Independence Dragon
| Dragon | |
|---|---|
| Role | Paraglider |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Independence Paragliding |
| Designer | Michaël Nesler |
| Status | Production completed |
| Produced | early 2000s |
The Independence Dragon is a German single-place, paraglider that was designed by Michaël Nesler and produced by Independence Paragliding of Eisenberg, Thuringia. It is now out of production.[1]
Design and development
[edit]The Dragon was designed as a beginner-intermediate glider. The design progressed through two generations of models, the Dragon and Dragon 2. The models are each named for their relative size.[1]
Company test pilot Christian Amon was also involved in the development as well as flight testing of the Dragon.[1]
Variants
[edit]- Dragon 2 S
- Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.6 m (38.1 ft) span wing has a wing area of 24.07 m2 (259.1 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.5:1. The pilot weight range is 65 to 85 kg (143 to 187 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]
- Dragon 2 M
- Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.5 m (41.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.83 m2 (299.6 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.5:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 105 kg (176 to 231 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]
- Dragon 2 L
- Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 13.0 m (42.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.68 m2 (330.2 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.5:1. The pilot weight range is 100 to 125 kg (220 to 276 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]
- Dragon 2 XL
- Extra large-sized model for much heavier pilots. Its 13.5 m (44.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 33.1 m2 (356 sq ft), 40 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.5:1. The pilot weight range is 100 to 135 kg (220 to 298 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]
Specifications (Dragon 2 L)
[edit]Data from Bertrand[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 13.0 m (42 ft 8 in)
- Wing area: 30.68 m2 (330.2 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 5.5:1
Performance
- Maximum speed: 52 km/h (32 mph, 28 kn)