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Calipt'Air Walabis Bi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Walabis Bi
Role Paraglider
National origin Switzerland
Manufacturer Calipt'Air
Status Production completed
Produced mid-2000s

The Calipt'Air Walabis Bi is a Swiss two-place paraglider that was designed and produced by Calipt'Air of Spiez. It is now out of production.[1]

Design and development

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The Walabis Bi was designed as a tandem glider for flight training. The Bi designation indicates "bi-place" or two seater. It shares a common design heritage with the Sky Paragiders Golem.[1]

The aircraft's 14.65 m (48.1 ft) span wing has 56 cells, a wing area of 40.5 m2 (436 sq ft) and an aspect ratio of 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 140 to 210 kg (309 to 463 lb). The glider is AFNOR Biplace certified.[1]

Operational history

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Reviewer Noel Bertrand noted in a 2003 review that the Walabis Bi had become a noted popular choice of wings for professional pilots giving tandem rides.[1]

Specifications (Walabis Bi)

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Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 14.65 m (48 ft 1 in)
  • Wing area: 40.5 m2 (436 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 5.1:1

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 44 km/h (27 mph, 24 kn)
  • Rate of sink: 1.2 m/s (240 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 14. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X