The Ozone Proton is a French single-place paraglider that was designed by hang gliding and paragliding world champion pilot Robbie Whittall and produced by Ozone Gliders of Le Bar-sur-Loup. It is no longer in production.[1]

Proton
Role Paraglider
National origin France
Manufacturer Ozone Gliders
Status Production completed

Design and development edit

The Proton was designed as a competition glider. The initial version was later replaced by the Proton GT in production. The GT incorporated a partially closed leading edge, with 20 partially closed and 10 cells fully closed. The models are each named for their relative size.[1][2][3]

Operational history edit

Reviewer Noel Bertrand described the Ozone series of gliders in a 2003 review as, "wings that are both pleasant to fly and high performance in their respective categories".[1]

Variants edit

Proton edit

Proton S
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.49 m (37.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 23.09 m2 (248.5 sq ft), 61 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.72:1. The take-off weight range is 60 to 85 kg (132 to 187 lb). The glider model is DHV 2-3 and AFNOR certified.[2]
Proton M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.09 m (39.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25.58 m2 (275.3 sq ft), 61 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.72:1. The take-off weight range is 80 to 105 kg (176 to 231 lb). The glider model is DHV 2-3 and AFNOR certified.[2]
Proton L
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.82 m (42.1 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28.7 m2 (309 sq ft), 61 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.72:1. The take-off weight range is 95 to 125 kg (209 to 276 lb). The glider model is DHV 2-3 and AFNOR certified.[2]

Proton GT edit

Proton GT S
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 12.09 m (39.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25.2 m2 (271 sq ft), 61 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.85:1. The pilot weight range is 60 to 85 kg (132 to 187 lb). The glider model is DHV 2-3 and AFNOR certified.[1]
Proton GT M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.53 m (41.1 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.86 m2 (289.1 sq ft), 61 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.85:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). The glider model is DHV 2-3 and AFNOR certified.[1]
Proton GT L
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.92 m (42.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28.5 m2 (307 sq ft), 61 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.85:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 115 kg (209 to 254 lb). The glider model is DHV 2-3 and AFNOR certified.[1]
Proton GT XL
Extra large-sized model for even heavier pilots. Its 13.26 m (43.5 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.0 m2 (323 sq ft), 61 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.85:1. The pilot weight range is 110 to 135 kg (243 to 298 lb). The glider model is DHV 2-3 certified.[3]

Specifications (Proton GT M) edit

Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 12.53 m (41 ft 1 in)
  • Wing area: 26.86 m2 (289.1 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 5.85:1

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 24. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ^ a b c d "Ozone Paragliders > Products > Previous Gliders > Proton > Info". flyozone.com. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Ozone Paragliders > Products > Previous Gliders > Proton GT > Info". flyozone.com. Retrieved 7 September 2016.

External links edit