Apco Prima

Prima
Role	Paraglider
National origin	Israel
Manufacturer	Apco Aviation
Status	In production (Prima 4, 2016)
Produced	early 1990s - present

The Apco Prima (English: first) is an Israeli single-place, paraglider that was designed and produced by Apco Aviation of Caesarea. It has been in production since the early 1990s and remained in production through 2016. ^{[1] [2]}

Design and development

The Prima was designed as a beginner glider for use in flight training of students for both gliding and paramotor flying. ^{[1] [2]}

The glider is made from Gelvenor 42 g/m2 "Zero Porosity" ripstop nylon. ^[2]

The design has progressed through four generations of models, the Prima, Prima 2, 3 and 4, each improving on the last. The Prima 4 incorporates leading edge battens and an improved landing flare capability. The models are each named for their rough wing area in square metres. ^{[1] [2]}

Variants

Prima II 22

Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 8.51 m (27.9 ft) span wing has a wing area of 22.5 m² (242 sq ft), 20 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.22:1. The pilot weight range is 50 to 65 kg (110 to 143 lb). ^[1]

Prima II 30

Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 10.76 m (35.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.40 m² (316.5 sq ft), 25 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.94:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Standard certified. ^[1]

Prima 4 22

Extra small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 8.51 m (27.9 ft) span wing has a wing area of 22.5 m² (242 sq ft), 20 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.22:1. The glider empty weight is 4.6 kg (10 lb) and the pilot weight range is 50 to 65 kg (110 to 143 lb). The glider model is not certified. ^[2]

Prima 4 24

Small-sized model for light-weight pilots. Its 8.96 m (29.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 23.9 m² (257 sq ft), 21 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.36:1. The glider empty weight is 4.8 kg (11 lb) and pilot weight range is 60 to 78 kg (132 to 172 lb). The glider model is CEN/AFNOR Standard certified. ^[2]

Prima 4 27

Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 9.86 m (32.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.7 m² (287 sq ft), 23 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.65:1. The glider empty weight is 5.4 kg (12 lb) and pilot weight range is 70 to 90 kg (154 to 198 lb). The glider model is CEN/AFNOR Standard certified. ^[2]

Prima 4 30

Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 10.76 m (35.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.4 m² (316 sq ft), 25 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.94:1. The glider empty weight is 5.9 kg (13 lb) and pilot weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). The glider model is CEN/AFNOR Standard certified. ^[2]

Prima 4 33

Extra large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 11.66 m (38.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 32.14 m² (346.0 sq ft), 27 cells and the aspect ratio is 4.2:1. The glider empty weight is 6.4 kg (14 lb) and pilot weight range is 95 to 120 kg (209 to 265 lb). The glider model is not certified. ^[2]

Specifications (Prima II 30)

Data from Bertrand ^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Wingspan: 10.76 m (35 ft 4 in)
• Wing area: 29.40 m² (316.5 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 3.94:1

Performance

• Maximum speed: 39 km/h (24 mph, 21 kn)
• Rate of sink: 1.3 m/s (260 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 Prima 4". Archived from the original on 3 April 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2016.

External links

• Official website