Sol Kangaroo Explained
The
Sol Kangaroo is a Brazilian two-place
paraglider that was designed and produced by
Sol Paragliders of
Jaraguá do Sul starting in the mid-2000s. It remained in production as the Kangaroo 4 in 2016.
[1] [2] Design and development
The Kangaroo was designed as a tandem glider for flight training and as such is referred to as the Kangaroo Bi, indicating "bi-place" or two seater.[1]
The original Kangaroo was only available in one size, while the latest Kangaroo 4 is made in three sizes.[2]
The design has progressed through four generations of models, the Kangaroo 1, 2, 3 and 4 each improving on the last. The models are each named for their relative size.[1]
The Kangaroo 4 wing upper and lower surfaces are made from WTX 40 gr/m2 Nylon 6.6 HT PU+Silicone, the wing ribs and Pro-Nyl 42 gr/m2 Nylon 6.6 HT PU hard, with front profile nylon battens. The lines are Cousin Vectran ULTIMATE of 0.6 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm and 1.4 mm diameters as well as Cousin Technora Superaram lines of 1.5 mm, 2.1 mm and 2.5 mm diameters. The risers are fabricated from Premium 19 x 2,0 mm flat multi Bl. 1.600 kg strapping. The carabiners are Ansung Precision 4mm 800 kg units while the pulleys are Nautos/SOL made.[2]
The company says that the Kangaroo 4 should only be flown by experienced tandem pilots, as its handling and performance is similar to high performance paragliders.[2]
Variants
- Kangaroo 1 Bi
One size produced. Its 14.61NaN1 span wing has a wing area of 42m2, 48 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 140to. The glider model is AFNOR Biplace certified.[1]
- Kangaroo 4 S
Small-sized model for lighter crew. Its 14.741NaN1 span wing has a wing area of 34.8m2, 65 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.25:1. The take-off weight range is 140to and the glide ratio 10.6:1. The glider model is LTF/EN C certified.[1]
- Kangaroo 4 M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight crew. Its 15.021NaN1 span wing has a wing area of 36.99m2, 65 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.25:1. The take-off weight range is 140to and the glide ratio 10.6:1. The glider model is LTF/EN C certified.[1]
- Kangaroo 4 L
Large-sized model for heavier crew. Its 15.811NaN1 span wing has a wing area of 40.01m2, 65 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.25:1. The take-off weight range is 160to and the glide ratio 10.6:1. The glider model is LTF/EN C certified.[1] Notes and References
- Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 31. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003.
- Web site: Kangaroo 4. 15 November 2016. Sol Paragliders.
