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The Rad SXL Custom is a British paramotor that was designed by John Radford and produced by Rad Aviation of Kidlington for powered paragliding. Now out of production, when it was available the aircraft was supplied complete and ready-to-fly.

Design and development

The SXL Custom was designed with a focus on lightness. It was intended to comply with the US FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles rules as well as European regulations. It features a paraglider-style wing, single-place accommodation and a single 14 hp (10 kW) Radne Raket 120 engine in pusher configuration with a 3:1 ratio reduction drive, recoil start and a 95 cm (37 in) diameter three-bladed, ground adjustable, composite propeller. The fuel tank capacity is 8 litres (1.8 imp gal; 2.1 US gal). The aircraft chassis is built from a combination of high-tensile steel. An optional completely dismantle-able cage was a factory option to improve ground portability.

Acceptable pilot weight is up to 100 kg (220 lb).

As is the case with all paramotors, take-off and landing is accomplished by foot. Inflight steering is accomplished via handles that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw.

Specifications (SXL Custom)

Data from Bertrand

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Empty weight: 13.5 kg (30 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 8 litres (1.8 imp gal; 2.1 US gal)
• Powerplant: 1 × Radne Raket 120 single cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled aircraft engine, with a 3:1 reduction drive, 10 kW (14 hp)
• Propellers: 3-bladed ground adjustable, composite, 0.95 m (3 ft 1 in) diameter

References

1. ^ Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 74. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X

• Rad aircraft
• 2000s British ultralight aircraft
• Single-engined pusher aircraft
• Paramotors