The aircraft was introduced before 2003 and production ended in about 2008 when the model was discontinued. The company no longer manufactures powered parachutes.[2]
The Air-Chopper was designed to comply with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight category, including the category's maximum gross weight of 4500NaN0. The aircraft has a maximum gross weight of 3760NaN0. It employs a 51m2 Cruiser 26 Elan rectangular canopy or, optionally, a Chiron Sycon-Aircraft elliptical parachute-style wing. Features include two-seats-in-tandem accommodation with dual throttles, tricycle landing gear and a single 640NaN0 Rotax 582 engine in pusher configuration with a 2.62:1 "E" gearbox driving a contra-rotating Coax-P aircraft propeller to eliminate torque effects.[1] [3]
The aircraft carriage is built from bolted 6082-T6 aluminium tubing with 7075-T6 aluminium hardware, plus steel bolts. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has handlebar-controlled nosewheel steering similar to a motorcycle. The main landing gear incorporates fibreglass spring rod suspension. Factory options included balloon tires, leather seats, a front wheel brake,front headlight, side panniers and dual control canopy steering.[1] [3]
The aircraft has an empty weight of 1560NaN0 and a gross weight of 3760NaN0, giving a useful load of 2200NaN0. With full fuel of the payload for crew and baggage is 1940NaN0.[1]