Apco Keara

Design and development

The Keara was designed as an intermediate glider. The four models are each named for their relative size. The glider was named for Kiara, the main protagonist of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, the daughter of Simba and Nala.

The Keara introduced HIT Valves (High-Speed Intake Valves) with the intention to improve stability and performance at high speeds and at low angles of attack.

Variants

Keara XS

Extra small-sized model for light-weight pilots. Its 11.90 m (39.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 24.50 m² (263.7 sq ft), 40 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.80:1. The pilot weight range is 65 to 100 kg (143 to 220 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Performance certified.

Keara S

Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 12.20 m (40.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25.40 m² (273.4 sq ft), 41 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.90:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). The glider model is DHV 2 and AFNOR Performance certified.

Keara M

Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.90 m (42.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.50 m² (296.0 sq ft), 43 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.10:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 115 kg (209 to 254 lb). The glider model is DHV 2 and AFNOR Performance certified.

Keara L

Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 13.50 m (44.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.20 m² (314.3 sq ft), 45 cells and the aspect ratio is 6.40:1. The pilot weight range is 105 to 130 kg (231 to 287 lb). The glider model is DHV 2 certified.

Specifications (Keara L)

Data from Bertrand

General characteristics

Crew: one

Wingspan: 13.50 m (44 ft 3 in)

Wing area: 29.20 m² (314.3 sq ft)

Aspect ratio: 6.40:1

Performance

Maximum speed: 59 km/h (37 mph; 32 kn)

Rate of sink: 0.9 m/s (180 ft/min)