Paraplane WD-1 Wind Dancer

The Paraplane WD-1 Wind Dancer is an American powered parachute that was designed and produced by Paraplane International of Medford, New Jersey. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1]

WD-1 Wind Dancer
Role Powered parachute
National origin United States
Manufacturer Paraplane International
Status Production completed

Design and development

The WD-1 Wind Dancer was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules, including the category's maximum empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). The aircraft has a standard empty weight of 190 lb (86 kg). It features a 370 sq ft (34 m2) Hi-Pro parachute-style wing, single-place accommodation, tricycle landing gear and a single 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447 engine in pusher configuration.[1]

The aircraft carriage is built from a combination of aluminium and 4130 steel tubing. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has foot-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates steel spring rod suspension. The aircraft has a typical empty weight of 190 lb (86 kg) and a gross weight of 480 lb (220 kg), giving a useful load of 290 lb (130 kg). With full fuel of 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal) the payload for the pilot and baggage is 260 lb (120 kg).[1]

The standard day, sea level, no wind, take off with a 40 hp (30 kW) engine is 125 ft (38 m) and the landing roll is 50 ft (15 m).[1]

The manufacturer estimates the construction time from the supplied assembly kit as five hours.[1]

Specifications (WD-1 Wind Dancer)

Data from Purdy[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Length: 6.42 ft (1.96 m)
  • Wingspan: 31 ft 6 in (9.60 m)
  • Wing area: 370 sq ft (34 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 2.7:1
  • Empty weight: 190 lb (86 kg)
  • Gross weight: 480 lb (218 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 L; 4.2 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 447 twin cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 40 hp (30 kW)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed wooden, fixed pitch

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 26 mph (42 km/h, 23 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 26 mph (42 km/h, 23 kn)
  • Range: 42 mi (68 km, 36 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
  • Rate of climb: 550 ft/min (2.8 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 1.3 lb/sq ft (6.3 kg/m2)

References
  1. Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, page 339. BAI Communications, 15 July 1998. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
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