The Helite Tsunami (English: Tidal Wave) is a French high-wing, single-place, rigid-wing hang glider that was designed by Gérard Thevenot and produced by La Mouette under the Helite brand.[1]
| Tsunami | |
|---|---|
| Role | Hang glider |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | La Mouette |
| Designer | Gérard Thevenot |
| Status | Production completed |
| Developed from | La Mouette Top Secret |
Design and development
editThe Tsunami was developed from the La Mouette Top Secret as a rigid wing competition hang glider. Thevenot decided to market it under his Helite brand which was also used for a line of powered parachutes. Available c. 2003, the aircraft is now out of production and the brand is no longer used.[1]
The aircraft is made from tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. Its 12.9 m2 (138.9 sq ft) area wing is a "topless" design with no kingpost. The nose angle is 145°.[1]
Operational history
editThe Tsunami won a number of hang gliding championships in the rigid wing class.[1]
Specifications
editData from Bertrand[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wing area: 12.9 m2 (139 sq ft)