Design history

Rupert has probably influenced flexwing aviation more than anyone else in history, with nearly every modern day flexwing aircraft and many paragliders utilising his original designs. Rupert was: The first to lower the thrust line on prone power units, the Nomad. The first paragliding pod harness, the Chrysalis. The first low profile batten ends, the ARC. The first to make pedal power viable, the Airbike range. The first mechanical sliding rib system the ARC. The first sliding in flight hang point, the Magnum. The first bent keel trike design, the Nomad. The first internal deflexor system, the Voyager. Now at 48, Rupert has returned to his roots and is back in the industry he loves, with renewed vigour and passion. He is set to dominate the flexwing aviation market once again!

Rupert Sweet-Escott : Biography

Leonardo da Vinci award nominated designer
Rupert Sweet-Escott is known as one of the founding fathers of flexwing aviation, with nearly every modern day flexwing aircraft and many paragliders utilising his original designs.

1970's; Rupert was a solo pilot at 13 and an instructor and world class wingmaker at 16. His earliest designs included the birdman moonraker 78 and the world leading birdman cherokee.

1980's; After a break for college he resumed his career in the early 80's designing and patenting the worlds' first pitch stable prone sustainer for hang gliders, the Nomad Prone Trike, which replaced the dangerous Soarmaster range. Through his flight research company Rupert is credited with introducing common sense design to the micro light industry.

Next, Rupert extended his range in the USA with twin seaters and utility aircrafts. He also invested his time in several new flight ventures. By 1989 his company was the largest ultra light outfit east of the mississippi and his aircraft range continued to boast a safety record second to none.

1990's to Now; Rupert returned to the UK and founded a leading light in aviation design;
Smart Power, which constantly tests and develops innovative designs. Armed with an array of exciting designs and patents, Rupert has flown back into action with the backing of Dragons Den Investor James Caan, Smart Power Products are set to take flexwing aviation into the 21st century.

The Sky is the limit!