Helite Tsunami

Tsunami
Role Hang glider
National origin France
Manufacturer La Mouette
Designer Gérard Thevenot
Status Production completed
Developed from La Mouette Top Secret

The Helite Tsunami (English: Tidal Wave) is a French high-wing, single-place, rigid-wing hang glider that was designed by Gérard Thevenot and produced by La Mouette under the Helite brand.[1]

Design and development

The Tsunami was developed from the La Mouette Top Secret as a rigid wing competition hang glider. Thevenot decided to market it under his Helite brand which was also used for a line of powered parachutes. Available c. 2003, the aircraft is now out of production and the brand is no longer used.[1]

The aircraft is made from tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 12.9 m2 (138.9 sq ft) area wing is a "topless" design with no kingpost. The nose angle is 145°.[1]

Operational history

The Tsunami won a number of hang gliding championships in the rigid wing class.[1]

Specifications (Tsumani)

Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics


References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 45. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X