APCO F5 beginner to intermediate paramotor wing
- Certification
- DGAC
- V-trim
- 35–39 km/h
- V-max
- 62 km/h
- Minimum sink
- below 1.05 m/s
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The APCO F5 is a beginner to intermediate reflex paramotor wing from the Formula Racing family (F1, F3, F5), positioned between the Lift EZ-R and the F3. Mohawk® centre fin for roll stability, wide trimmer range, SRS risers, School or standard risers, sizes 25, 27 and 29, DGAC certified.
The APCO F5 is a paramotor wing of the Formula Racing family (F1, F3, F5) for anything from schooling to long-distance XC flights. APCO places it below the F3 and above the Lift EZ-R; it is based on the Lift EZ.
APCO F5 – paramotor wing of the Formula Racing family
According to APCO, the F5 is the newest member of the “Formula Racing” range of F1, F3 and F5, which share the same design concept. In the APCO range it sits below the F3 and above the Lift EZ-R.
Developed from the Lift EZ, the F5 covers, according to APCO, everything from basic schooling with School risers to long cross-country flights. APCO describes it as a true all-rounder and a big step forward over the Lift EZ in technology and ease of use.
APCO calls the F5 a new breed of beginner to intermediate paramotor wing: plenty of current technology in a surprisingly straightforward wing that is meant to bring safe flying to pilots of any level.
Mohawk®: inflatable centre fin for roll stability
The Mohawk® was introduced for the first time on the F5: an inflatable fin at the centre of the canopy that, according to APCO, works much like the stabiliser of an aeroplane. It adds a level of roll stability that, according to the manufacturer, was not possible before.
This stability allowed APCO to tune the brakes to be much more direct and dynamic. The wing responds noticeably to the brakes, yet comes out of any roll oscillation quickly and on its own. According to APCO, this makes cruising hands-free a real joy.
Trimmers: wide speed range without a speed bar
The F5 was designed to give as much additional speed as possible from the trimmers – an advantage for pilots who choose not to use a speed bar. According to APCO, closed trimmers allow very slow flight for easy nil-wind take-offs, and fully open trimmers a fast, stable cruising speed.
APCO gives a lifetime warranty on the trimmer system against wear or slippage of the trimmers throughout the lifetime of the glider.
The trimmer webbing and the camet buckle are replaceable. APCO compares them to the brake pads of a car: they wear over time and should be replaced periodically. The replacement set covers both webbing and buckle; according to APCO, it is the webbing that should wear out, not the teeth of the buckle.
Inflation and take-off
The F5 shares the lightweight construction of the F1 and F3. Together with APCO’s proprietary SRS® riser system, this makes it, according to the manufacturer, the best-inflating reflex wing APCO has ever built.
Details and equipment
The F5 has 2D steering and redesigned tip steering handles that return to their magnets automatically. The top line floor uses APCO’s embedded hook-up points, and the brakes are attached to the canopy with Dyneema brake shrinkers, proven on the F1 and F3. The canopy uses APCO’s Flow Aligned Ribs technology.
Further details according to APCO: HIT valves keep internal pressure high at high speeds. Low-drag tensioners keep the trailing edge clean, increase lift and turn efficiency and reduce parasitic drag. A “crown” reinforcement stitch secures the stabiliser line attachment points, and exit points at the wing tips clear debris automatically.
Construction and materials
APCO says it is known for materials and building techniques that offer double to triple the expected lifespan. The canopy is made from tear-resistant ripstop nylon, PU-coated to zero porosity and then siliconised. Top surface, bottom surface and ribs each use their own cloth because of their different functions.
The top surface uses APCO’s double siliconised cloth – porosity matters most at the top front, where most of the lift is generated. On the bottom surface, a lighter material with an advanced ripstop arrangement saves weight. The ribs are divided into supported and unsupported ribs, the unsupported ones in lightweight cloth. According to APCO, its known durability is kept.
The lines combine different materials by position to match diameter and strength to the load: Dyneema at the top on the embedded hook-up points, which APCO warrants for life, and sheathed aramid lines elsewhere (Kevlar, according to APCO) that hardly change length; the lower part of the brake lines is Dyneema. The lines are attached to the risers with APCO’s aluminium V-links. Materials, diameters and breaking strengths are listed in the technical data.
School risers or standard risers
The School risers are the same as on the Lift 2EZ: a simplified version of the F5 risers without additional functions, very clean and easy to understand. The stiff 20 mm webbing helps beginners find the A, B and C risers. APCO highly recommends them for students and new pilots.
Upgrading to the standard risers later requires no special tools and no line changes except adding the tip steering line. For harnesses with high hang points, APCO recommends the Lower Tip Steering Kit (14KIT-F5).
Three standard colours
APCO offers the F5 in three standard colours.
Red (#5): top surface red/white, bottom surface red.
Surf (#27): top surface blue/white, bottom surface lime green.
Tropicana (#49): top surface yellow/green, bottom surface orange.
Videos
Technical data by size
| Size | 25 | 27 | 29 |
|---|---|---|---|
| School code | APCO-34450 | APCO-34650 | APCO-34750 |
| Standard code | APCO-34400 | APCO-34600 | APCO-34700 |
| Cells | 42 | 44 | 46 |
| Area [m²] | 25.7 | 27.4 | 29.1 |
| Projected area [m²] | 22.2 | 23.4 | 25 |
| Span incl. stabilizer [m] | 11.22 | 11.84 | 12.46 |
| Projected span [m] | 9.05 | 9.55 | 10.07 |
| Aspect ratio | 4.9 | 5 | 5.2 |
| Projected aspect ratio | 3.8 | 4 | 4.2 |
| All-up weight free flight [kg] | 70–100 | 85–120 | 110–140 |
| All-up weight paramotor [kg] | 75–120 | 100–145 | 125–165 |
| All-up weight trike [kg] | 75–140 | 100–165 | 125–175 |
| Canopy weight [kg] | 4.7 | 5 | 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 line length [m] | 304 | 324 | 349 |
Speed and sink rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| V-min | 21 km/h |
| V-trim | 35–39 km/h |
| V-trim off | 51–53 km/h |
| V-max | 62 km/h |
| Minimum sink | below 1.05 m/s |
Technical details
| Item number (SKU) | APCO-34450-RED |
| Brand / manufacturer | Apco |
| Variants | 18 available |
Warranty
2-year statutory warranty on all items under EU consumer law.
In addition, the manufacturer warranty applies. Warranty terms follow the manufacturer information. Apco: 3 years / 250 hours manufacturer warranty.
In a warranty case
- Contact us at contact@paramaniac.de or +49 (0) 152 34 34 0294
- Describe the issue with photos and your order number
- We coordinate the process directly with the manufacturer
- Repair, replacement or refund - we find the best solution
30-day returns
Not satisfied? Within 30 days you can return the item unused and in its original packaging. Refunds are processed within 5 business days after receipt.
Shipping information
| Shipping within Germany | €5.99, free from €100.00 |
| Shipping within the EU | €9.90 to €19.90 depending on country |
| Delivery time Germany | 1-3 weeks |
| Delivery time EU | 1-3 weeks |
| Shipping carrier | DHL, DHL Express |
Pickup in Taufkirchen
You can also pick up your order in person. Visit our warehouse near Munich (Wettersteinstr. 1, 82024 Taufkirchen). Please schedule an appointment in advance at +49 (0) 152 34 34 0294.
International delivery
We ship to all EU countries. For deliveries outside the EU, please contact us directly for an individual quote.
Manufacturer: Apco Aviation
| Company | Apco Aviation Ltd. |
| Address | 7 Halamish St., Caesarea |
| Country | Israel |
| Website | www.apcoaviation.com |
Dealer & service
For product, spare part or service questions, we are your direct contact.
Your specialist dealer
Paramaniac Shop · Stephan Walkowiak
Wettersteinstr. 1, 82024 Taufkirchen
Tel: +49 (0) 152 34 34 0294 · contact@paramaniac.de
Apco
Manufacturer data
Certification
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Certification | DGAC |
| Configuration | Paramotor; free flight possible according to manufacturer |
| Variants | Standard risers and School risers |
Materials
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Top sail | 42 g/m² zero-porosity Ripstop Nylon, double siliconized |
| Bottom sail | 27 g/m² zero-porosity Ripstop Nylon |
| Rib reinforcement | FLEXON® batten system |
| Lines | Dyneema, Super Aramid and polyester by position; with the listed diameters and strengths |
| Connections | APCO aluminium V-links |
| Warranty | 3 years / 250 hours |
Lines
| Position | 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 |
| Brake cascade / stabilizer top | Dyneema | 1.1 | 95 |
| Steering line | Polyester | 2 | 85 |
Characteristics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Take-off | The lightweight construction and SRS riser system make inflation easy; take-off speed is very low for a reflex wing. |
| Landing | With the trimmers closed, the approach is slow; the long, progressive brake travel allows a controlled flare. |
| Performance | The reflex profile is optimized for improved fuel consumption and a flatter glide angle on approach. |
| Handling | Direct, responsive handling combined with the roll stability of the Mohawk. |
| Construction | Light materials in the bottom surface and ribs reduce weight; the double-siliconized top surface supports long service life. |
| Product positioning | Beginner-to-intermediate paramotor wing positioned between the F3 and Lift EZ-R, from schooling to XC flying. |
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mohawk | Next-level roll stability |
| 2DS | 2D steering |
| WSS | Wind Scoop System |
| LDT | Low Drag Tensioner |
| RFX | Reflex profile |
| EHP | Embedded hook-up points |
| HIT Valves | High internal pressure at high speeds |
| SRS | Stall Recovery System |
| School Risers | Simplified risers for schooling and beginners |
Included and optional
- Closing belt
- Wind sock or APCO Cap
- Warranty, stickers and repair kit
- Sherpa Bag or Light PG Bag (80L) or Light Clinch Bag
- Compression Bag · APCO-42465
Documents and downloads
- F5 User Manual Manual · PDF · Download
- F5 School Manual Manual · PDF · Download
- F5 DGAC certificate size 25 Certificate · PDF · Download
- F5 DGAC certificate size 27 Certificate · PDF · Download
- F5 DGAC certificate size 29 Certificate · PDF · Download
- F5 structural strength test Load test · PDF · Download
Customer reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How does the APCO F5 differ from the Lift EZ-R?
According to APCO, the F5 sits slightly above the Lift EZ-R. Minimum and maximum speeds are similar, but the F5 is faster with the trimmers open, more agile, reacts faster to the brakes, adds 2D steering and uses lighter cloth that improves launch and in-flight safety.
Can the APCO F5 be flown without a motor?
Yes. The F5 was designed for paramotoring, but according to APCO free flying is safe and possible. As a reflex wing it does not reach the glide of pure free-flight paragliders. For free flight, keep the trimmers in neutral on the blue marking, where the A, B, C and D risers are equal in length.
Why is the stabiliser of the F5 connected to the C riser and not the B riser?
This is APCO’s ABS principle: when the trimmers are released, the distance between the C riser and the tip steering magnet on the B riser increases. The tip steering lines are then applied automatically, which adds roll stability in accelerated flight.
Where can I buy APCO F5 beginner to intermediate paramotor wing?
APCO F5 beginner to intermediate paramotor wing is available from Paramaniac.shop, a European specialist shop for paragliding and paramotor equipment with personal advice and fast shipping.
How much does APCO F5 beginner to intermediate paramotor wing cost?
APCO F5 beginner to intermediate paramotor wing costs €3,490.00 including VAT at Paramaniac.shop. Free shipping within Germany from €100 order value.
What warranty does APCO F5 beginner to intermediate paramotor wing include?
APCO F5 beginner to intermediate paramotor wing comes with a 3 years / 250 hours manufacturer warranty from Apco. Paramaniac also offers a 30-day return policy and expert support for product questions.
How quickly will APCO F5 beginner to intermediate paramotor wing be delivered?
APCO F5 beginner to intermediate paramotor wing can be ordered and is delivered within 1-3 weeks. Free shipping within Germany from €100 order value.