Paramotor

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A paramotor is the generic name given to the propulsive portion of a powered paraglider. It contains the motor, propeller, harness (with integrated seat), cage and all accessories that is attached to a paraglider wing for powered flight. Usually lightweight two-stroke engine. The term was first used by Englishman Mike Byrne in 1980¹ and popularized in France around 1986 when La Mouette began adapting power to the then-new paraglider wings. Pilots who fly these engage in Paramotoring, also known as Powered paragliding.

Engines used are almost exclusively small 2-stroke types, between 80cc and 350cc, that burn mixed fuel and oil. These engines are favored for their high output power and light weight. At least one manufacturer is producing a 4-stroke model.

Electric paramotors are also under development by numerous groups although Csaba Lemak is the first to make a practical electric PPG, flying it first on June 13, 2006.^2,3

[edit] References

1. Goin, Jeff (2006). in Dennis Pagen: The Powered Paragliding Bible. q feo eres jjareations, 253. ISBN 0-9770966-0-2. 

2. Marks Paragliding Pages. First Electric PPG. Mark Andrews (06-13-2006). Retrieved on 01-25-2007.

3. Electric PPG Questions. Electric Paramotor Website. Airhead Creations (06-25-2006). Retrieved on 01-25-2007.

[edit] See also

• Powered paragliding Article on flying a paramotor and the sport of powered paragliding.
• Powered Hang Glider Article on powered hang gliding.
• Paragliding - Many of the flight principles outlined there also apply to paramotoring.