Powered harness

[Blaine]

Anyone have any experience flying with a powered harness? It has never been something I had considered but it seems like it might be an option to get in more flight time.

[callen]

Blaine,
I have an Explorer LD I would consider selling. The experience will depend greatly on the glider you fly it with. Let me know if you have an interest.

Charles

[Blaine]

Charles,
I've been kicking the idea around and I don't really have the money on hand to buy right now, but it does interest me. I would start with my Falcon and hopefully move up to my Sport 2 if I bought one. I am not familiar with the Explorer but after a quick Google search it seems to be very similar to a Misquito. Does it have a folding prop or electric start? Any thought as to how much you would want to sell it for?

[krryerson]

Give Reidar Berntsen in Norway a call. Not kidding… .

He is an old friend and have been experimenting with HG electric motors for 3 years. Personally, think this is the way to go. I am sure he would love to tell you what to do and how to build one.

Reidar is a very talented engineer/hang glider pilot that also did meet Zac and Wolfi in June 2016.

Check video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSM9u3zkhDI

Will be happy to assist you with more contact information if needed.
Knut

[Blaine]

Knut,
I've been watching his youtube videos over the past months. I'd love to build one. I was thinking about getting a gas powered unit now if I could find one at a decent price and looking into converting it when I had the time.

[callen]

Blaine,
The Explorer LD I have has an electric start and wood prop (with brake). It has the same motor / drive train as a mosquito but not as slick a harness. I upgraded the battery to a LiFePO4 and have it in a fire proof bag to be extra safe (I don't recommend Lipo). I would sell if for $2k they typically sell used for $4-5k http://www.blueskyhg.com/products.aspx?Prod=4&Manu=15. Also I'll be at my place 20min north of Harrisburg for all of August if you want to come have a look. Bluesky is also the place to go to get it fitted to your glider and get trained on proper procedures.

The big difference between a gas and electric is flight time. A gas harness can give you up to 1.5hrs of flight time including take off (i think more with 2 tanks). An ehelp is tops 20-30min with a lot of dangerous lipo's strapped to your back. I'm also looking at building an electric rig as well but would not do an ehelp. I'm interested in either a rig for 5-10min of thermal finding assist or 5 min of power to launch. If you just want to fly around in calm weather and / or go XC under power than a gas harness is the right choice. If you want to be in rock and role thermals mid day I don't recommend either electric (ehelp) or gas harnesses.

I'll ring you to discuss.

Charles

[callen]

Knut,
Can you send me Reidar Berntsen info?

Charles

[CraginS]

Contact Steve Wendt at Blue Sky. He is a dealer.