Seedwings Europe Kestrel

Last updated
Kestrel
Role Hang glider
National origin Austria
Manufacturer Seedwings Europe
Status Production completed
Produced mid-2000s
Unit cost
€3,834 (2004)

The Seedwings Europe Kestrel is an Austrian high-wing, single-place, hang glider that was designed and produced by Seedwings Europe of Schlitters. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied complete and ready-to-fly. [1]

Austria Federal republic in Central Europe

Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a country of nearly 9 million people in Central Europe. 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 territory of Austria covers 83,879 km2 (32,386 sq mi). The terrain is 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 local official languages are Hungarian, Burgenland Croatian, and Slovene.

Seedwings Europe

Seedwings Europe was an Austrian aircraft manufacturer based in Schlitters and founded in 1987. The company specialized in the design and manufacture of hang gliders in the form of ready-to-fly aircraft as well as hang glider harnesses.

Schlitters Place in Tyrol, Austria

Schlitters is a municipality in the Schwaz district in the Austrian state of Tyrol.

Contents

Design and development

The Kestrel was designed as an intermediate-level hang glider with an emphasis on a light empty weight, easy rigging and good performance. It is made from aluminum tubing, with the double-surface wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. The nose angle is 129° for all models. [1]

The models are each DHV2 certified and are named for their rough wing area in square feet. [1]

Variants

Kestrel 133
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 9.95 m (32.6 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost. The wing area is 12.4 m2 (133 sq ft). The pilot hook-in weight range is 60 to 80 kg (132 to 176 lb). [1]
Kestrel 148
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 10.25 m (33.6 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost. The wing area is 13.8 m2 (149 sq ft). The pilot hook-in weight range is 70 to 90 kg (154 to 198 lb). [1]
Kestrel 158
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 10.4 m (34.1 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost. The wing area is 14.6 m2 (157 sq ft). The pilot hook-in weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). [1]

Specifications (Kestrel 133)

Data from Bertrand [1]

General characteristics

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 48. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN   1368-485X
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