The La Mouette Skybike is a line of French paramotors that was designed and produced by La Mouette of Fontaine-lès-Dijon for powered paragliding.[1][2][3]

Skybike
Role Paramotor
National origin France
Manufacturer La Mouette
Status Production completed

Design and development

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The aircraft was designed to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules. It features a paraglider-style high-wing, single-place or two-place-in-tandem accommodation and a single engine in pusher configuration. As is the case with all paramotors, take-off and landing is accomplished by foot.[1][3]

A three-wheeled tricycle unit was a factory option for all models that converts the paramotor into a powered parachute.[2]

Variants

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Skybike SR210
Base model, equipped with a 18 hp (13 kW) Solo 210 powerplant. With a 59 lb (27 kg) empty weight it can accommodate pilot weights from 120 to 220 lb (54 to 100 kg) with a canopy of 320 sq ft (30 m2). An electric starter was a factory option. It sold for US$6,000 in 2001.[1][2][3]
Skybike ZR250
Higher-powered model, equipped with a 22 hp (16 kW) Zenoah G-25 powerplant. With an 80 lb (36 kg) empty weight, it can accommodate pilot weights from 170 to 440 lb (77 to 200 kg) with a canopy of 320 sq ft (30 m2). An electric starter and after-muffler were factory options. It sold for US$6,000 in 2001.[1][2][3]
Skybike ZR250 Bi
Higher-powered model for two place tandem flying, equipped with a 22 hp (16 kW) Zenoah G-25 powerplant. It can accommodate pilot weights up to 440 lb (200 kg) with a canopy of 430 sq ft (40 m2). An electric starter and after-muffler were factory options. It sold for US$7,000 in 2001.[1][3]

Specifications (SR210)

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Data from Cliche, Kitplanes[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 2 ft (0.61 m) (engine unit only)
  • Height: 3 ft (0.91 m) (engine unit only)
  • Wing area: 320 sq ft (30 m2)
  • Empty weight: 59 lb (27 kg)
  • Gross weight: 280 lb (127 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 2 U.S. gallons (7.6 L; 1.7 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Solo 210 single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, 18 hp (13 kW)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 25 mph (40 km/h, 22 kn)
  • Range: 50 mi (80 km, 43 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,000 m)
  • Rate of climb: 400 ft/min (2.0 m/s)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page D-27. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
  2. ^ a b c d e Downey, Julia: 2000 Trike and 'Chute Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 17, Number 2, February 2000, page 52. Kitplanes Acquisition Company. ISSN 0891-1851
  3. ^ a b c d e Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003–04, page 68. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X