# Heldeberg Marathon

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American powered parachute

Marathon General information Type Powered parachute National origin United States Manufacturer Heldeberg Designs Status Production completed

The **Heldeberg Marathon**, also called the **Blue Heron Marathon**, is an American [powered parachute](/source/Powered_parachute), that was designed and produced by [Heldeberg Designs](/source/Heldeberg_Designs) of [Altamont, New York](/source/Altamont%2C_New_York).[1][2][3]

## Design and development

The Marathon was designed to comply with the US [FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles](/source/FAR_103_Ultralight_Vehicles) two-seat trainer rules and today is marketed as a [light-sport aircraft](/source/Light-sport_aircraft). The aircraft takes its name from its design goal of an aircraft with long range and endurance and features a range of 115 mi (185 km). It features a [parachute](/source/Parachute)-style [high-wing](/source/High-wing), two-seats-in-[tandem](/source/Tandem) accommodation, [tricycle landing gear](/source/Tricycle_landing_gear) and originally a single 50 hp (37 kW) [Rotax 503](/source/Rotax_503) engine in [pusher configuration](/source/Pusher_configuration). The 64 hp (48 kW) [Rotax 582](/source/Rotax_582) was the standard engine used on later models.[1][4]

The aircraft is built from a combination of bolted [dural](/source/Dural) [aluminium](/source/Aluminium) and [stainless steel](/source/Stainless_steel) tubing. It features a double ring propeller guard that has been roll-over tested. The 10 U.S. gallons (38 L; 8.3 imp gal) fuel tank is made from aluminium. In flight steering is accomplished via foot pedals, or optionally a control stick, that actuate the canopy brakes, creating roll and yaw. On the ground the aircraft has lever-controlled nosewheel steering. The main landing gear incorporates gas strut suspension. The aircraft is factory supplied in the form of an assembly kit that requires 30–50 hours to complete.[1][3]

Originally marketed by the factory under their own name, the aircraft was later marketed under the brand name *Blue Heron*, although the manufacturer remained the same.[1][3][4]

## Specifications (Blue Heron Marathon)

*Data from* Manufacturer[4]

**General characteristics**

- **Crew:** one

- **Capacity:** one passenger

- **Length:** 9 ft 8 in (2.95 m)

- **Wingspan:** 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m)

- **Height:** 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)

- **Wing area:** 500 sq ft (46 m2)

- **Empty weight:** 308 lb (140 kg)

- **Gross weight:** 850 lb (386 kg)

- **Fuel capacity:** 10 U.S. gallons (38 L; 8.3 imp gal)

- **Powerplant:** 1 × [Rotax 582](/source/Rotax_582) twin cylinder, [two-stroke](/source/Two-stroke), liquid-cooled [aircraft engine](/source/Aircraft_engine), 64 hp (48 kW)

**Performance**

- **Cruise speed:** 32 mph (51 km/h, 28 kn)

- **Range:** 115 mi (185 km, 100 nmi)

- **Rate of climb:** 900 ft/min (4.6 m/s)

- **Wing loading:** 1.7 lb/sq ft (8.3 kg/m2)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Cliche_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Cliche_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Cliche_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Cliche_1-3) Cliche, Andre: *Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide* 8th Edition, page D-8. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-9680628-1-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-9680628-1-4)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-KitplanesFeb2005_2-0)** Downey, Julia: *2005 Trikes 'Chutes and Rotorcraft Directory*, Kitplanes, Volume 22, Number 2, February 2005, page 50. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-WDLA04_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-WDLA04_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-WDLA04_3-2) Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: *World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04*, page 80. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster UK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-BH_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-BH_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-BH_4-2) [Heldeberg Designs](/source/Heldeberg_Designs). ["Blue Heron Marathon"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120229212501/http://www.blueheronppc.com/marathon.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.blueheronppc.com/marathon.htm) on February 29, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2012.

## External links

- [Official website](http://www.blueheronppc.com/marathon.htm)

v t e Heldeberg aircraft Powered parachutes Spirit 103 Marathon Convertible

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Heldeberg Marathon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heldeberg_Marathon) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heldeberg_Marathon?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.