Icaro 2000 Pit-trike
The Electric Trike developed by

Manfred Ruhmer is flying
 
available also with:
  • 2 stroke Simonini motor

  • 4 stroke Bailey motor
Manfred is 3 times hang gliding world champion, 4 times european champion as well as holder of the absolute distance world record at 701 km

1
Principal features        (Index)

2
Introduction

Icaro 2000, one of the most important hang glider manufacturers in the world, has extended its range with a series of single-seat Light Trikes, which can be used with a conventional hang glider and a lightweight engine for a totally new dimension of flight.

The Icaro 2000 Pit-trike is available in a futuristic electric version, or with conventional internal combustion engines.

4
Electric or petrol engine: pros and cons

The latest developments in accumulator technology make it possible to fly for up to one hour, using just the power of the electric motor.

The principal advantage of the electric motor is its very low noise output, about 49 decibels. From a distance of 100/200 metres or more, the motor is virtually inaudible. This makes it possible to fly over residential areas, or over locations where noise restrictions would normally make powered flight impossible.

Running costs are very low, less than 1 euro of electric current for an hour's flight. Maintenance costs are likewise minimal.
This is a style of flying that could accurately be described as “plug and play”!

No more problems with greasy hands, starting problems and so forth, typical of internal combustion engines.
 
The electric motor virtually eliminates all vibration when used with a correctly balanced propeller. This, together with the low noise, ensures maximum pilot comfort during flight.

High-tech accumulators can be recharged rapidly, in times comparable to or less than flight time, using the correct form of charger.

However, petrol engines do offer some advantages.
Of these, undoubtedly the most important is the increased flight time, and as a result an increased range.

Icaro 2000 can supply the single-seater Light Trike in a version with a 4-stroke Bailey engine, which, in comparison to conventional 2-stroke engines, has lower noise levels and a more pleasant sound. In addition, the 4-stroke engine has lower fuel consumption, and the advantages of an independent lubrication system.

50
Version with electric motor

51
the motor

The HPD (High Power Direct) motor was developed by Werner Eck and is distributed by Flytec.
It is a brushless, rotating-can motor which directly powers a 1.4 m diameter folding-blade propeller, with no reduction gear.

2 Motors are available:

Flytec HPD10 10 kw Electronic system Flytec MMS 10 Weight 5 kg
Flytec HPD13.5 13,5 kw Electronic system Flytec MMS 13.5 Weight 6 kg


For further details on the electric motor, see the following websites:

www.geigerengineering.de/avionik-elektroantriebssystem

www.flytec.ch/e-drive/e-motor.htm

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the regulator

The motor is regulated by the MMS system (Motor Management System).

An advanced control system prevents accidental motor activation. If essential parameters are exceeded, the power supplied is automatically reduced, and the pilot is informed of the problem by means of an error message on the control interface.

The motor's functioning is constantly monitored by an interface that displays all operational parameters, such as voltage, power in amp-hours, current absorption, motor temperature, the Motor Management System, the state of the accumulators, and so forth.

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the batteries

Various accumulator systems are available.

The standard accumulator is a 24 Ah lithium ion model, providing a flight time of about 20 minutes with an RX18 or RX21 wing and an 80 kg pilot.

Two batteries connected in parallel (48 Ah) provide a flight time of 40 minutes.

Using a modern rapid-charge lithium polymer accumulator, flight time can be extended to about 30 minutes, or up to one hour's flight when two of these accumulators are connected in parallel, providing a total of 80 Ah.

The maximum flight time varies according to pilot weight, the style of flying, and the surface area of the wing.

3 Flytec batteries type are available:
LiIon 24 Ah 12,5 kg LiPo 40 Ah, 16 kg LiPo 60 Ah, 22 kg

60
Version with combustion engine

Two types of petrol engine are available with Icaro 2000's Pit-trike.

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the 4 stroke Bailey motor

the new Bailey 4-stroke engine can be used. This has a compact structure and low weight, and it is available in two versions, the Bailey 180 V3, 18 HP, and the Bailey 4V 200, 22 HP and with 4 valves.

Both engines fit a Helix carbon propeller with a diameter of 1.3 m.

The advantages offered by the Bailey engine with respect to a two-stroke engine comprise reduced consumption, lower noise levels and a more pleasant sound. In addition, the 4-stroke Bailey has an independent lubrication system – in other words, it is not necessary to add oil to the petrol. Both types are supplied with electric starting.

For further information on Bailey engines, see the website: www.baileyaviation.com/engines.html

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the 2 stroke Simonini motor

The Simonini 1 Plus engine, a tried and trusted 2-stroke engine, is the cheapest power plant available for the Pit Trike.

For further information on Simonini engines, see the website: www.simonini-flying.com/victor1_eng.htm

63
the gasoline tank

The tank capacity is approximately 8 litres

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The folding propeller

The folding-blade propeller in carbon fibre was specially developed for the electric motor.

It has a diameter of 1.4 metres, and it guarantees high propulsive efficiency.

80
The frame

Weight in flight Electric 50 kg Bailey 50 kg Simonini 50 kg
Measures ready to fly Height 2270 mm Wide 1600 mm Length 2050 mm
Measures folded
(without propeller)		 Height 920 mm Wide 520 mm Length 2020 mm
Brake disk very confortable seat easy to fold

100
The most suitable hang glider

Just about any normal hang glider can be used with Icaro 2000's Pit Trike, ensuring that the total weight of the system (trike, wing, pilot) does not exceed the maximum certified weight for the wing in question.

Icaro 2000 recommends two sizes of hang glider for the Pit-trike.

The simplest hang glider in Icaro 2000's range, the RX, in RX 18 or RX 21 versions, is ideal for enjoyable and stress-free flying. This glider's size and characteristics make it ideal for beginners.

For professional pilots, Icaro 2000 recommends the MastR, in size L.

Our company is committed to continuously improving the safety, comfort and design of our products.
Therefore we reserve the right to modify the characteristics in any way, without any prior notice.

Nearly all photos on this website can be downloaded without any restrictions.
There is only a copyright if you read the name of the fotographer near the picture.

Icaro, Icaro 2000 and 4fight are registrated trade marks of:
Icaro 2000 srl, Italy    vat nr. it 01265610129