HobbyKing Paramotor
Aeroplanes > Dereks
High Performance Paramotor 2400mm (94")
sold by Hobbyking in 2021
Details & some pictures from HobbyKing website
The HobbyKing™ Paramotor is extremely easy to fly due to its very gentle and stable flight characteristics yet once you are used to it, it will perform loops and rolls with ease. Due to the design, the huge high-performance 2400 millimeter sail opens quickly for easy launching and it will retain its shape even in turbulence. The single skin durable sail is made from 100% ripstop fabric and comes pre-rigged with tough polyethylene lines that are ready to attach to the durable aluminum gondola. It does require a computer radio with mixing and servo control curves, to see what is involved in the radio set up please watch the attached video and also the one for the setting up of the parafoil itself.
There is a high level of prefabrication so assembly time is minimal and it is Plug-N-Fly so all you require is your own transmitter, receiver, and battery. The Paramotor is fitted with a powerful 3530-1400KV brushless motor swinging a 10 x 4.7 propeller, it also has a 50 amp electronic speed controller with 5 amp BEC and 2 powerful 15kg high torque metal geared servos. A 3S lipo battery is recommended and it can vary in capacity to suit different flying conditions. The recommended flying weight is 1.6~2.0kg, in light wind conditions it is best to put a lighter battery in to keep near the 1.6kg weight. In windy conditions, it is better to put a heavier battery in to fly around the 2kg mark. The undercarriage is easily removed for hand launching and catching and also for slope soaring.
If you fancy trying something a little different then the HobbyKing™ Paramotor is for you. Great fun to fly without being too challenging and it looks great in the air. Pre-assembled and Plug N Fly also means you can be airborne very quickly after taking delivery.
Features:
• High performance powered parafoil
• Plug and Fly format (you only require a Tx, Rx, and battery)
• High level of prefabrication for quick assembly
• Gentle flight characteristics, however, it can perform loops and rolls
• Removable undercarriage for slope soaring etc
• Durable aluminum airframe
• Wide flying weight range (1.6~2kg)
Specs:
Type: Plug-N-Fly Paramotor
Parasail Span: 2400mm
Motor: 3530-1400KV brushless
Propeller: 10x4.7
ESC: 50amp
BEC: 5amp
Servos: 2 x 15kg high torque metal geared
Flying Weight: 1.6~2kg
Recommended Battery: 3S lipoly (not supplied)
Required:
1 x 3ch or more computer transmitter with mixing and servo control curves
1 x 3ch or more receiver
1 x 3S (11.1v) lipoly battery and charger (5000mah Recommended for Weight)
To make my paramotor look better I stuck an Action Man pilot on it, that brought the weight of the trike up to 18kg with two of my Rhino Li-Po 3 cell 2550mAh batteries installed.
I have also fitted larger wheels in a vain attempt to get this to take off from our grass strip, 3D printing new front wheel mounts to accommodate the larger wheel diameter.
I tried many times to get this to fly, only managing one short 50 yard flight, and had effectively given up until I watch a youtube video where the brake lines were discussed and in the comments a real paramotor pilot stated that the break line should be loose and are only pulled tight when turning, so I lengthened the break lines to 830mm from the top knot of the break line to the hole in the servo arm and it then fly’s.
Launching is still quite difficult and don’t let go of it unless you really get the parafoil up and inflated properly. Only fly in no or very light winds. Once it’s up it is very enjoyable to just potter around, steering can be quite responsive but height takes a while as you only have engine speed to increase thrust and that builds lift.
I currently have only 50% servo movement and that seems plenty, taking off from grass is possible but I needed a friend to hold the parafoil up above the trike and run along behind until the parafoil filled out and generated lift then it will take off, otherwise dragging the parafoil along behind it doesn't work.
Flying on a morning with lots of dew caused issues when the parafoil got wet on landing and then I couldn't launch it again as the parafoil was much heavier and I couldn't get it to inflate when flicking over my head.
I prefer flying when there is very light wind, launching can be difficult with no wind as the parafoil doesn't want to inflate unless you get the flick movement just right.