Ikarus Grasshopper

The Ikarus Grasshopper is a German high-wing, single-place, hang glider, designed by Thomas Pellicci and produced by his company Ikarus Drachen Thomas Pellicci.^[1]

Grasshopper
Role	Hang glider
National origin	Germany
Manufacturer	Ikarus Drachen Thomas Pellicci
Designer	Thomas Pellicci
Status	In production

Design and development

The Grasshopper is intended to be a simple single surface glider with easy handling and modest performance for flight training and school use. It employs a very large wing area, low aspect ratio and low weight to make it easy for students to take-off and land. Unlike many hang glider models, the Grasshopper is available in just one size.^[1][2]

The aircraft is made from aluminum tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 10.2 m (33.5 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost. The nose angle is 120°, wing area is 21 m² (230 sq ft) and the aspect ratio is 4.95:1. The take-off weight range is 68 to 110 kg (150 to 243 lb) and pilot hook-in weight range is 45 to 85 kg (99 to 187 lb). It is certified as DHV Class 1.^[1][2]

Specifications (Grasshopper)

Data from Bertrand and Company^[1][2]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Wingspan: 10.2 m (33 ft 6 in)
• Wing area: 21 m² (230 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 4.95:1
• Empty weight: 23.0 kg (51 lb)
• Gross weight: 110 kg (243 lb)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 54 km/h (34 mph, 29 kn)
• Wing loading: 5.2 kg/m² (1.1 lb/sq ft)