02/28/2023. Remarks by Walter van Tilborg: "The Paraplane was a design of Edward M. Lanier and built to continue the research and development work which was started with several earlier aircraft designed by his father Edward H. Lanier between 1928 and 1933. All these aircraft employed the so called Vacuplane principle in which the airflow was directed through wing slots resulting in reduced pressure over the upper wing area, thus allowing slow flight and a good STOL performance. For the continuation of the work the Lanier Aircraft Corporation was formed by Edward M. Lanier at Marlton, New Jersey, USA, in 1943.

120 Paraplane (Walter van Tilborg Memorial Collection)

The aircraft in its original form, designated 120 Paraplane, but also referred to as the PL-7, was registered N9060H on March 1, 1949, and flew that year with Leo Riley at the controls. The single-seater initially had twin fins/rudders, after the first flights these were replaced by a single fin with curved leading and trailing edges. It had an inverted 'Vacucell' gull-wing with an air scoop below and vacuum-slots on top, these were operated by a hand-crank in the cockpit. These features enabled slow flight at 19 mph (30.5 kmh), take off in 100 ft (30 m), a 30° climb angle and 40° descent angle; it was spin- and stall-proof. Powered by a 65 hp Lycoming O-145 engine it was tested for several years.

120 Paraplane II (Walter van Tilborg Memorial Collection)

After having received a more powerful 90 hp Continental C90 engine, the aircraft was redesignated 120 Paraplane II and was first flown in 1953. The aircraft also received a much taller rectangular vertical tail, while four section flaps were fitted to the wing. These aerodynamic improvements resulted in steeper climb and descent characteristics and still lower speeds, reportedly it was capable of nearly hovering. The registration was cancelled on August 13, 1958.

Further development led to the larger 110 Paraplane Commuter".