Finsterwalder Perfex

The Finsterwalder Perfex is a German high-wing, single-place, hang glider, designed and produced by Finsterwalder.[1]

Perfex
Role Hang glider
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Finsterwalder
Status In production
Unit cost
€3380 (Perfex, 2012)

Design and development

The Perfex and the smaller sized Lightfex are intended as man-packable single-surface beginner gliders for recreational flying. As such the Perfex weighs only 22 kg (48.5 lb) and can be reduced to a folded size of 1.95 m (6.4 ft)[1][2]

The aircraft is made from aluminum tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 9.4 m (30.8 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost. The nose angle is 120° and the aspect ratio is 5.5:1.[1]

Variants
Lightfex
Medium sized glider with wing area of 13.8 m2 (149 sq ft) and a pilot recommended weight of 45 to 75 kg (99 to 165 lb). DHV certified as Class 2.[1]
Perfex
Large sized glider with wing area of 16 m2 (170 sq ft) and a pilot recommended weight of 70 to 105 kg (154 to 231 lb). DHV certified as Class 1-2.[1]

Specifications (Perfex)

Data from Bertrand[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 9.4 m (30 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 16 m2 (170 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 5.5:1
  • Empty weight: 22 kg (49 lb)
  • Gross weight: 123 kg (271 lb)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 22 km/h (14 mph, 12 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 80 km/h (50 mph, 43 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 10:1
  • Wing loading: 7.7 kg/m2 (1.6 lb/sq ft)

References
  1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 44. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Finsterwalder (2011). "Perfex". Retrieved 16 February 2012.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.