Europe Sails Independent

Last updated
Independent
Role Hang glider
National origin Austria
Manufacturer Europe Sails
Introduction2003
StatusIn production
Produced2003-present
Unit cost
€5168 (2003, Independent 14 model)

The Europe Sails Independent is an Austrian high-wing, single-place, hang glider, designed and produced by Europe Sails. [1]

Austria Federal republic in Central Europe

Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a country in Central Europe comprising nine federated states. Its capital, largest city and one of nine states is Vienna. Austria has an area of 83,879 km2 (32,386 sq mi), a population of nearly nine million people and a nominal GDP of $477 billion. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Hungary and Slovakia to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. The terrain is landlocked and highly mountainous, lying within the Alps; only 32% of the country is below 500 m (1,640 ft), and its highest point is 3,798 m (12,461 ft). The majority of the population speaks local Bavarian dialects as their native language, and German in its standard form is the country's official language. Other regional languages are Hungarian, Burgenland Croatian, and Slovene.

Europe Sails is an Austrian aircraft manufacturer, based in Neukirchen am Großvenediger. The company specializes in hang gliders.

Contents

Design and development

The Independent was introduced in 2003 as a "topless" competition design, lacking a kingpost and top rigging. It is available in two sizes. [1]

The aircraft is made from a combination of 7075 aluminum tubing and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, with the wing covered in 170g Dacron sailcloth. The wing nose angle is 132°. The wing features carbon fibre tips to smooth airflow and improve handling. The model number indicates the approximate wing area in square meters. [1] [2]

Variants

Independent 13
Small sized model with a wing area of 13 m2 (140 sq ft) and a wing span of 10 m (32.8 ft). The pilot hook-in weight range is 56 to 90 kg (123.5 to 198.4 lb). This model sold for €5084 in 2003. [1]
Independent 14
Large sized model with a wing area of 14.3 m2 (154 sq ft) and a wing span of 10.35 m (34.0 ft). The pilot hook-in weight range is 75 to 110 kg (165.3 to 242.5 lb). This model sold for €5168 in 2003. [1]

Specifications (Independent 14)

Data from Bertrand and Europe Sails [1] [2]

General characteristics

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 43. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. 1 2 Europe Sails (n.d.). "Independent". Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 15 February 2012.
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