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Seedwings Europe Kestrel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kestrel
Role Hang glider
National origin Austria
Manufacturer Seedwings Europe
Status Production completed
Produced mid-2000s

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]

Design and development

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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

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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)

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Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 9.95 m (32 ft 8 in)
  • Wing area: 12.4 m2 (133 sq ft)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 48. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X