The Powered Hang Glider Solo Trike version of the TrikeBuggy has been discontinued due to lack of interest. The TrikeBuggy Delta Tandem has been recently developed for pilots interested and qualified to operate this unique aircraft. Triking has become a very popular form of ultralight flight, due to the simple and easy characteristics of flight control found on these weight-shift control aircraft. The TrikeBuggy Delta Tandem is about as simple as it gets! We have modified the original "A" frame from the original TrikeBuggy Delta and mounted it onto trhe Steel Kite Buggy. This hang glider trike uses the Vittorazi Moster 185 engine to provide the power. We can also use the Minari 200cc engine as well. The robust stainless steel frame of the Stainless Steel Buggy is the perfect platform for this comfortable 2-place trike. We add our heavy-duty aluminum frame that mounts quickly and easily to the buggy and wing, with an integrated mount and clamps that accept most paramotors. A custom motor mount can easily be made to accept most motors. The center of gravity is low, and the seat position is reclined and relaxed. Simply sit down, fasten your seat belt and GO! The TrikeBuggy Delta Tandem can be easily launched in the smooth, calm air of early mornings and twilight evenings. The TrikeBuggy Delta Tandem is Part 103 compliant as an Ultralight Vehicle, for use with a single or dual fligh with a total weight of less than 254 lbs. and less than 5 gallons of fuel. No License is required to fly this trike solo, although you do need a special rating to fly Tandem with another person.
Setup of the Delta Tandem TrikeFrom the container to ready to fly took only 30 minutes to complete the setup of the TrikeBuggy Delta Tandem Trike. Setup is straightforward after the initial Trike assembly, as the Trike stays mostly ready and just needs to be attached to the Glider, then finish the setup. The Glider assembly takes most of the time needed to complete the day to day setup. Once the Glider is assembled, the Trike is positioned near the Base Tube of the Glider. The Hang Block is then prepared by removing the Keel Clamp from the Block and positioned onto the gl;ider between the Block Guides. The upper "Jesus Bolt" is then used to attach the Hang Block to the Glider - make sure to use the Castle Nut and Safety Pin! Add the Front Strut to the Strut Brackets and now the Upright Assembly can be tightened. Add the Redundant Strap using the brackets and bolt provided and tighten. Now, you are ready to fly!
Development of the TrikeBuggy Delta Tandem
In order to make room for the extra person to sit comfortably in the rear seat, we had to develop a different Rear Upright. We prototyped a new Upright Bracket which gave us a bend in the Upright so there is plenty of room for the rear person's head to be positioned comfortably. We also added the Extra-Long Front Downtube to the Buggy to give the trike more overall length and more room for the Control Bar of the Glider. To that, we added the Parallel Steering so that the Delta Tandem can be steered from either seat. I have tested this Trike solo flying in both seats, front and rear, and find it comfortable and welll balanced from either seat. We added a Kayak style seat in the front for the comfort of the front occupant, it has a nice rigid support and it just clips right in! View Pictures of the TrikeBuggy Delta Tandem Trike Dvelopment HERE.
Load Testing
Development of this Trike had us testing the design with 200 pounds of "Dead Weight" - lead, steel and a brick to see what the aircrafdt would behave like. Here is the list of items used to achieve the weight:
On the first flight, we somehow missed a video of the takeoff due to technical reasons, but we got the landing, see the video below. We got a video of Flight #2 Load Test with the Dead Weight, and I seperated it into three videos for ease of viewing. Takeoff, Touch & Go and Landing all went smoothly. It was a resounding success! The TrikeBuggy Delta Tandem is now ready to take it's first passenger - another qualified Pilot to give feedback! We will report back on the progress as we make it, this is an exciting journey! View Pictures of the TrikeBuggy Delta Tandem Trike Dvelopment HERE.
First Flight with a PassengerAt the 2025 Salton Sea Gathering of Paramotor Pilots, I took the first passenger for a flight in the TrikeBuggy Delta Tandem. Jason Lehel took some beutiful black and white photos of an approach, landing and takeoff during the touch-and-go practice we were doing.
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DISCLAIMER: Please read and be sure you thoroughly understand this disclaimer before flying a TrikeBuggy. Trike flying is an extremely demanding sport requiring exceptional levels of attention, judgment, maturity and self discipline. It is unlikely that you will be able to participate in it safely unless you make a conscious and continual commitment to your own safety. PPG and Hang Glider Trike flying is a dangerous sport and may result in injury and death even when practiced by a competent pilot using proper equipment. TrikeBuggies are not covered by product liability insurance, nor have they been designed, manufactured or tested to any federal or state government airworthiness standards or regulations. Do not fly them unless you are willing to assume personally all risks in the sport of Trike flying, and all responsibility for any property damage, injury, or death which may result from your use of this TrikeBuggy. Safe operation of the TrikeBuggy requires a pilot proficiency equivalent to that of a BFI (Basic Flight Instructor), as well as an equivalent level of knowledge and understanding of those wind and weather conditions which may compromise the pilot's safe control of the TrikeBuggy. In particular, be advised that gusty winds or turbulent conditions may interfere with even an expert pilot's ability to safely control the TrikeBuggy, and may cause it to crash. Never take anything for granted in Trike Flying. If you are in doubt about anything, stop and figure it out or contact TrikeBuggy. Also please read our Warning and Caution! |
