Independence Dragon

The Independence Dragon is a German single-place, paraglider that was designed by Michaël Nesler and produced by Independence Paragliding of Eisenberg, Thuringia. It is now out of production.[1]

Dragon
Role Paraglider
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Independence Paragliding
Designer Michaël Nesler
Status Production completed
Produced early 2000s

Design and development

The Dragon was designed as a beginner-intermediate glider. The design progressed through two generations of models, the Dragon and Dragon 2. The models are each named for their relative size.[1]

Company test pilot Christian Amon was also involved in the development as well as flight testing of the Dragon.[1]

Variants
Dragon 2 S
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.6 m (38.1 ft) span wing has a wing area of 24.07 m2 (259.1 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.5:1. The pilot weight range is 65 to 85 kg (143 to 187 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]
Dragon 2 M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.5 m (41.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.83 m2 (299.6 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.5:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 105 kg (176 to 231 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]
Dragon 2 L
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 13.0 m (42.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.68 m2 (330.2 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.5:1. The pilot weight range is 100 to 125 kg (220 to 276 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]
Dragon 2 XL
Extra large-sized model for much heavier pilots. Its 13.5 m (44.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 33.1 m2 (356 sq ft), 40 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.5:1. The pilot weight range is 100 to 135 kg (220 to 298 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]

Specifications (Dragon 2 L)

Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 13.0 m (42 ft 8 in)
  • Wing area: 30.68 m2 (330.2 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 5.5:1

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 52 km/h (32 mph, 28 kn)

References
  1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 20. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
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