The XIX Top is a series of Swiss single-place paragliders, that was designed by Michi Kobler and produced by XIX GmbH of Kronbühl in the mid-2000s. It is now out of production.[1]

Top
Role Paraglider
National origin Switzerland
Manufacturer XIX GmbH
Designer Michi Kobler
Status Production completed
Produced mid-2000s

Design and development

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The Top was designed as a performance cross country glider. The design progressed through several generations of models, each improving on the last. The models are each named for their relative size.[1]

Variants

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Top 2 M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.5 m (41.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28 m2 (300 sq ft), 56 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.9:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 104 kg (176 to 229 lb). The glider model is Deutscher Hängegleiterverband e.V. (DHV) 2-3 certified.[1]
Top 2 L
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 13.5 m (44.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.4 m2 (327 sq ft), 58 cells and the aspect ratio is 6:1. The pilot weight range is 90 to 117 kg (198 to 258 lb). The glider model is DHV 2-3 certified.[1]

Specifications (Top 2 M)

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Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 12.5 m (41 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 28 m2 (300 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 5.9:1

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 60 km/h (37 mph, 32 kn)
  • Rate of sink: 1.0 m/s (200 ft/min)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 38. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X