Trekking K2

The Trekking K2 is a family of French single-place and two-place paragliders that was designed and produced by Trekking Parapentes of Lambesc. Introduced in 2002, the model range is now out of production.^[1]

Design and development

The K2 was designed as a mountaineering descent glider and named for K2, the mountain located on the China-Pakistan border. The glider models are each named for their relative size.^[1]

Variants

K2 M

Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 11.67 m (38.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.5 m² (285 sq ft), 39 cells and the aspect ratio is 4.75:1. The pilot weight range is 75 to 95 kg (165 to 209 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Standard certified.^[1]

K2 L

Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.18 m (40.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 31 m² (330 sq ft), 39 cells and the aspect ratio is 4.75:1. The pilot weight range is 90 to 110 kg (198 to 243 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Standard certified.^[1]

K2 XL

Extra large-sized model for even heavier pilots. Its 12.95 m (42.5 ft) span wing has a wing area of 34 m² (370 sq ft), 39 cells and the aspect ratio is 4.75:1. The pilot weight range is 105 to 135 kg (231 to 298 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Standard certified.^[1]

K2 Bi

Identical to the K2 XL, but rigged to carry two people in tandem and as such was referred to as the K2 Bi, indicating "bi-place" or two seater. The crew weight range is 105 to 135 kg (231 to 298 lb). The glider model is AFNOR Bi-Place certified.^[1]

Specifications (K2 M)

Data from Bertrand^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Wingspan: 12.51 m (41 ft 1 in)
• Wing area: 26.6 m² (286 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 5.8:1

Performance

• Maximum speed: 51 km/h (32 mph; 28 kn)

References