Paramotor Inc FX series

FX series
Role	Paramotor
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Paramotor Inc
Status	Production completed

The Paramotor Inc FX series is a family of American paramotors that was designed and produced by Paramotor Inc of Weldon Spring, Missouri for powered paragliding.[1][2][3][4]

Design and development

The company started as an importer of the French Adventure F series of paramotors and also sold the Japanese Daiichi Kosho Beat. It then introduced its own designs, the FX series in the mid-1990s. The company currently produces military specification paramotors for sale to governments, the military and police.[1][2]

The FX series was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules. All models feature a paraglider-style high-wing, single-place or two-seats-in-tandem accommodation and a single engine in pusher configuration. As is the case with all paramotors, takeoff and landing are accomplished on foot.[1][2]

All models were delivered from the factory with a hand throttle. Options available included a reserve parachute and electric starting. The line was noted for its unusually long three year warranty.[1][2]

Variants

FX1

Initial model powered by a 18 hp (13 kW) Solo 210 two-stroke engine. Empty weight is 35 lb (16 kg).[1]

FX2

More powerful model with a 22 hp (16 kW) Zenoah G-25 two-stroke engine. Empty weight is 85 lb (39 kg).[1][4]

FX3

Model with a 22 hp (16 kW) Zenoah G-25 two-stroke engine.[3]

FX4

Model with a 22 hp (16 kW) Zenoah G-25 two-stroke engine.[3]

FX5

Model with a 27.5 hp (21 kW) Zanzottera MZ 34 two-stroke engine.[3]

Aircraft on display

• Cradle of Aviation Museum - FX1[5]

Specifications (FX1)

Data from Cliche[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Length: 1 ft 6 in (0.46 m) (motor unit only)
• Height: 2 ft 0 in (0.61 m) (motor unit only)
• Wing area: 300 sq ft (28 m^2)
• Empty weight: 35 lb (16 kg)
• Gross weight: 185 lb (84 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 1.25 U.S. gallons (4.7 L; 1.04 imp gal)
• Powerplant: 1 × Solo 210 single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 18 hp (13 kW)

Performance

• Cruise speed: 25 mph (40 km/h, 22 kn)
• Endurance: 1:30
• Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)

References

1. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-25. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
2. Downey, Julia: 2000 Trike and 'Chute Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 17, Number 2, February 2000, page 51. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
3. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 71. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
4. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 338. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
5. Cradle of Aviation Museum (2001). "Visitor's Atrium". Archived from the original on 12 February 2011. Retrieved 6 April 2012.