The Paladin Hercules is an American powered parachute, designed and produced by Paladin Industries of Pennsauken, New Jersey.
Contents
Design and development
The Hercules was designed as a heavy-lift, two-seat powered parachute and as such it has a useful load of 600 lb (272 kg). It features a parachute-style high-wing, two-seats-in-tandem accommodation, tricycle landing gear and a single 80 hp (60 kW) or 110 hp (82 kW) Hirth F-30 engine in pusher configuration.
The aircraft carriage is constructed from a combination of bolted aluminium and 4130 steel tubing. Inflight steering is accomplished via a weight-shift tilt-bar that actuates the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The factory-provided canopy is an Apco Ram Air with an area of 550 sq ft (51 m2). The landing gear incorporates independent hydraulic struts for suspension. The aircraft is factory-supplied in the form of an assembly kit that requires 50 hours to complete.
Reviewer Andre Cliche described the Hercules as "a heavy hauler brute powered by an amazing 110 hp Hirth 4-cylinder two-stroke engine."
Specifications (Hercules)
Data from Manufacturer
General characteristics
Performance