Heldeberg Marathon

Marathon
Role	Powered parachute
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Heldeberg Designs
Status	Production completed

The Heldeberg Marathon, also called the Blue Heron Marathon, is an American powered parachute, that was designed and produced by Heldeberg Designs of Altamont, New York. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Design and development

The Marathon was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles two-seat trainer rules and today is marketed as a light-sport aircraft. The aircraft takes its name from its design goal of an aircraft with long range and endurance and features a range of 115 mi (185 km). It features a parachute-style high-wing, two-seats-in-tandem accommodation, tricycle landing gear and originally a single 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 engine in pusher configuration. The 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 was the standard engine used on later models. ^{[1] [4]}

The aircraft is built from a combination of bolted dural aluminium and stainless steel tubing. It features a double ring propeller guard that has been roll-over tested. The 10 U.S. gallons (38 L; 8.3 imp gal) fuel tank is made from aluminium. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals, or optionally a control stick, that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates gas strut suspension. The aircraft is factory supplied in the form of an assembly kit that requires 30–50 hours to complete. ^{[1] [3]}

Originally marketed by the factory under their own name, the aircraft was later marketed under the brand name Blue Heron, although the manufacturer remained the same. ^{[1] [3] [4]}

Specifications (Blue Heron Marathon)

Data from Manufacturer ^[4]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Capacity: one passenger
• Length: 9 ft 8 in (2.95 m)
• Wingspan: 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m)
• Height: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
• Wing area: 500 sq ft (46 m²)
• Empty weight: 308 lb (140 kg)
• Gross weight: 850 lb (386 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 10 U.S. gallons (38 L; 8.3 imp gal)
• Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 582 twin cylinder, two-stroke, liquid-cooled aircraft engine, 64 hp (48 kW)

Performance

• Cruise speed: 32 mph (51 km/h, 28 kn)
• Range: 115 mi (185 km, 100 nmi)
• Rate of climb: 900 ft/min (4.6 m/s)
• Wing loading: 1.7 lb/sq ft (8.3 kg/m²)

References

1. Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-8. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN   0-9680628-1-4
2. Downey, Julia: 2005 Trikes 'Chutes and Rotorcraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 22, Number 2, February 2005, page 50. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
3. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 80. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
4. Heldeberg Designs. "Blue Heron Marathon". Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2012.

External links

• Official website