XIX Smile
| Smile | |
|---|---|
| Role | Paraglider |
| National origin | Switzerland |
| Manufacturer | XIX GmbH |
| Designer | Michi Kobler |
| Introduction | 2003 |
| Status | Production completed |
The XIX Smile is a Swiss single-place paraglider that was designed by Michi Kobler and produced by XIX GmbH of Kronbühl, introduced in 2003. It is now out of production.[1]
Design and development
[edit]The Smile was designed as a beginner glider for the flight training role. The models are each named for their relative size.[1]
Operational history
[edit]Reviewer Noel Bertrand described the Smile in a 2003 review as having, "all the quality of construction and performance of the more sophisticated XIX products".[1]
Variants
[edit]- Smile S
- Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.4 m (37.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25.5 m2 (274 sq ft), 42 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.05:1. The pilot weight range is 65 to 85 kg (143 to 187 lb). The glider model is Deutscher Hängegleiterverband e.V. (DHV) 1 certified.[1]
- Smile M
- Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12 m (39.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.3 m2 (294 sq ft), 42 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.05:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb){. The glider model is DHV 1 certified.[1]
- Smile L
- Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.7 m (41.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.1 m2 (313 sq ft), 42 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.05:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 120 kg (209 to 265 lb). The glider model is DHV 1 certified.[1]
Specifications (Smile M)
[edit]Data from Bertrand[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)
- Wing area: 27.3 m2 (294 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 5.05:1
Performance
- Maximum speed: 46 km/h (29 mph, 25 kn)
- Rate of sink: 1.2 m/s (240 ft/min)