Sol Kangaroo

The Sol Kangaroo is a Brazilian two-place paraglider that was designed and produced by Sol Paragliders of Jaraguá do Sul starting in the mid-2000s. It remained in production as the Kangaroo 4 in 2016.[1][2]

Kangaroo
Role Paraglider
National origin Brazil
Manufacturer Sol Paragiders
Status In production (2016)
Produced mid-2000s - present

Design and development

The Kangaroo was designed as a tandem glider for flight training and as such is referred to as the Kangaroo Bi, indicating "bi-place" or two seater.[1]

The original Kangaroo was only available in one size, while the latest Kangaroo 4 is made in three sizes.[1][2]

The design has progressed through four generations of models, the Kangaroo 1, 2, 3 and 4 each improving on the last. The models are each named for their relative size.[1]

The Kangaroo 4 wing upper and lower surfaces are made from WTX 40 gr/m2 Nylon 6.6 HT PU+Silicone, the wing ribs and Pro-Nyl 42 gr/m2 Nylon 6.6 HT PU hard, with front profile nylon battens. The lines are Cousin Vectran ULTIMATE of 0.6 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm and 1.4 mm diameters as well as Cousin Technora Superaram lines of 1.5 mm, 2.1 mm and 2.5 mm diameters. The risers are fabricated from Premium 19 x 2,0 mm flat multi Bl. 1.600 kg strapping. The carabiners are Ansung Precision 4mm 800kg units while the pulleys are Nautos/SOL made.[2]

The company says that the Kangaroo 4 should only be flown by experienced tandem pilots, as its handling and performance is similar to high performance paragliders.[2]

Variants
Kangaroo 1 Bi
One size produced. Its 14.6 m (47.9 ft) span wing has a wing area of 42 m2 (450 sq ft), 48 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 140 to 200 kg (309 to 441 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Biplace certified.[1]
Kangaroo 4 S
Small-sized model for lighter crew. Its 14.74 m (48.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 34.80 m2 (374.6 sq ft), 65 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.25:1. The take-off weight range is 140 to 170 kg (309 to 375 lb) and the glide ratio 10.6:1. The glider model is LTF/EN C certified.[1]
Kangaroo 4 M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight crew. Its 15.02 m (49.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 36.99 m2 (398.2 sq ft), 65 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.25:1. The take-off weight range is 140 to 204 kg (309 to 450 lb) and the glide ratio 10.6:1. The glider model is LTF/EN C certified.[1]
Kangaroo 4 L
Large-sized model for heavier crew. Its 15.81 m (51.9 ft) span wing has a wing area of 40.01 m2 (430.7 sq ft), 65 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.25:1. The take-off weight range is 160 to 204 kg (353 to 450 lb) and the glide ratio 10.6:1. The glider model is LTF/EN C certified.[1]

Specifications (Kangaroo Bi)

Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Wingspan: 14.6 m (47 ft 11 in)
  • Wing area: 42 m2 (450 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 5.1:1

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 42 km/h (26 mph, 23 kn)
  • Rate of sink: 1.1 m/s (220 ft/min)

References
  1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 31. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Sol Paragliders. "Kangaroo 4". Retrieved 15 November 2016.
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