F3 is APCO’s Sport Class cross country paramotor wing. Intended for weekend warriors with a focus on pure, enjoyable, reliable and confidence inspiring performance.
Based on the ground breaking F1, the F3 delivers a similar performance package in a more manageable and easy to fly wing with incomparable safety and stability.
Nicknamed during development “Baby F1” it was conceived out of the success of F1 and shares many of its older brother’s design features.
Situated above the LIFT range and under the F1, the F3 is the perfect upgrade for pilots looking to move up from their school wing. F3 offers real life cross country capabilities in a package that can supply both speed and high adrenaline fun with its agility and responsiveness.
F3 will be equally enjoyed by advanced pilots, who do not need the cutting edge performance and speed offered by the F1 and enjoy more relaxed cruising around and slower take-off and landings.
The F3 is a very light wing! This contributes to its high level of safety and incredible ease of inflation, especially in nil wind take-offs. The reduced amount of inertia, further improves the passive safety, delivering a safe, solid, no compromise design. The weight saving is smartly achieved using lightweight materials on all internal parts and bottom surface, but retaining APCO’s legendary long-lasting fabric on the top surface, insuring the longevity expected from APCO.
As with the F1, incorporated into the F3 is our Flow Aligned Ribs (FAR) feature, morphing direction from center to tip, it aligns the ribs with the natural direction of the flow, increasing both performance and stability throughout the speed range. The roll stability of the F3 is especially impressive, allowing for agile, precise handling.
The canopy incorporates 2 functional “3D cuts” for the best possible leading edge shape definition.
F3 sail tension has been optimized to be a homogeneous unit, solid and reassuring in flight.
The riser / speed system / trim system was re-designed to incorporate all of Apco’s groundbreaking technologies, and has a greater usable range than any wing we have built before. The extensive speed range means you can launch and land at reasonable speeds, but can accelerate (speeds of up to 69 [km/hour]) with comfort during competition, or on the perfect long distance XC flight you’ve been dreaming about.
With the trimmers closed, the F3 will thermal well, and has exceptional glide ratio (for a full reflex profile wing), so if you like to mix it up on a good day, idle or cut the motor and crank it up to cloudbase with ease.
Open the trimmers and enjoy a significant speed increase of approx. 10 [km/h] (without the use of the speed bar).
Choose the speed bar and the OAA system will allow you to accelerate to the maximum in one swift motion!
High Hang-Points? – No Problem! Get the 14KIT…
The F3 can be ordered with the 14KIT installed, or customised with the optional 14KIT, which can be ordered separately at any time. The 14KIT contains longer tip steering lines, and an additional magnet and guide ring which is fitted to the risers when flying a frame with high hang points or a trike.
F3 – Free your mind and the rest will follow…….
| F3 / Size | 22 | 24 | 26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | 22322 | 22324 | 22326 |
| Cells | 56 | 58 | 60 |
| Area [m2] | 22.60 | 24 | 25.40 |
| Area (projected) [m2] | 19.11 | 20.30 | 21.48 |
| Span(incl. Stabiliser) [m] | 11.42 | 12.00 | 12.58 |
| Span (projected) [m] | 9.04 | 9.5 | 9.96 |
| Aspect Ratio | 5.77 | 6.0 | 6.23 |
| Aspect Ratio (projected) | 4.28 | 4.45 | 4.62 |
| Weight Range (all up) Paramotor [kg] | 70-100 | 70-120 | 70-140 |
| Weight Range (all up) ParaTrike [kg] | 70-120 | 70-140 | 70-165 |
| Canopy Weight [kg] | 4.35* | 4.60* | 5.05* |
| Root Cord [m] | 2.42 | 2.42 | 2.42 |
| Tip Chord [m] | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 |
| Length of Lines on B [m] | 6.96 | 7.26 | 7.56 |
| Total Length of Lines [m] | 340 | 356 | 380 |
*Approximate Weight
| V-min [km/h] at optimal wing loading | 25 |
| V-trim (closed) [km/h] | 36 - 40 |
| V-trim (neutral) [km/h] | 43 - 47 |
| V-trim (open) [km/h] | 50 - 56 |
| V-max [km/h] at optimal wing loading | 69 |
| Min Sink [m/s] at optimal wing loading | 1.2 m/sec |
| All Data measured at sea level, using a combination of GPS and Speed Probe, averaged over several runs. | |
APCO is traditionally known for using materials and building techniques which offer double and triple lifespan over the expected. The glider is made from tear resistant Ripstop Nylon cloth, which is P.U. coated to zero porosity and then siliconized to give the fabric high resistance to the elements. Different cloth is used for the top, bottom and ribs due to their different functions.
As on all APCO wings, the F3 wing uses the same long lasting cloth on top surface, guaranteeing its integrity for entire expanded lifespan of the wing. Nevertheless we significantly reduced the weight of the wing thanks to advanced solutions applied, without compromising on any of APCO’s legendary durability.
The top surface utilizes our double siliconized cloth – top front is critical area in terms of porosity as this is where most of the lift is generated.
The bottom surface has been upgraded to a lightweight 27 gr. material with an advanced ripstop arrangement which saves additional weight.
The ribs are separated into supported and unsupported ribs, with lightweight material on unsupported ribs for additional weight saving.
The lines are a mix of different materials in different positions, to optimize to the fullest the diameter/strength according to the required load.
The top lines are our life-time warranted embedded hook in points made from Dyneema fiber.
The rest of the lines are sheathed for extra durability and ease of use. Material used is Kevlar for its stability and resistance to elastic changes in length.
The bottom section of the brake lines is made of Dyneema because of its better mechanical properties. The Karabiners that attach the lines to the risers are made of stainless steel.
| Material | Weave | Diameter [mm] | Strength [kg] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top | Dyneema | Unsheathed | 1.0 | 90 |
| Mid (a1:b1:c1:d1) | Vectran | Unsheathed | 1.0 | 153 |
| Mid (**Brake;a3,5;b3,5;c;d) | Vectran | Unsheathed | 0.9 | 115 |
| Bottom (A3,5;B3,5) | Super Aramid | Unsheathed | 1.4 | 254 |
| Bottom (A1;B1) | Super Aramid | Unsheathed | 1.6 | 325 |
| Bottom (C; D; St) | Superaramide | Unsheathed | 1.0 | 137 |
| Brake Cascades; St top | Vectran | Unsheathed | 0.6 | 50 |
| Steering Line | Polyester | Sheathed | 2.0 | 90 |
| Sail Cloth: Top | 42 gr/m2 "Zero Porosity" Ripstop Nylon |
| Sail Cloth: Bottom | 27 gr/m2 "Zero Porosity" Ripstop Nylon |
| Rib Reinforcement | FLEXON® batten system |
| Warranty | 3 years / 250 Hours |
Resources and Downloads:
Apco F3 Users Manual
Apco F3 22 Line Layout
Apco F3 24 Line Layout
Apco F3 26 Line Layout
Read and download our 3 Year / 250 Hour warranty certificate.
Learn more about our outstanding factory service.
Order replacement lines from our Line Shop.
Use the Arrows to scroll left and right through the reviews
The F3 is designed to fit between the LIFT Series and the F1, it caters for the same pilot catagory as the Force II, but is by no means a FORCE III.
The F3 improves on the FORCE in every aspect. After Take-off, you will immediately notice the lighter and more responsive handling, greater speed range on the trimmers, and it is more efficient, so you will climb faster and burn less fuel per hour. It has exceptionally good active and passive safety (See the Safety Testing Video).
Design and construction is based on the F1, so the wing is significantly lighter than the Force II (without compromise on durability), and so, has better inflation in both light and strong conditions.
The Risers are the same as on the F1, tested and proven on the Fast One!
For Take-off and Landing, we recommend to use the fully closed (Slow) position.
For normal flying, after takeoff, move the trimmer to neutral.
For Cruising, open the trimmers to a comfortable position, stow the main brakes and steer using the tip steering handles – do not use the main brakes in accelerated flight.
From the Manual on OAA “OAA is an innovative system that stands for “One Action Acceleration-system”.
OAA allows experienced pilots to attain the full speed of the glider using the speed bar alone, without the need to release the trimmers.With OAA unlocked, the speed bar simulates, the release of the trimmers according to the position of the speed bar. This allows for a larger speed range that can be fully used in one smooth action of the speed bar to reach the maximum speed of the wing without the need to release the trimmers.
In order to use the OAA one must unlock the Brummel hooks connected to the rear of the risers below the trimmers. Prior to using the speed system, one should move the trimmers to the neutral position, at the blue mark on the trim webbing (all risers will be level in unaccelerated flight).
To Lock the OAA one must lock the Brummel hooks together on the rear riser. Locking / Unlocking is possible in the air, but is best done on the ground.
If Flying with the OAA locked, and you wish to reach the maximum speed, you must release the trimmers to the fully open position before applying the Speed Bar. The required force to apply the Speed Bar will be higher.
In the case of encountering severe turbulence, we suggest landing as soon as possible.
With the OAA Unlocked: We recommend not releasing the trimmers fully and then applying full speed bar. This will not give a greater speed range, and will make recovery from collapses slower. In the event of a collapse with OAA unlocked, or locked with trimmers fully open, release the speed bar (if applied) and use the rear riser for re-inflation rather than the brake.”
Basically when using OAA the trimmers should be at zero position and not opened completely.
The OAA brummel hooks can be managed in the air, just recommended not to adjust close to the ground – pay attention that you have enough altitude (to avoid obstacles and have the time to react for engine failure etc.)
The 14KIT contains longer tip steering lines, and an additional magnet and guide ring which is fitted to the risers when flying a frame with high hang points or a trike.
The F3 can be ordered with the 14KIT installed, or customised with the Optional 14KIT, which can be ordered separately at any time.
Durable, Comfortable.Made from LightRipstop material. Large Carry Bag for Quick packing of all your equipment. Holds unfolded glider, Harness, Helmet, etc. easily and quickly.
Weight – 500gr.
Open dimensions (Spread Flat): 1.2m x 1.2m
For all of you wanting your glider neatly folded and well kept.
*Color shown for illustration only.
Apco Gliders can also be ordered with custom colors to suit your needs, be it a personal preference or for advertising purposes.
Apco Gliders can be ordered with a Logo of your company, or your Sponsor on it.
For pilots using high hook-in point harness configuration , we recommend ordering with/adding Lower Tip Steering Kit (14KIT option).
Easy camet buckle and / or trim webbing replacement.
PLEASE NOTE:
F3 is a light weight glider which has multiple advantages.
It is shock and load tested up to 160kg. and holds full DGAC approval.
The wing is designed for cross country and recreational flying.
F3 is NOT an acrobatic wing and it is NOT designed for high load aerobatic maneuvers.
Slower speed than you would expect for such a wing. Best results will be achieved with trimmers fully closed. All thanks to new highly efficient reflex profile.
Approach and flare is straight forward, efficiently converting speed into lift, for a slow and soft landing.
Long and forgiving brake range, yet very accurate and extremely agile already in the first part of the range, with 2D Steering and Tip Steering and great roll stability / self levelling at high speed!
Modest aspect ratio, but high performance design with high, safe, speed increase from opening the trimmers.
“I’m a paraglider pilot at heart, but trying this wing and motor has convinced me to take the leap and get a motor and the F3”
Gilad A.
LIGHT – big weight saving choosing lighter materials for the bottom surface and ribs. Top surface incorporates our legendary double siliconized cloth for maximum durability.
The APCO F3 is the ultimate all round wing, mid range designed for progressing pilots, but will be enjoyed equally by the most experienced pilots out there!
DSC – Double Siliconized Cloth
3D Cut
Flow Aligned Ribs (FAR – pat. pending)
One Action Acceleration ®
Embedded Hook-In Points
High Intake Valves
A system for improved launch, lighter weight, prolonged lifespan
Integral built-in neodymium brake magnets
Air Extreme Ball bearing Pulleys ®
Each panel is precision cut by laser
Replaceable Trim System
They may look like any other handle, but they will keep you safer in the air
Next Level Adaptable Handling
Resources and Downloads:
Apco F3 Users Manual
Apco F3 22 Line Layout
Apco F3 24 Line Layout
Apco F3 26 Line Layout
Just flew the new 26m F3 for the first time this weekend. What a wing! I came off a Lift EZ and was right at home on the F3. I was ready to run for my life on take-off, and was flying before I knew it! Heaps of lift on landing. My flying weight is around 140kg. Wing is very responsive in flight, just what I was looking for.
The team at Apco nailed it with a well refined wing that is fast, nimble, and really fun to fly. The F3 will inspire pilots to expand their limits for years to come.