Ikarus Grasshopper

German hang glider

Grasshopper

Role  | Hang glider

Type of aircraft

National origin | Germany
Manufacturer  | Ikarus Drachen Thomas Pellicci
Designer  | Thomas Pellicci
Status  | In production

The Ikarus Grasshopper is a German high-wing, single-place, hang glider, designed by Thomas Pellicci and produced by his company Ikarus Drachen Thomas Pellicci.[1]

## Design and development

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The Grasshopper is intended to be a simple single surface glider with easy handling and modest performance for flight training and school use. It employs a very large wing area, low aspect ratio and low weight to make it easy for students to take-off and land. Unlike many hang glider models, the Grasshopper is available in just one size.[1][2]

The aircraft is made from aluminum tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 10.2 m (33.5 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost. The nose angle is 120°, wing area is 21 m2 (230 sq ft) and the aspect ratio is 4.95:1. The take-off weight range is 68 to 110 kg (150 to 243 lb) and pilot hook-in weight range is 45 to 85 kg (99 to 187 lb). It is certified as DHV Class 1.[1][2]

## Specifications (Grasshopper)

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Data from Bertrand and Company[1][2]

General characteristics

* Crew: one
* Wingspan: 10.2 m (33 ft 6 in)
* Wing area: 21 m2 (230 sq ft)
* Aspect ratio: 4.95:1
* Empty weight: 23.0 kg (51 lb)
* Gross weight: 110 kg (243 lb)

Performance

* Maximum speed: 54 km/h (34 mph, 29 kn)
* Wing loading: 5.2 kg/m2 (1.1 lb/sq ft)

## References

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1. ^ a b c d Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 46. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
2. ^ a b c Ikarus Drachen Thomas Pellicci (n.d.). "Ikarus Grashüpfer - der Schulungsdrachen für den Übungshang Der Grashüpfer ist als sehr gutmütiger Einsteiger für den Übungshang konzipiert (German language)". Retrieved 23 February 2012.

## External links

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* Official website

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Ikarus aircraft

Hang gliders|

* Funflyer
* Doppel
* Duo Club
* Grasshopper
* Imagine
* Spirit L

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