Heldeberg Designs LLC engineers all attributes of the Blue Heron for safety, efficiency, and beauty; the only company in the industry with two US Patent Office Registries and Patent Pending awards.

The foundation of the Blue Heron airframe was designed from a free-fall staged collapse approach to minimize injury in the most severe circumstances.  Utilizing the strongest airframe components, such as the full 2" diameter by 1/8" wall 6061 T6 aluminum main frame components, allows construction that is superior in both strength and weight.

Structure, demonstrated by true triangulated bracing and the full double propeller ring guard that protects canopy lines, is primary.  But, structure is only as good as it is proven.  Structural components must pass critical testing.  Mechanical attachments and assembly components are subject to laboratory and usage testing.  

The Blue Heron is the lightest aircraft in its class, typically 50 to 100 pounds lighter than others on the market.  This is accomplished by putting fewer pounds in the right places, doing the job right.  Also unique to the Blue Heron is the one-piece nose section that registers the main frame components, and then holds them accurately in place.

The patent pending Blue Heron Undercarriage Truss System pre-loads the main rails to reduce impact and flexing on landing.  The system weighs only 3.5 pounds, yet is 5 times more effective than the typical steel rails that weigh 20 pounds more.  Click here to learn more.

The revolutionary Dual-Media Vibration Isolation System is a breakthrough in vibration dampening technology.  Engineered to isolate the vibration  generated by the engine and propeller, this system reduces vibration in the frame by more than 40%, providing the ultimate smooth ride for the Blue Heron pilot and passenger.   A sensor mounted to the Blue Heron airframe provided dramatic, measurable results of the effectiveness of this revolutionary system.  Click here to learn more.

One of the main goals of the Blue Heron design is to give pilots an unobstructed view of the world. The open cock-pit allows easy entry and exit with no obstructions. For those looking for additional peace of mind, the Monkey Bar option retains the original open cock-pit of the Blue Heron while giving additional overhead protection.  Click here to learn more.

Introduced in 2003, the Blue Heron Strut is one of the latest  technology innovations from Heldeberg Designs.  This new suspension system provides considerably more strength and range of motion than the typical fiberglass axle rod/shock configuration found on most other powered parachutes.  Click here for more information.

Our head engineer has been recognized by the AMSE (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).  Our Schoharie, New York facility is frequently toured by members of the the ASME, the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics), and graduate researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

All of these technology innovations translate into an unparalleled level of safety and comfort.  Adjustable steering arms, innovative suspensions, individual pilot and passenger seats, snag free cable attachments, and more.  Click here to see all of this technology in action in the four different models of Blue Heron powered parachutes available today.