Homebuilt Powered Paraglider Quad

Hi folks:

New the forum and starting on a project to build my own powered paraglider quad similar to this:

http://www.greeneagleppg.com/models/

I like working in aluminum and using the joinery techniques of the Green Eagle and the Quicksilver ultralight. I've done some preliminary calculations using Daniel Raymer's excel spreadsheet from his simplified aircraft design book for both 36 and 42 square meter paragliders. Not quite sure what to use for a powerplant/prop combo yet.

Anybody have experience/interest here?

I've got a dual degree in math and computers, and I'm not afraid to use either one to help with the process. I've got a copy of Raymer's design concept book and the student aircraft design software too. I am not currently a pilot, and locating training will be an issue also. There is a Blackhawk dealer fairly close who trains quads/trikes, but they're fairly expensive if I have my own equipment. At this point, I've purchased some used equipment to to some preliminary testing which I will probably sell later since I'm pretty sure it's not quite up to the task but will help me learn about the engineering/build issues.

Thanks, Michael

Welcome to the forum.
The link shows two similar models. Why is the first called a PPG and the second called a PPC?

PPG is a Powered ParaGlider and PPC is a Powered ParaChute. They are different types of fabric wings and use different types of controls. The paragliders are cheaper, faster, and more maneuverable.

I forgot to mention that I'm developing for FAR Part 103.

Some nice design ideas here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPg-pEUYbD8&t=990s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNeLtU9sGCU

and here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWKEp7mGLE8&t=43s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTkxqHfAt3o

The best place for ppg advice is the ppgbiglist yahoo group. There's also a ppghomebuilt yahoo group.

I'm interested in following your progress so if you put up a webpage or Facebook group post a link.

Particularly interested in the nuts and bolts part. I'm a hobby machinist A&P.

Thanks Dana - I'll check those out. Not quite sure how I'll post things, Is this not a good place to do that? I just bought a 36hp Subaru 4-stroke, so onward and upward...

Post your progress here. There is a button on the reply window for adding photos.

OK, I'll post here. I just purchased a 36hp Subaru 4-stroke engine for the project. I've also got a used 36m tandem paraglider (probably only for test development and not flight) , poly racing seat with a 5-point harness, and 4 wheels with replacement sealed ball bearings.

They had a PPG simulator set up at Oshkosh 2017 at the Ultralight tent. It was pretty cool with a real harness and seat and overhead pull handles and virtual goggles. It felt very real. Actually easy. Getting launched is the hard part.

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Originally Posted by Michael Miles

Thanks Dana - I'll check those out. Not quite sure how I'll post things, Is this not a good place to do that? I just bought a 36hp Subaru 4-stroke, so onward and upward...

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Posting here is fine, I just suggested those other sites because that's where most of the ppg pilots hang out, lots of expertise there.

Ok, the engine, prop, redrive, and bearing puller is in the mail. I'll post some pics when I get them. Michael

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Michael Miles

Ok, the engine, prop, redrive, and bearing puller is in the mail. I'll post some pics when I get them. Michael

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What part of the country are you in Michael?

Grazhopper is a nice machine. http://www.airparamo.com/equipment/t...azhopper.shtml

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jedi

What part of the country are you in Michael?

Grazhopper is a nice machine

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I'm in eastern NC. I'm building a Quad - are there plans or kits for a quad grazhopper? I'm building a quad because I think they are safer. I saw a trike crash and flip over on its side during landing, and I'd like to have the extra ground stability of a quad. I also want all the advantages of a 4-stroke engine

OK, I think what I'll do is use this thread to document the overall project, and I'll post links to specific questions I ask in other threads. Here's the first one on swapping for sealed ball bearings in the wheels:

http://eaaforums.org/showthread.php?...pping-question

Michael

Picture of engine and seat on lift cart with wheels. Note the front wheel has the new sealed ball bearings.

Redrive unit and 59 inch prop:

OK, I emailed Ashton Brunner at http://flygreeneagle.com/ about plans for the Green Eagle PPG, and will let you know what the scoop is.

Michael

Michael;

You look well qualified in the design/build department. I see no problems and the tandem wing will do well. OK if used should do fine. After soome work with it you can have it inspected for airworthiness.

I strongly recommend getting some instruction when the time comes. Another pilot if not a PPG/CFI. You will drive yourself crazy otherwise and brake a lot of expensive equipment. I am on www.homebuiltairplanes.com post there also. Contact me at HBA when nearly ready to fly if you have no other instruction.

Hi folks:

Just wanted to bump the thread. I've been on hold due to financials (as is usual with this hobby), but I've been thinking (still free). I spoke with Ashton Brunner, and he gave me a lot to think about. In particular, it seems like I won't be able to bend the frame myself (requires specialized expensive equipment), but I may be able to buy a frame alone from him. He said I've got a good engine for the application. In addition, I'm waffling between the paraglider and powered parachute wing. I'll post the latest thoughts and info soon.

Michael

I have a set of carbon fiber wings from a Swift glider. Can someone push me in the right direction to sell them?

Whoops! I think you accidentally hijacked my build thread lima tango - please post in a new topic.

OK, here are a couple high load rating tandem wings I'm thinking about (input welcome):

Bi-shuttle 41: http://flyppg.com/Paramotors/Wings (837 lb. load rating)

Gin 42 trike: http://gingliders.com/paragliders/safari/ (813 lb. load rating) don't know if this is available in the US?

Any other suggestions? I'm going to start a topic post on Paraglider wing vs. parachute wing and post the link here. As per my previous, I'm doing small posts on individual issues and posting the results here.

OK, this one is a PPC configuration with an optional 350kg load:

http://www.apcoaviation.com/products...oduct=lift2ppc

the updated link for the Apco wing:

https://www.apcoaviation.com/lift-2-ppc/

and the connection spacing specs (finally!):

https://www.apcoaviation.com/wp-cont...n-to-Trike.pdf

OK folks - I'm going to try posting here first and may start a new thread if I don't get any responses.

The uncontrolled airport nearest me is not level. In fact, it goes downhill for half the length and uphill for the rest. So, I think I'll need brakes to control my PPC during takeoff and landing.

I'm thinking about using differential braking on my quad to steer the PPC on the ground. I'd put the discs on the rear wheels of the quad. I'm thinking I'd use Azusa 8 inch wheels:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...zusa8astro.php

With Shimano hydralic disc brakes and 8 inch (or smaller) discs:

https://www.bikenashbar.com/cycling/...set-sh-blm8000
https://www.bikenashbar.com/cycling/...md-adbr03-base

I would prefer not to caster the front wheels - do you folks think this setup would provide enough ground steering?

Thanks, Michael

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Originally Posted by Michael Miles

I would prefer not to caster the front wheels - do you folks think this setup would provide enough ground steering?

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If the front wheels are fixed, they will have to slide across the surface to change direction, no?

Yes, but that would be true of any quad wheel system that does not have fully articulated wheels which align the the turning radius. One way to think of it working in the extreme is locking one wheel then all the other wheels would pivot around that wheel. If one wheel is braked while they are all moving then it would follow a larger arc.

OK, I'm back on the project with some progress in Solidworks - love the support here on the EAA forums - thanks folks!

I was thinking about using a race car fuel cell for the safety features, and Solidworks helped me identify a possible issue (the filler hole is dead center in the top - hard to get to). The models were all on grabcad, and I just did some scaling:

I have a Green Eagle, and it would be a disastrous problem to not be able to steer. That goes for both take off and landing. Not every time, but a lot of times you'll need steering to stay upright. Not so much while you're in the air[emoji16]




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Finally renewed my EAA membership....

Thanks to fhu677 for the Green Eagle reality check - I'm presuming you have the PPG version - true? I'm doing a PPC, so some thing are different (like my feet are used for parachute steering).

OK, I tried my brake steering idea, and the previous poster who mentioned skidding gets the prize. I'll post a picture of my test rig - it was good to finally build something. I've also got a piece of aluminum in the lathe to make a brake rotor adapter for the wheelbarrow wheels, so pictures coming of that too.

Great to be back, Michael

Hi folks!

Osh21 is reviving my enthusiasm for this project, so I'd like to revive this thread. I've made a bit of progress since the last post (notice, it was just prior to Covid Mania). I've spoken with a project manager friend, and he recommended some free project management tools to plan how to proceed. I general:

1) I'm going to do an aircart build first to test subsystems out using my baby redrive.
2) I'll also work on the frame design. I'd prefer to use an existing design, but it
looks like those are hard/impossible to find. I've found some aircraft structural
textbooks to start reading.

OK, that's it for now. As Mike Patey says, "time to get to work!"