The Windtech Nitro is a Spanish single-place paraglider that was designed and produced by Windtech Parapentes of Gijón. It is now out of production.[1]
| Nitro | |
|---|---|
| Role | Paraglider |
| National origin | Spain |
| Manufacturer | Windtech Parapentes |
| Status | Production completed |
| Produced | mid-2000s |
Design and development edit
The aircraft was designed as a competition glider. The models are each named for their approximate wing area in square metres.[1]
The design was optimized for glide ratio and maintenance of wing tip pressure to prevent collapses.[2]
The glider wing is made from Porcher Marine Skytex 44 g/m2 nylon fabric. The rib reinforcements are 310 g/m2 Dacron, with the trailing edge reinforcement fabricated of 175 g/m2 polyester. The lines are all sheathed Kevlar of 1.1 and 1.7 mm diameter or, optionally 0.6 and 0.9 mm micro unsheathed lines. The risers are made from 20 mm wide Polyamida strapping.[3]
Operational history edit
Reviewer Noel Bertrand praised the glider in a 2003 review, saying, "the flight qualities of the Nitro are explosive!"[1]
Variants edit
- Nitro 24
- Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 12.32 m (40.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 24.7 m2 (266 sq ft), 79 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.35:1. The take-off weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). The glider model is not certified, but was load tested.[1][3]
- Nitro 26
- Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.77 m (41.9 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.42 m2 (284.4 sq ft), 79 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.35:1. The take-off weight range is 95 to 115 kg (209 to 254 lb). The glider model is not certified, but was load tested.[1][3]
- Nitro 28
- Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 13.15 m (43.1 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.48 m2 (295.8 sq ft), 79 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.35:1. The take-off weight range is 100 to 130 kg (220 to 287 lb). The glider model is not certified, but was load tested.[3]
Specifications (Nitro 26) edit
Data from Bertrand[1] and manufacturer[3]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 12.77 m (41 ft 11 in)
- Wing area: 26.42 m2 (284.4 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 6.35:1
- Gross weight: 115 kg (254 lb)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 65 km/h (40 mph, 35 kn)
- Cruise speed: 40 km/h (25 mph, 22 kn)
- Stall speed: 23 km/h (14 mph, 12 kn)
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 36. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ Windtech Parapentes (2016). "Nitro". Retrieved 24 November 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Windtech Parapentes (2016). "Nitro technical data". Retrieved 24 November 2016.