Construct testplatform, radio controlled powered paraglider (PPL)

In my search for more info on RC skydivers I found motorised paragliders on the internet. A PPL has the advantage over RC skydivers that it can take off by ifself and act like a parachute on the way down. No need for a RC plane to carry it to the desired height thus very flexible to use. Coincidently I discovered that one of the experts on the web, which takes these PPLs’ to the next level, lives in The Netherlands. FK of aircatcher.com was kind enough to demonstrate his PPL and offered his specialist services for this project. Actually he was already working on a autopilot based PPL, how convenient.

Goals:

• Determine  which parachute to use for test platform and prototype
  • Paragliders will work better for the test platform because of the high glide ratio (4-6) thus longer flight times.
  • A NASA wing might be used for the prototype. Pros: chutes are simple in design and construction, thus more safe to be deployed under drogue. Cons: lower glide ratio, aroud 3. Although this could be considered a pro when dropped from 2km or higher.
• Construct a gondola to power and steer the paraglider.
  • A sturdy gondola design can be found here.
• Learn how to fly these powered paragliders.
  • Work in progress

What do we need for the Gondola:

• 1x – TowerPro BM2409-18T / 25A BEC / 9×4.7 Prop Combo (maybe better?) or TowerPro BM2409-18T / 25A BEC / 8×3.8 Prop Combo (works good) – Motor, Electronic Speed Controller and proppeler.
• 1x – 2 or 4mm Gold Connectors 10 pairs (20pc) – Hook up 3 wires from motor to Electronic Speed Control.
• 1x – T-connectors, dean style, 10 pairs (20pc) – Hook up Lipo to ESC , Tamiya style connectors will probably work just as fine.
• 1x – Towerpro MG946R 12kg 55g / 12kg / .20sec  – Servo for steering.
• 2x – ZIPPY Flightmax 2200mAh 3S1P 20C – LiPo batteries, good look, feel and performance.
• 1x – Turnigy Accucel-6 50W 5A Balancer/Charger – Nice charger and balancer in one unit. Don’t forget to lube the fan with WD40. Excluding 7A / 12 VDC power supply which I already have.
• 1x – iMAX EH Plug Adapter – just in case.
• 1x – Futaba 7-Channel 2.4GHz System T7C + R617FS Receiver – Little bit overkill but solid investment, buy in Asia or online to save money.
• 2x – Steel wire Ø 4,0mm, length 1m – gondola wire frame.
• 2x – Steel wire Ø 2,5mm, length 1m – gondola wire frame.
• 1x – Set of brass tubing. Wall tickness 0,5mm, outer diameter 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8mm – connecting the wire frame
• 1x – Sections of 6 – 8mm plywood – making the motor & servo mount + the base for the LiPo, ESC & receiver