Apco Keara

The Apco Keara is an Israeli single-place, paraglider that was designed and produced by Apco Aviation of Caesarea. It is now out of production.[1]

Keara
Role Paraglider
National origin Israel
Manufacturer Apco Aviation
Status Production completed
Produced mid-2000s

Design and development

The Keara was designed as an intermediate glider. The four models are each named for their relative size.[1] The glider was named for Kiara, the main protagonist of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, the daughter of Simba and Nala.[2]

The Keara introduced HIT Valves (High-Speed Intake Valves) with the intention to improve stability and performance at high speeds and at low angles of attack.[2]

Variants
Keara XS
Extra small-sized model for light-weight pilots. Its 11.90 m (39.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 24.50 m2 (263.7 sq ft), 40 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.80:1. The pilot weight range is 65 to 100 kg (143 to 220 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Performance certified.[1][2]
Keara S
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 12.20 m (40.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25.40 m2 (273.4 sq ft), 41 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.90:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). The glider model is DHV 2 and AFNOR Performance certified.[1][2]
Keara M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.90 m (42.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.50 m2 (296.0 sq ft), 43 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.10:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 115 kg (209 to 254 lb). The glider model is DHV 2 and AFNOR Performance certified.[1][2]
Keara L
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 13.50 m (44.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.20 m2 (314.3 sq ft), 45 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.40:1. The pilot weight range is 105 to 130 kg (231 to 287 lb). The glider model is DHV 2 certified.[1][2]

Specifications (Keara L)

Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 13.50 m (44 ft 3 in)
  • Wing area: 29.20 m2 (314.3 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 6.40:1

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 59 km/h (37 mph, 32 kn)
  • Rate of sink: 0.9 m/s (180 ft/min)

References
  1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 12. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Apco Aviation. "Apco Keara". Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
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