The Apco Prima (English: first) is an Israeli single-place, paraglider that was designed and produced by Apco Aviation of Caesarea. It has been in production since the early 1990s and remained in production through 2016..
Design and development
The Prima was designed as a beginner glider for use in flight training of students for both gliding and paramotor flying.
The glider is made from Gelvenor 42 g/m2 "Zero Porosity" ripstop nylon.
The design has progressed through four generations of models, the Prima, Prima 2, 3 and 4, each improving on the last. The Prima 4 incorporates leading edge battens and an improved landing flare capability. The models are each named for their rough wing area in square metres.
Prima II 22
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 8.51 m (27.9 ft) span wing has a wing area of 22.5 m
2 (242 sq ft), 20 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.22:1. The pilot weight range is 50 to 65 kg (110 to 143 lb).
Prima II 30
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 10.76 m (35.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.40 m
2 (316.5 sq ft), 25 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.94:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Standard certified.
Prima 4 22
Extra small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 8.51 m (27.9 ft) span wing has a wing area of 22.5 m
2 (242 sq ft), 20 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.22:1. The glider empty weight is 4.6 kg (10 lb) and the pilot weight range is 50 to 65 kg (110 to 143 lb). The glider model is not certified.
Prima 4 24
Small-sized model for light-weight pilots. Its 8.96 m (29.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 23.9 m
2 (257 sq ft), 21 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.36:1. The glider empty weight is 4.8 kg (11 lb) and pilot weight range is 60 to 78 kg (132 to 172 lb). The glider model is CEN/AFNOR Standard certified.
Prima 4 27
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 9.86 m (32.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.7 m
2 (287 sq ft), 23 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.65:1. The glider empty weight is 5.4 kg (12 lb) and pilot weight range is 70 to 90 kg (154 to 198 lb). The glider model is CEN/AFNOR Standard certified.
Prima 4 30
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 10.76 m (35.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.4 m
2 (316 sq ft), 25 cells and the aspect ratio is 3.94:1. The glider empty weight is 5.9 kg (13 lb) and pilot weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). The glider model is CEN/AFNOR Standard certified.
Prima 4 33
Extra large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 11.66 m (38.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 32.14 m
2 (346.0 sq ft), 27 cells and the aspect ratio is 4.2:1. The glider empty weight is 6.4 kg (14 lb) and pilot weight range is 95 to 120 kg (209 to 265 lb). The glider model is not certified.
Data from Bertrand
General characteristics
Crew: one
Wingspan: 10.76 m (35 ft 4 in)
Wing area: 29.40 m2 (316.5 sq ft)
Aspect ratio: 3.94:1
Performance
Maximum speed: 39 km/h (24 mph; 21 kn)
Rate of sink: 1.3 m/s (260 ft/min)
