DGAC Certification
F5 :: Start your engines!
The F5 is situated under the F3 and above the LIFT EZ-R.
The newest addition to the “Formula Racing” Paramotor range of wings – F1, F3 and now F5, all sharing the same design concept and DNA.
Based on our all time successful Lift EZ, the F5 is designed for anything from basic schooling (School Risers) up to long distance XC flying.
F5 is a true all-rounder and represents a big step forward in technology and ease of use over the Lift EZ.
The Main points that separate the F5 from all the rest:
“Mohawk®” :: introduced for the first time on the F5, this is an inflatable fin positioned at the center of the canopy and performs much like a stabilizer on a standard plane. The Mohawk adds a level of roll stability that was never possible before. This roll stability allowed us to tune the brake action to be much more direct, dynamic and fun. Flying the F5, you immediately feel the brake authority and responsiveness, but at the same time the wing will come out of any roll oscillation fast and completely independently. This makes cruising with no hands a real joy.
Trimmer Speed Range :: The F5 was designed to give as much additional speed as possible from the Trimmers. A real advantage for pilots that choose not to use speed bar. The trimmers will allow to transition from very slow for easy nil wind take off’s and up to a Fast Stable Safe cruising speed at trimmers fully open!
P.S: Our new trimmer system carries a “life time warranty” for wear or slippage of the trimmers throughout the lifetime of the glider.
Inflation & Takeoff :: The F5 Shares the same lightweight construction as the F1 and F3.
This together with Apco’s proprietary SRS® riser system makes for the best inflating reflex wing we have ever made!
Goodies :: worth mentioning the F5 is equipped with 2D steering brake arrangement and enjoys redesigned Tip steering handles that return to their magnets automatically!
The top floor lines are Apco’s famous Embedded-hook up points and the brake tabs are attached to the canopy with Dyneema brake shrinkers, proven on the F1 and F3 wings.
The Canopy incorporates Our Flow Aligned Ribs technology and the top surface is made from the most durable materials for longevity where it counts!
The F5 is a new breed of beginner to intermediate paramotor wing. Packed with all the latest technology, it seamlessly integrates everything into a surprisingly straight forward and easy to use package that will bring the joy of safe and accessible flight to any level pilot.
We are proud of the F5 being a step forward in the paramotor world – proving once again #ApcoAviationSettingFutureStandards.
| F5 | 25 | 27 | 29 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cells | 42 | 44 | 46 |
| Area [m2] | 25.7 | 27.4 | 29.1 |
| Area (projected) [m2] | 22.2 | 23.4 | 25.0 |
| Span [m] | 11.22 | 11.84 | 12.46 |
| Span (projected) [m] | 9.05 | 9.55 | 10.07 |
| Aspect Ratio | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Aspect Ratio (projected) | 3.8 | 4 | 4.2 |
| Pilot Weight (all up) free flight [kg] | 70-100 | 85-120 | 110-140 |
| Pilot Weight [kg] (all up paramotor) Trike* | 75 - 120 140* | 100 - 145 165* | 125 - 165 175* |
| Canopy Weight [kg] | 4.7 | 5.00 | 5.3 |
| Root Chord m | 2.76 | 2.76 | 2.76 |
| Tip Chord [m] | 0.53 | 0.53 | 0.53 |
| Length of Lines on B [m] | 6.65 | 6.95 | 7.25 |
| Total Length of Lines [m] | 304 | 324 | 349 |
* Higher load is recommended for use with a trike due to the higher take-off and landing speeds.
| V-min [km/h] | 21 |
|---|---|
| V-trim [km/h] | 35-39 |
| V-trim off [km/h] | 51-53 |
| V-max [km/h] | 62 |
| Min Sink [m/s] at optimal wing loading | less than 1.05 m/sec |
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 F5 wing uses the same long lasting cloth on the 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 lines are attached to the risers using Apco’s proprietary aluminum V-links.
| Material | Diameter [mm] | Strength [kg] | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top | Dyneema | 1.1 | 95 |
| Mid/Stabilo | Super Aramid | 1.2 | 120 |
| Bottom (A3/A5/B3/B5) | Super Aramid | 1.8 | 220 |
| Bottom (A1/B1) | Super Aramid | 1.9 | 320 |
| Bottom (C/D) | Super Aramid | 1.5 | 150 |
| Brakes Cascade/ St. Top | Dyneema | 1.1 | 95 |
| Steering Line | Polyester | 2 | 85 |
| 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 |
Read and download our 3 Year / 250 Hour warranty certificate.
Learn more about our outstanding factory service.
Order replacement lines from our Line Shop.
Here is my feedback on the F5. I flew it 10x – 3 on Trike and 7 on foot launch.
Pros:
It launches very easy on the trike or footlaunch. The lightweight fabric helps a ton and it feels like a lightweight version of the EZR to me with some F3 in it. Good climb rate on takeoff, easy to control.
The risers take some getting used to, due to all the ropes, which make them less rigid than our other APCO wings. trimmers are easy to use and smooth compared to previous wings.
It flies great – it is surprisingly fast and really fun. I clocked 37 mph at trim neutral. The mohawk actually does completely eliminate roll oscillations no matter what you’re doing. I couldn’t get the thing to oscillate not matter what I did. I also did some wingovers on it (trike and footlaunch) and it still can do them, but comes back stable. It feels extremely safe to me.
I would absolutely recommend this to students over the EZR.
Cons:
I love the trimmer magnets, but they tend to catch the speedbar sister clips and it can be confusing for people to figure out what they’re looking at.
I hope this helps,
Ryan
I’ve been flying the Apco F5 and, to put it briefly, I’m absolutely in love with it. It’s quite similar to the F3, but more forgiving. I also let two of my skilled students fly the wing, and both of them have made it their favorite. One of them bought an F3 from one of our customers who has stopped flying, but he’s also considering getting an F5 in addition to his F3. Based on our tests, we’ve decided to make the F5 our preferred wing for students and the F3 for more advanced pilots. Consequently, we’re planning to focus on the F5 instead of the Lift EZ series. The Lift EZ has a slightly more durable combination of fabric materials, but it’s also a bit heavier and has less energy in the landing. Therefore, the F5 is our preferred wing for students and new pilots.
I was lucky enough to be able to test the new F5 from APCO, I was delighted with the ease of inflation it has, with just a little breeze and just by taking a step back it goes up on its own, without having to use the A lines. , the SRS system on the risers makes it much easier to control the wing when it is overhead!
The flight is incredibly stable, the controls are very smooth and with good reaction; It seems incredible, but the Mohawk, as the central rudder that the F5 has has been called, works very well, both when starting and maintaining turns and when exiting them, making this sail very stable and allowing us to evolve safely.
The trimmers are very easy to use and slide very well.
When applying the speed bar at 100% with the trimmers open, the wing remains very safe and firm in its trajectory.
It really is a very safe wing for pilots who want to fly without problems and for students who want to evolve and take that extra step safely.
Within the Apco range of wings, the F5 is positioned slightly above the EZ-R.
Although they are similar in minimum and maximum speeds the F5 differs from the Lift EZ-R mainly in the following:
The School Risers are the same risers as on the Lift 2EZ.
They are a simplified version of the F5 risers.
Stripped from all options except the bare minimum, they are extremely clean and simple to understand.
Made out of stiff 20 mm webbing for easy orientation of the A, B, C branches it will help beginners in their first steps of learning the sport.
We highly recommend them for Students and new pilots.
Upgrading to the standard risers does not require any special tools and no line changes except the additional tip steering line addition.
Yes – it’s possible.
The F5 was designed for Paramotor use and that it where it excels!
With that, using the wing for free flying is perfectly safe and possible.
As a reflex profile wing, it will not have the glide ratio of parallel free flying wings, but for occasional opportunities it is perfectly capable of free flying.
To use in free flying, please keep trimmers in neutral position, on the Blue marking.
The neutral position means that all riser legs A,B,C,D are equal in length which is the free flying configuration.
Yes – The Stabilo connects to the C Riser as a technical feature “ABS” https://www.apcoaviation.com/abs2-automatic-balance-system/
When the trimmer is released, the distance between the C risers and the magnet of the tip steering on the B becomes longer.
This causes the tip steering lines to be automatically applied, contributing even further to roll stability while accelerated.
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.
Revolutionary Speed bar with handsfree operation!
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).
For pilots using high hook-in point harness configuration , we recommend ordering with/adding Lower Tip Steering Kit (14KIT option).
You have to try it! The lightweight construction in combination with the unique SRS riser system makes inflation easier than ever before. Take-off speed is lowest there is for a full reflex wing, for a short and effortless run.
Close the trimmers and enjoy a slow approach with a highly effective flare.
Flare like a pro – the brake travel is long and progressive allowing the slow squeeze of energy out of the wing.
The reflex profile has been further optimized for improved fuel consumption and flatter glider angle when approaching for landing.
As with the rest of the “Formula Racing” family of wings, the handling is much more direct and responsive than the Lift EZ-R. This in combination with the roll stability of the “Mohawk” creates the perfect handling package!
“Love the trimmers, they add so much speed”
“Inflation is a no brainer”
“The Mohawk is freaking Cool!”
LIGHT – big weight saving choosing lighter materials for the bottom surface and ribs. Top surface incorporates our legendary double siliconized cloth for maximum durability.
Developed to complete the F1 and F3 “Formula Racing” family, it is a step over the Lift EZ-R on all parameters. An easy, safe wing to fly that will give any level pilot top notch performance in a simple to operate package.
Next level roll stability
2 Dimensional Steering
Wind Scoop System
Low Drag Tensioner
Reflex Profile
Embedded Hook-In Points
High Intake Valves
Stall Recovery System
V-Link
A system for improved launch, lighter weight, prolonged lifespan
BUTT HOLES 2
DSC – Double Siliconized Cloth
Air Extreme Ball bearing Pulleys ®
Laser Cut Technology
Integral built-in neodymium brake magnets
3D Cut
They may look like any other handle, but they will keep you safer in the air
Roller Camet Buckle “Paracam” – silky smooth trimmer operation
