Yes, that's right readers, French Letters are back in fashion in the form of the new "Coqoon Sportif". This latest piece of engineering genius is being developed by "Lucky Luke" Ardant in conjunction with Air France Toiletries S.A and Fun Animal Balloons Inc, Florida.
None of the journalists here at Pie had ever seen anything like this before, so we were desperate for the facts.
It was difficult, but we finally found someone who could keep a straight face long enough to speak. He told us that the project is well on the way towards production and that a planned release date for the new "Coq", as it is becoming known, has been fixed for early next year. He couldn't be specific with respect to pricing, but he was confident it would be no more than 250 Euros for a pack of 3 and at only half a kilo, a "paquet" of three will easily fit into an average wallet.
We managed to collar Jean-Paul Loopiere one of their test pilots for a brief comment. "Last saturday I got lucky", he said in broken English, "Conditions were marginal and I don't think I would have penetrated without the "Coq". J'étais being blown for 10 minutes or peut-être and I found I could push out much further than before". He continued, "It's positivemently smooth, man, so clean through the air. You can feel the drag falling off. It's a great sensation, so sensative, like being silicon lubricated or quelque chose."
It was difficult, but we finally found someone who could keep a straight face long enough to speak. He told us that the project is well on the way towards production and that a planned release date for the new "Coq", as it is becoming known, has been fixed for early next year. He couldn't be specific with respect to pricing, but he was confident it would be no more than 250 Euros for a pack of 3 and at only half a kilo, a "paquet" of three will easily fit into an average wallet.
We managed to collar Jean-Paul Loopiere one of their test pilots for a brief comment. "Last saturday I got lucky", he said in broken English, "Conditions were marginal and I don't think I would have penetrated without the "Coq". J'étais being blown for 10 minutes or peut-être and I found I could push out much further than before". He continued, "It's positivemently smooth, man, so clean through the air. You can feel the drag falling off. It's a great sensation, so sensative, like being silicon lubricated or quelque chose."
Technical details of the new "Coq" are a little sketchy due to the secretive nature of the project, but as far as we can tell there seems to be "instrument access" just below the pilots navel, and a "ballast dump" facility towards the rear. We've also heard rumours about the optional extras that are likely to be available from your dealer, such as a papier-mâché steering system, a sunglasses holder and a place to stash your Gitanes, but we can't confirm these as yet.
We have it on good authority that the "Coq" will be available in a variety of guises targeting different sectors of the paragliding market. Initially, the plan is to release the "Coq" in standard form using the street tested names, "Gossamer" & "Elite", suitable for first time users and those who want a natural feel to their enclosed flying. The initial release is due to be quickly followed by the "Featherlight", "Sensation" & "Performa" models specifically tailored for top competition pilots. Beyond that they have plans for the "Extra Safe" model which, apparently, will allow pilots to fly with rear-mounted reserves.
We have, however, heard some rather discouraging reports relating to recent test failures. For the DHV1-2 pilot they have been struggling to find a solution since the wind tunnel disaster of the "Ribbed" model, and apparently the least said about the in-flight insect problems they've had with the "Fruity Flavours" designs the better.
Play safe people.
We have it on good authority that the "Coq" will be available in a variety of guises targeting different sectors of the paragliding market. Initially, the plan is to release the "Coq" in standard form using the street tested names, "Gossamer" & "Elite", suitable for first time users and those who want a natural feel to their enclosed flying. The initial release is due to be quickly followed by the "Featherlight", "Sensation" & "Performa" models specifically tailored for top competition pilots. Beyond that they have plans for the "Extra Safe" model which, apparently, will allow pilots to fly with rear-mounted reserves.
We have, however, heard some rather discouraging reports relating to recent test failures. For the DHV1-2 pilot they have been struggling to find a solution since the wind tunnel disaster of the "Ribbed" model, and apparently the least said about the in-flight insect problems they've had with the "Fruity Flavours" designs the better.
Play safe people.
Pie in the Sky
Funnier than the 1977 "Airport '77" underwater scenes
Funnier than the 1977 "Airport '77" underwater scenes