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Avian Rio

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rio
Role Hang glider
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Avian Limited
Designer Steve Elkins and Neil Hammerton
Status In production

The Avian Rio is a British high-wing, single-place, recreational hang glider, designed by Steve Elkins and Neil Hammerton and produced by Avian Limited of Hope Valley, Derbyshire.[1][2]

Design and development

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The Rio was designed as a sports glider for recreational local and cross-country flying, while still being light in weight and easy to fly.[1][2]

The Rio 15 model the sole version produced and is made from aluminum tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 9.4 m (30.8 ft) span wing has a nose angle of 120° and an aspect ratio of 6:1. The acceptable pilot hook-in weight is 61 to 95 kg (134 to 209 lb). The model number indicates the wing area in square metres.[1]

The glider can be broken down to a 27.3 kg (60 lb) package, 3.8 m (12.5 ft) in length for ground transportation on a car top.[2]

Specifications (Rio 15)

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Data from Avian[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 9.4 m (30 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 15 m2 (160 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 6:1
  • Empty weight: 25.5 kg (56 lb) rigged ready for flight
  • Gross weight: 135.5 kg (299 lb)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 24 km/h (15 mph, 13 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 80 km/h (50 mph, 43 kn) in turbulent air
  • Rate of sink: 1.0 m/s (200 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 9.0 kg/m2 (1.8 lb/sq ft)

References

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  1. ^ a b c Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 42. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ^ a b c d Avian Limited (n.d.). "Rio 15". Archived from the original on 6 January 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
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