Taking to the Skies: How Paramotors Could be used for Tactical Operations
I started this article a couple years back as I pondered and weighed the unique abilities of a Paramotor with its many limitations. With Paramotors recently being thrust into the public spotlight for possible use in “other than recreational” ways, it seemed like a great time to revisit the tactical possibilities of Paramotors.
Paramotor Overview
Paramotors (also known as powered paragliders) are a type of ultralight aircraft that use a motorized backpack to power a paraglider wing for flight. First invented in the 1980s, paramotors have continued to evolve and improve over the decades.
A paramotor system is comprised of three main components - the wing, the motor, and the pilot harness:
The wing is a special paraglider made of lightweight nylon that generates lift through ram-air inflation. Modern paramotor wings have an elliptical design with reinforced leading edges for stability. They are rated by their size, weight range, and maximum speed.
The motor is typically a two-stroke gasoline engine powerful enough to takeoff and maintain altitude while carrying the additional weight of the pilot and fuel. It drives a propeller mounted on the pilot's back to provide thrust. Most paramotor motors range from 50cc to 300cc in size and 15hp to 45hp in power.
The pilot flies while wearing a reinforced harness that distributes the weight of the motor and supports the risers/lines of the paragliding wing. The harness has a seatboard hook for mounting the motor and carabiners to clip into the wing. Pilots control direction using brake toggles connected to the wing's trailing edge.
A paramotor can launch by foot on flat ground using forward motion to inflate the wing, or by taking off from an elevated platform. Top speeds average around 20-40mph depending on the wing size, with a typical cruise speed of 25-35mph. Paramotors can typically fly for 3-4 hours on a full tank of gas and cover cross-country distances of 50 miles or more depending on conditions. With an experienced pilot, they are capable of carrying an additional passenger or cargo load of over 200lbs. While less maneuverable than a paraglider, paramotors offer motorized flight with great portability and ease of use.
Regulations
Paramotoring is regulated by aviation authorities in most countries. Pilots are required to be licensed and follow rules regarding airspace restrictions, weather minimums, and safety procedures.
Some key regulations to be aware of for tactical paramotor operations include:
In the United States, paramotors are considered ultralight aircraft and have fewer restrictions than traditional planes. Pilots don't need a full pilot's license but must follow FAA Part 103 rules. Operators cannot fly over congested areas or in certain types of airspace without authorization.
In Europe, paramotoring is regulated under microlight or ultralight aircraft rules that vary by country. Pilots typically need to complete training, register their aircraft, and follow airspace restrictions.
Many countries prohibit paramotor flying in airport traffic zones, over cities and crowds, and in restricted military zones without permission. Pilots must carefully check NOTAMs for temporary flight restrictions.
Weather minimums usually apply, such as minimum visibility and distance from clouds. Night flying may be prohibited or require lights and authorization.
Operators should research local aviation laws thoroughly when planning tactical paramotor missions. Coordinating with air traffic control and securing special permissions may be necessary to access certain airspace or operate near airports and urban areas. Knowledge of regulations is key for safe and legal paramotor flights.
Capabilities & Limitations
Paramotors are no doubt primarily used for recreational flying, however there unique capabilities can offer value in more purposeful ways. Like anything, Paramotors have their limitations, but there strengths can and do open up the door for use in specific mission based tactical applications. With a past history and interest in technical skills and working in abnormal environments you can understand my fascination with the idea of Paramotors being used for “tactical” purposes. Evaluating their strengths and weaknesses is important to determine how paramotors can successfully be utilized for tactical operations.
Paramotor Advantages
Paramotors offer some key advantages that make them well-suited for certain tactical operations:
Aerial - Paramotors provide the ability to get elevated and become a set of eyes in the sky.
Range & Air Time - Paramotors offer much greater range than most drones as you dont have to be concerned with signal loss. The fuel capacity offers hours of flying in comparison to battery range of most drones.
Maneuverability - Paramotors are respectably maneuverable and can access hard to reach areas. They can also fly much higher altitudes than most drones extending many thousands of feet while still offering the ability to fly low and slow with cruising speeds around 20mph on average.
Compact Size - Paramotors are extremely compact compared to other aircraft. The motor, propeller, and cage fold up into a small pack or case. This allows paramotors to be easily transported in a vehicle or carried to remote locations for stealth missions. Their small footprint also enables covert takeoffs and landings in tight spaces.
Low Noise - Paramotor engines generate substantially less noise than small planes or helicopters. At moderate thrust settings, the noise profile can be comparable to distant lawn equipment. This quiet operation enables clandestine takeoffs, landings, and surveillance flights.
Covert - Paramotors look like a really cool recreational sport. The civilian appearance is a perfect and easy cover to mask operations. (especially if two or three wings are in the air at the same time)
Diverse Launch/Landing Capabilities - Paramotors can take off and land in areas as small as a backyard or clearing in the woods. Their minimal ground roll enables operation from improvised sites. A clear, obstacle free patch of ground can often be enough for taking off and landing. This gives paramotors unmatched flexibility compared to fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters that require prepared runways/landing zones.
Inexpensive - Paramotoring equipment and maintenance is relatively inexpensive compared to other tactical aircraft like helicopters. Paramotors can be purchased for as low as $6,000 versus millions for a helicopter. Fuel usage is also extremely efficient. This makes paramotors an attractive option for private tactical operations on a budget.
Paramotor Disadvantages
Paramotoring offers unique capabilities for tactical operations, but the technology does come with some limitations to consider.
Weather Dependence -As lightweight aircraft, paramotors are more susceptible to adverse weather conditions like gusty winds or turbulence. Rain can also be problematic. Paramotor flying is best with low steady winds under 12-15 mph, or even no winds at all. This limits paramotors to fair weather operations. Missions may need to be delayed or aborted due to weather variability.
Small Flying Window - Even in perceived great weather, the air can be rough. The best times to fly are typically mornings and evenings during the summer before the thermals rise from the earth, and midday during the winter when the days are shorter.
Limited range and payload - Most paramotor systems have a relatively limited range and payload capacity compared to other tactical aircraft. The small engine size restricts how far paramotors can fly on a tank of gas, often topping out at 2-3 hours of flight time. Weight restrictions also limit the pilot plus gear to around 200-300 lbs total. This reduces the potential mission range and equipment carrying capacity.
Small Capacity - Paramotors are most often a one person or tandem operation with tandem requiring a higher level of experience and training. The small size is limiting for cargo as well requiring some creativity for a pilot who wishes to bring along some additional gear.
Requires Skilled Operators - While paramotors are simpler to operate than many aircraft, they still require proper training to fly safely. Though no certification, permit, or professional training is required to get into paramotoring (not recommended), they do require a level of skills to fly competently especially in a mission related capacity. Pilots need instruction on launch and landing procedures, emergency maneuvers, weather assessment, and much more. Lack of training could lead to accidents or operational issues.
Exposed pilot - The slower speed, maneuverability, and open design of paramotors leaves paramotor pilots more exposed than in traditional enclosed aircraft. The pilot is vulnerable to enemy fire as well as the elements. Flying over rugged terrain or at low altitudes increases risks. Protective clothing and tactical maneuvers help mitigate some exposure risks but they are still easy targets if compromised.
The lightweight, compact, and quiet nature of paramotors raises the question of whether they could be an asset for certain tactical operations. Their ability to take off and land in small areas, fly at low altitudes, and be packed into a vehicle gives them unique capabilities compared to other aircraft. However, paramotors have limitations in speed, range, and payload capacity that may restrict their utility. Evaluating their strengths and weaknesses is important to determine if paramotors can successfully be utilized for tactical operations.
Tactical Operations
The term “Tactical Operations” refers to specialized military, law enforcement, or security activities that achieve strategic, operational, or training objectives. They are usually clandestine and high-risk, requiring specialized skills. The goals are to gain tactical advantages, access restricted areas, conduct surveillance, or complete objectives while avoiding detection.
Traditional tactical air operations typically rely on louder aircraft like helicopters or fixed wing planes. These have advantages in speed, range, and payload capacity but are easier to detect both visually and through radar. By contrast, paramotors offer a lightweight, portable new aerial platform for specialized missions requiring stealth and precision. However, they also have significant limitations in weather, payload, range, and pilot training. These factors may constrain their practical use for many tactical scenarios despite their unique capabilities.
Direct Combative?
With the word tactical in play it’s easy for the imagination to run toward some type of direct combative scenario. Outside of an over imaginative action movie probably directed by Michael Bay, I find the idea impractical. The combative operation would have to align with the perfect flying conditions or the pilot would be forced to actively pilot meaning both hands would be operating the brake lines full time and they would not feasibly be able to focus on or engage much else. In a tandem operation, one operator would pilot the paramotor, and the second would be more hands free, but the slower speed and maneuverability of Paramotors would leave both operators indefensible as outlined in the weaknesses above. This would place the operators in a high risk with low reward situation.
Tactical Applications of Paramotors
Even though direct combative operations from Paramotors isn’t feasible and should be relegated to our imaginations, there are still some unique areas where they can be of value. Considering the strengths and weaknesses of Paramotors outlined above, let’s look at some ways Paramotors can be, have been, or are currently being utilized as a tool in the tactical sectors.
Reconnaissance
Paramotors are quiet and can fly low and slow over an area to gather intelligence without attracting too much attention. Their small visual and noise signature makes them harder to detect than helicopters or drones. They are great for taking photos and videos from above because they offer a stable platform for shooting. A paramotor pilot can carry both still photography equipment such as point and shoot cameras or even DSLR cameras but also video cameras as well as flight instruments such as GPS trackers, altimeters, and radios so the pilot doesn’t need to rely on other people for navigation or communication while flying over dangerous terrain. Paramotors can be flown very low over areas that are inaccessible by foot or car, but also from higher altitudes (upwards of thousands of feet), which makes it possible to see things from different perspectives. This gives Paramotors an advantage over drones where there range and altitude can be much more limited. The growth in camera technology today such as GoPro and Insta360 make aerial reconnaissance from ultralight aircraft even more plausible as the small and lightweight cameras can be easily mounted just about anywhere while still capturing very high quality content.
If the conditions are right for flying, Paramotors can be an excellent tool for aerial reconnaissance or providing security sweeps.
Surveillance
Paramotors are almost entirely synonymous with civilian recreational sports. With surveillance operations most often requiring covertness to not alert the subject or subjects being watched, the civilian appearance of recreational Paramotor flying is a great fit or cover for surveillance missions. Paramotors offer excellent maneuverability in tight spaces, which can include urban areas in the right circumstances. They are lightweight and can take off and land from small clearings.
Search and Rescue (SAR)
Paramotors allow you to cover large hard to reach areas quickly, which is important if you're searching for someone lost or injured in the wilderness. The ability of the paramotor pilot to be able to fly low enough to see someone in distress makes it ideal for search and rescue missions where there is no way for rescuers to get close enough on foot or horseback because of thick brush or other terrain obstacles that would inhibit their progress if they tried to get closer on their own power. The paramotor can be a great tool for search and rescue. It could possibly even be used to get emergency supplies to stranded hikers or victims or mark their location for the rest of the rescue team. The possibilities of a Paramotor for SAR applications is certainly there, but like most Rescue tools, their limitations make them situation dependent.
Anti Poaching
Anti poaching operations are a major challenge for African Wildlife authorities. The authorities have to work day and night to protect the wildlife. The use of paramotors can be an efficient way to patrol large areas and reach remote locations where anti poaching teams can’t go by foot or by car. It’s easy to handle, and allows the operator to fly over rivers, mountains, forests, and other rough terrain. This can be extremely effective for tracking and monitoring specific herds of wildlife. The pilot can also use the aerial advantage to spot poachers from high up in the sky, and can take pictures or video, or even mark their location for ground intervention.
Drug Interdiction
The strengths of paramotors can allow law enforcement agencies to conduct surveillance flights over large areas quickly and inexpensively while reducing risks to human life. Piloting Paramotors requires unique skills including good situational awareness and great observational ability. Experienced Paramotor pilots can have an interesting perspective on things. They are skilled at observing their surroundings from an aerial vantage point, rapidly identifying objects and terrain elements, and making quick decisions. This makes them excellent candidates for drug interdiction or similar operations where aerial surveillance skills could be beneficial. The civilian appearance as a recreation sport can also be a huge advantage for covert but “in plain sight” operations. Drug interdiction missions conducted by law enforcement agencies in South America have relied on flying paramotors since the late 1980s.
Aerial Repeater
Sure, this may sound far fetched, but is it really? This has been used in other capacities including drones. Paramotors however, offer longer flight times and more range. The concept is to attach an antenna to the Paramotor and fly it to an elevated position to repeat communication signals in areas where the signals are weak due to terrain interference. Repeating signals to establish good comms can be invaluable and very much utilized in all the above mentioned capacities. Aerial repeating can even be chained together over several antennas in special circumstances.
Infiltration/ Disruption
Infiltration - Paramotors can allow soldiers to insert into areas undetected either by foot after landing or by paragliding in. Their portability also allows them to take off and land in tight spaces. In the right circumstances, a Paramotor can be a unique tool for getting in and/or out of target locations.
Disruption - The unique capabilities of paramotors opens up possibilities for new types of harassment or sabotage missions behind enemy lines with lower risk of detection or capture.
Equipment Considerations
Paramotors come in a variety of makes, models, and configurations that can be optimized for different operational needs. The biggest considerations include weight of the paramotor, weight of the pilot and full load out of gear, power of the paramotor, and intended range or flight times. Additional gear and equipment are mostly mission specific and can include:
Flight Deck: A Paramotor flight deck is platform that sits on the pilots lap during flight and creates a place to mount and secure different devices to access or reference during flight. Flight decks come in different sizes with several offering built in storage space.
Navigation: GPS devices help navigate precisely to coordinates or allow the ability to precisely pinpoint target locations for team members. GPS can also provide mapping opportunities. GPS devices are typically mounted to flight deck with other instruments.
Communications: Radio systems, mounted speakers and headsets enable communication with ground teams or fellow wingman as needed. Headsets can be hardwired to radios worn on the pilots chest or mounted to a flight deck. Bluetooth options are also available eliminating the wire connection from the helmet to the radio.
Photography: Action camera mounts allow aerial photography and videography while flying. Todays top action cameras such as GoPro and Insta360 can capture high resolution content and offer amazingly high frame rates in very small packages. These cameras are easy to mount and carry while maintaining the “civilian action sport” covert appearance. With the right tethering, flying with a DSLR camera can also be achieved which can open up the possibility to longer range captures.
Medical: A small first aid kit is always a good idea even for short recreational flying. Larger medical kits can be worn on the pilots lap and attached the swing arms with carabiners for more mission specific situations. An ankle first aid kit (AFAK) can be a great option for self aid/ buddy care purposes.
Weapon Kit: A tactical vest can be feasible but not ideal. For an in and out op, a battle belt could be packed along. The most feasible option for carrying in flight however, is a standard 4 o’clock position concealed carry (ccw), or a thigh rig which could allow accessibility inflight if the extraordinary circumstance arose where such was needed. A compact rifle could also be slung and secured to the pilots chest though much like the vest, this is not as convenient or simple as it sounds.
Lights: For low light situations prior to sunrise, or after sunset strobe lights can be mounted on the Paramotor frame, or in the tips of the wing. Lights or IR emitters can also be used for signaling. This would be best tethered to a flight deck on the pilots lap for easy access.
Overnight Kit: Another mission specific piece of gear is an overnight kit. Fly camping, or “Paracamping” has grown into a popular adventure activity among recreational Paramotor pilots. The growth in interest and popularity has spurred a lot of great ideas and information sharing regarding the best ways to carry camping gear on Paramotor flights. One of the most feasible options is to pack the lightweight camping gear into a duffel bag and attach it to the risers to ride on the pilots lap like the medical bag described above. The basic essentials of an overnight fly camping kit typically consist of: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Mess Kit, Multitool, Camp Stove, Flashlight, & Water.
Flying with additional gear adds significantly more risk. Pilots should reassess their total weight anytime they are adding or adjusting kit and ensure they are within the appropriate rating of their wing. Ground handling prior to flying is also a must for testing the full setup to ensure correct, feasible, and safe. This also gets the pilot comfortable with the changes as adding weight and/or bulky gear can really change the dynamic to launching and landing. All pilots should ground handle all changes with confidence before flying with it.
Training
Becoming a proficient paramotor pilot capable of tactical operations requires extensive training and skills. Most operators will be working professionally in a tactical capacity first with Paramotor training and piloting skill being an additional skillset acquired later.
Skills Required
Pilots need to master several core skills to safely and effectively fly a paramotor for tactical purposes:
Takeoffs and landings: Smooth controlled takeoffs and landings are essential, including in tight spaces and on uneven terrain. This takes repeated practice.
In-flight control: Pilots must be able to precisely steer and maneuver the paramotor while in flight using their body weight and control bar inputs. Strong core strength and stamina are required.
Weather reading: Reading wind patterns, forecasts, and spotting changing conditions is critical. This awareness helps avoid dangerous situations.
Navigation: Navigating by sight, instruments, and maps/GPS is a key skill for tactical operations. Pilots must be able to navigate to precise locations.
Emergency procedures: Extensive emergency procedure training prepares pilots to handle equipment malfunctions, weather changes, or other problems. This can be the difference between life and death.
Fitness: Paramotoring requires high fitness levels to handle the physical exertion of flying and carrying equipment. Strength, endurance and flexibility training helps prevent injury.
Timeline to Gain Proficiency
Becoming a proficient paramotor pilot takes most people 1-2 years of consistent training. Those focusing on tactical skills may need additional time. Key milestones include:
Basic flight training: 25-50 hours of flight time over 3-6 months
Solo flying proficiency: 50-100 flight hours over 6-12 months
Advanced training: 50+ hours over 6+ months
Most pilots will take 100-200 flight hours to become proficient paramotor pilots. This translates to 1-2 years for most cases. Patience is required as skills are built slowly.
Costs
The costs of paramotor training can be broken down into:
Equipment costs: A complete tactical paramotor setup can cost $10,000 to $15,000. Advanced avionics, headsets, lights, and gear add more cost.
Training costs: Lessons from an instructor run $100-150 per hour. So basic entry level training to get started in paramotor flying varies from ~$2,000-$4,000. Advanced course and training can add $2,000+ more as well as travel and lodging.
In total, plan on investing $15,000-$25,000 over 2-3 years to become a skilled paramotor pilot. It can be an expensive endeavor requiring strong commitment.
Final Thoughts
Paramotors can be a unique asset. Their small size and quiet engines allow them to operate with a low signature. Paramotors can take off and land in areas as small as a backyard, allowing access to confined spaces. The portability of the equipment enables quick deployment. They are however extremely limited by weather conditions, lack armor and defensive capabilities if detected and the pilots are exposed during flight. They are also limited in payload capacity, range, and flight time compared to fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters.
Paramotor use in tactical operations is limited to niche scenarios requiring stealth and limited payload. More robust aviation platforms will be better suited for the majority of missions. With the right conditions, pilot, skills, and gear, however, the strengths of Paramotors can be a valuable tool for some very interesting purposes. Proper training, planning and realistic expectations are required for safe and effective paramotor operations.
