Aerodyne Shaman

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Shaman
Role Paraglider
National origin France
Manufacturer Aerodyne Technologies
Designer Michel Le Blanc
Status Production completed

The Aerodyne Shaman is a series of French single-place paragliders that was designed by Michel Le Blanc and produced by Aerodyne Technologies of Talloires.[1]

Design and development[edit]

The Shaman was designed as a high-performance cross country glider intended for experienced paraglider pilots, with the four models each named for their relative size. The design borrows from the Aerodyne Blaster's profile, with an emphasis on high-speed stability.[1][2]

The small, medium and large sizes were developed and certified first as AFNOR Performance, with the extra-small size developed and certified later.[2]

The glider was available in two versions, "standard" and "full race", the latter with trimmers and thin lines on the upper line system.[2]

Operational history[edit]

Shamans were flown by four pilots in ten Paragliding World Cup competition races, between April 2004 and March 2011.[3]

Variants[edit]

Shaman XS
Extra small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.7 m (38.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 22.70 m2 (244.3 sq ft), 69 cells and the aspect ratio is 6:1. The pilot weight range is 63 to 75 kg (139 to 165 lb). The glider model is AFNOR P certified.[1]
Shaman S
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 12 m (39.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 24.30 m2 (261.6 sq ft), 69 cells and the aspect ratio is 6:1. The pilot weight range is 70 to 82 kg (154 to 181 lb). The glider model is AFNOR P certified.[1]
Shaman M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.6 m (41.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.45 m2 (284.7 sq ft), 69 cells and the aspect ratio is 6:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). The glider model is AFNOR P certified.[1]
Shaman L
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 13.1 m (43.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28.70 m2 (308.9 sq ft), 69 cells and the aspect ratio is 6:1. The pilot weight range is 97 to 120 kg (214 to 265 lb). The glider model is AFNOR P certified.[1]

Specifications (Shaman M)[edit]

Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 12.6 m (41 ft 4 in)
  • Wing area: 26.45 m2 (284.7 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 6:1

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 52 km/h (32 mph, 28 kn)

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 10. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ^ a b c "Aerodyne Shaman". All Aero. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  3. ^ "Gliders from this manufacturer in results database". Paragliding World Cup. Retrieved 11 January 2019.