Like many businesses in the fun flying community,
Powrachute is too modest and slow to provide news so we stopped in
to see what is happening.
Powrachute has three basic models: PC2000, Sky Rascal and
Pegasus (in order of development).
The PC2000, Powrachute's original design hit the sky in the late
90's with significant improvements over its competitors. For
example, the two-seater PC2000 has frontal bars for roll over
protection. These beefy tubes come from the nosewheel, up and
over the pilot(s), to the top of the cage.
Also an innovation, was the spring-over-shock suspension
replacing the industry standard fiberglass spring rod. Yet
another idea originally introduced by Powrachute is the combination
ground steering and towing bar. Even more, both lower frame rails
are solid lengths where competitors use shorter tubing sections
joined by fittings. Consistent with the theme of avoiding tubing
joints, the entire airframe is constructed of custom bent tubing
specifically designed to avoid tubing joints. Joints usually
necessitate custom fittings, and bring potential for problems with
hardware and corrosion.
The second design to be offered by Powrachute was
the single seat Rascal. This sporty model included all of the
advantages of the original PC 2000, but introduced a huge design
advancement: high attach points for the 'chute. The sling seat was
also adopted as the most comfortable for long flights.
The most recent, premier, machine that has integrated all of the
above features and more, is the Pegasus. In addition, this
machine employs dual spring-over-shocks, and this two-seater
utilizes the high attach points for the 'chute.
As explained by Powrachute's Eddie Johnson, the importance
of high (and closer together) attach points has to do with
in-flight stability between the cart and the canopy. Moving
the attach points up, and in, means that the cart is more "one"
with the canopy. When a lower attached 'chute is gusted from
the side, the wide and low attach points on each side of the cart
induce a swing and twisting movement. With the high, narrow
attach points, there is much less tendency for swing and
twist. This is especially important when landing.
Manufacturing Specifications:
-
Height 83.5 inches
- Width 73 inches
- Length 128 inches
TB582B Basic Dual
- Weight 355 lbs.
- With chute and risers 380 lbs.
TB Dual Deluxe
- Weight 360 lbs.
- With chute and risers 385 lbs.
TB582E Dual Deluxe
- Weight 390 lbs.
- With chute and risers 415 lbs.