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