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This page brought to you by Ventura County Hang Gliding.
This list is by no means complete and it is meant to be added to by others until we arrive at a somewhat more definitive database. Initially the comments, manufacture dates and recommended skill levels will mostly reflect my own recollections and opinions. As others contribute to the list, the number of comments will grow and I hope the result will be broad based and reasonably objective.
Note: It is my policy to include every comment that contributors to this list choose to make. So these comments range from fairly neutral statements describing gliders that people have seen flying around to somewhat less neutral rave reviews of wings people own (or make) and have fallen in love with. So the reader is advised to take the information found here as a good starting point in comparing gliders, but as with all hang gliding information, always fly before you buy.
Here Goes:
Glider Years Sizes (sq. ft) Rating Comments
Raven '79 - '81 179, 209, 229 1 Floater, easy handling
Single surface trainer
Uncambered fiberglass battens
Poor penetration
Statically tail heavy
229 used as tandem glider
These are getting very old now,
but some are still flyable.
A real floater, and very popular
in the late 70's. Check the sail
carefully if you get one.
Harrier '81 - '84 147, 177, 187 2 Easy handling trainer
(I & II) Single surface
Cambered aluminum battens
Relatively tight flare timing
for a trainer
Getting pretty old now, but an
excellent single surface glider.
Possibly the fastest turning glider
ever made.
and for a contrasting view:
The Harrier and Duck hang ratings
given here suffer from the
"older is easier" syndrom.
I believe the Harrier was marketed
as a Hang 3 glider. As you note, the
Harrier has critical flare timing. It
is NOT a training glider, because of this.
Duck '81 - '83 130, 155, 180, 3 Double surface glider
200 OK handling for an early '80s
competition glider, but stiff
by contemporary standards.
Extremely tight flare timing
Originally marketed as a hang 4 glider,
the Duck is stiff handling with critical
flare timing - many modern higher
performance (Hang 4) gliders are easier to
fly. I think this glider
and the Harrier should both be listed with
their original rating guidelines, because
they have negative handling traits which
have been improved in modern designs.
Attack '83 - '84 155, 180 3 Similar to Duck but with
Duck minor improvements
(half-ribs, straight tips)
SkyHawk '84 - '89 168, 188 1 Refined Harrier for training
use. Easy handling / landing.
One of the best single surface gliders
ever made, I think. Low top end speed,
but it will turn on a dime and is
well-engineered. Easy to set up.
HP '84 - '88 170 3-4 Stiff handling, fast competition
(1 & 2) glider. No keel pocket
Early models in particular
were difficult to turn. HP2
added kingpost hang system and
improved handling somewhat
Sport '86 - 150, 167, 180 2 Recreational Double Surface Glider
(& AT) No keel pocket. Compromise
(& Supersport) of good handling, reasonable
(& Sport American) 143, 153, 163 landing, glide and penetration
(Supersport) characteristics. 7075 tubing made
for relatively light weight.
The Sport American was the same
glider with the more common 6061
tubing. This was about 5 lbs.
heavier but was otherwise very similar.
167 Sport AT has proven to be better
than average rec. class glider.
Landing flare timing not critical.
Very distinct flare cues.
Not tail heavy as in previous WW
Watch for excessive wear on corner fittings.
Some gliders came with unsleeved down tubes.
Replace with sleeved ASAP.
Super Sport is NOT a huge gain over Sport AT if at all.
Try and find a used SportAT 167!
They are that well liked.
HP-AT '89 - '93 145, 158 3-4 VG (lever). Easier handling
than earlier HP models, but still
reputed to have moderately tight
flare timing.
Spectrum '91 - 144, 165 1 Current generation double
surface trainer
I owned a Spectrum 165 and
thought it was more for a hang 2 or 3.
It was very manuverable in the air
but I could never land it consitently well.
Also the set up was a bit tedious
compared to my friends Pac-Air Pulse.
I traded the Spectrum in for a WW Falcon 195
and since I only platform tow once a month
or so and I enjoy the Falcon more.
Also, the Spectrum I had was called the
"plus" model that was $400 more and included
wing tips and faired down tubes.
RamAir '93 - 146, 154 4 Very fast, excellent energy retention
and good flare authority, though some
pilots report unusual handling
characteristics. Has undersurface
scoop designed to pressurize
the wing at high speed.
XC '95 ? 4 Variant of the RamAir (without
the undersurface scoop),
reputed to maintain the
performance of the Ram
with better handling characteristics
Falcon '95 170, 195, 225 1 Single surface trainer.
Light, very easy handling.
225 is a good tandem glider
Fusion '97 150 4 No upper rigging. Fast
"Handles similarly toother
Wills high performance
gliders" (a bit trucklike,
but good in turbulence)
Ultrasport '97 147, 166 3 Successor to Sport and
Supersport but reputed
to have better performance.
Has VG (a first for
non-comp level WW gliders).
Glider Years Sizes (sq ft) Rating Comments
Esprit ?
Vision '83 - '86 160, 180, 200 1-2 Easy handling double surface trainer
Good landing characteristics.
Poor penetration for double surface
Eclipse '86 - '87 170, 190 1-2 Next generation Vision
Quasi-keel-pocketless (keel strap)
Some had high speed oscillation problems
Mark IV '88 - '92 170, 190 1-2 Next Generation Vision
Better performance than Eclipse
without oscillation problems
Pulse '92 - 9, 10, 11 (m2) 1-2 Current generation Vision
Magic '83 - '88 133,155,166 3 High Performance Double Surface
(3 & 4) 177 Fast, Easy Landing, VG
High Pitch Pressures
Heavy
K-series '88 - 94 144, 154, 160 3 Keel Pocketless High Performance
(Kiss, K2 Double Surface, VG
K3, K4, K5 Some early models had tuning problems
Some models have a high speed oscillation
tendency.
Different models refer to different
sizes (Kiss,K4=154, K2,K5=144, K3=160)
Klassic '94 - 144, 155, 166 3-4 Next generation K-series
competition glider
1995 models have optional winglets
that are claimed to improve both
handling and high speed performance
Formula ? 144, 154 2-3 Recreational Double Surface
Good handling
Formulas are yawy gliders but very manoeuvrable.
Glider Years Sizes (sq ft) Rating Comments
GTR '85 - '88 147, 162, 175 3 Relatively good handling high
210(!) performance double surface, VG
Curved Fiberglass wingtips
Heavy. Bulletproof
XS '88 - '93 142, 155, 169 3-4 High Performance. No keel pocket
(1 & 2) Good high speed glide. Heavy,
Bulletproof (very hard to break)
XT '90 - 145, 165 2 Recreational Double Surface
XL '91 - 145, 165 1 Single Surface Trainer
XS3 '93 - 142 3 Lightened XS. Easy Handling
with good performance. Small
control frame. VG
Xtralite '93 - 127, 137, 147 4 Smaller Lighter XS Descendent
157, 164 Fast, Relatively Easy Handling
Some improvements in set up ease
over XS series. Wider range of sizes
than most competition gliders.
127 and 137 sizes are available
with smaller control frames and
narrower faired tubes for smaller pilots.
SX '96 - 127, 137, 149, 153 4 Direct descendent of the Xtralite
(SuperXtralite) with some hardware modifications
(narrower faired tubes, easier VG)
Also contains internal deflexor
cable as in Enterprise Wings Desire.
This is claimed to improve low
speed handling. The four sizes
are also referred to as the SX2 - SX5.
CSX 97 149, 153 4 Version of the SX with a carbon
spar and no top rigging. Reputed
to be very fast with a great glide.
Glider Years Sizes (sq. ft) Rating Comments
Sensor 510A 82-84 160, 180 4 VG and keel pocket
Sensor 510B 85-87 160 4 VG, no keel pocket
Sensor 510C 87-89 160 4 VG compensator system
Sensor 510E 90-92 160 4
Sensor 610 93- 144, 152 4 Improved handling and landing
characteristics while maintaining
excellent performance. '94 and
later models have "flap" system
to improve low speed sink rate.
Note: The comments associated with the next entry are widely varying.
Sensor 610F 95- (135), 144, 152 4 The latest 610F has the control
bar attached behind the CG for
Better flair authority. There are
6 shear ribs per side in lieu of 3
per side previously. The air frame
and ribs are constructed of 7075-T3
Aluminum alloy. The 152 weighs 70 lbs.
The flap system is integral with the VG
system. Sail areas are actually 152,
144 & 135 Sq.ft. respectively. The stall
speed is 19 mph correct airspeed with
flaps (12 mph indicated airspeed).
Min. sink is estimated at 160 fpm at
the recommended wing loading of 1.8
lb./sq.ft. The glide ratio is estimated
at 14:1. VNE=65 mph, VA=55mph. "Just
pull-in on the VG line and watch as the
flap system disengages, transforming your
floater back into a screaming blade wing."
Another contributor writes in rebuttal:
I do not know who put the entry for the
Sensor 610F but it is misleading. The
135 size does not yet exist even in
prototype form. Delivery for new Sensor
exceeds one year as Bob Trampeneau does
everything himself. Furthermore, none of
the Sensor 610 are USHGA certified. Maybe
I am picky but I was looking at buying one
and I did some research. From what I heard
from other pilots, I will never but a Sensor
myself unless I want to be a test pilot
for Bob.
And the owner of Seedwings himself, Bob Trampenau, comments:
The 135/610F first flew in July 1996. Most are in Japan, a
few are in Calif. As to test flying, I, or qualified factory individuals
test fly each Sensor before delivery. The flap system was retro fitted
on approx. (75) 610's that were produced prior to the introduction of
the 610F. We have 150 Sensor 610's flying now.
Our newest 610 F2 is available in sizes: 150, 142 and 135. The new 610
F2 are all standardized planforms with each other, they all have the
same number of ribs. The latest addition to the new 610 F2 design is a
turbulator bump on the LE of the airfoil improving L/D and min sink. The
new F2 comes in 3 configurations: wire braced (standard), washout struts
instead of reflex bridles or negatively cantalivered (topless).
The second two configurations will be available by 1998.
Note: In 1995 the designers of the TRX left UP and formed a new company, Blue Sky
Aviation. Gliders manufactured by Blue Sky are currently listed under the UP
heading in the hang glider database.
Certification :
All listed UP gliders are
HGMA certified.
Glider Years Sizes (sq. ft) Rating Comments
Condor 77-78 ?, 269 2 Possibly the slowest flying hang glider
ever made. The Condor would still make a
good trainer. The 269 was a popular
tandem glider for large loads.
Comet 80-82 165, 185 3 First of the modern double surface
gliders. Good performance for its
day, but rather stiff by current
standards, high pitch pressure.
Easier to land than its contemporary,
the Duck series.
Gemini 81-84 134, 164, 184 1-2 Single surface Comet. Floating but
exposed crossbar. Well regarded
trainer of this period.
This was a single surface version of the
famous UP Comet. Same hardware, same
upper-sail planform, just no lower surface.
Flies well, turns well, but doesn't fly as
fast as the Comet.
Comet 2 83-84 165, 185 3-4 Cleaner Comet replacement. Similar.
GZ 85 155 4 Small, heavy, fast. Never became
popular before UP folded.
Axis 88-90 13, 15 (m2) 4 Fast, stiff handling. Well
regarded as aerobatic gliders.
Has VG
Comet 3 89-90 185, ? 3 Intermediate level double surface
glider. Not produced for long.
Few models in service.
TRX 91- 140, 160 3-4 Carbon fiber framed, high performance
glider with VG. Significantly lighter
than other competing designs. Very
good sink rate and landing
characteristics.
XTR ? ? 3 Aluminum framed version of TRX for
intermediates
XTC ? ? 1+ Single surface trainer series
205 size used as tandem glider
Predator 95- 142, 158 4 Blue Sky's succesor to the TRX.
Carbon framed, uses vortex generators
on the wing to increase performance.
Reported to outperform the TRX.
Predator sails may be retrofitted
to TRX frames.
Glider Years Sizes (sq. ft) Rating Comments
Aero 91- 145, 165 2 Keelpocketless, recreational double
surface wing, No VG, 14 battens
upper-surface, 4 under-surface.
Aspect Ratio 5.2. Nose angle 122.
65% double surface. 56 lbs.
Great Novice wing.
Rage 95- ? 3 The Rage has a very fast set-up, VG, and
very good glide at low to medium speeds.
In Enterprise Wings' tradition is particularly
easy to fly.
Foil 87-89 160, 170 ? 3-4 Competition glider with reputation
for good handling. Has VG
Combat 90-93 137, 152 3-4 Succesor to Foil. Good handling,
relatively high pitch pressures.
Desire 93- 141, 151 4 Competition Wing with extremely good handling.
named Desire to maintain the letter
tradition started when the company's
name was Foil. The Combat was the Foil C.
The Desire is the foil D. The focus on
handling highlighted by the success of the
Combat is very clear in the Desire, which
coordinates brilliantly in thermals, with
no need to highside (particularly the 151),
even with VG full on (most pilots would
fly it with VG on except for take off and
landing). Glide is very good and landing is
easy due to a relatively large flare window.
Flat rigging and tensioning is possible.
Was the glider of choice of the Australian
champion.
Elite 95- ? 4 Replacement for the Desire. The
following is a detailed report taken
from the hang gliding mailing list:
The planform looks different than the Desire.
All 7075 tubing so it is *much* lighter than
the Desire. The Leading Edge looks very stiff.
There is no any neoprene between the top and
bottom surface at the tips. It has washout
struts. The top of the A-frame is on a short
slide, using the Wills Wing hardware, for
laying flat. That is the only WW hardware though.
There is at least one shear web in the tip section.
There are no tips of any kind, and not even any
velcro to install them. Supposedly
[Enterprise Wings] had done some wind tunnel tests
and the round type tips most gliders have actually
make more drag than just the open tip.
It has a folding base tube. The VG string travel
is quite short and light. The cross bar pull back
is very easy also. The nose wires are tight. It
has the internal LE deflexor like the Desire, but
the cable is heavier and the hardware is improved.
The stock TE cloth is a mylar sandwich, and they
are using different LE cloth. The sail looks very
nice. The top of the A frame is at least 6" behind
the hang loops. King post hang system, with a
neoprene seal around the king post.
Few manufactured before company folded.
Glider Years Sizes (sq. ft) Rating Comments
Streak 82-84 ? 4 Stiff, fast (for its day)
competition glider. Keel pocket,
No VG. Detached under surface.
Several of these tumbled after
tuning modifications
Mystic 85-87 155, 166, 177 3 Attempted copy of the then popular
Airwave Magic series. Good handling
but never had the performance of the
Magic. Many called this glider the
"Mistake", but Kevin Christopherson
did set a world distance record in one.
Dream 85- 145, 165, 185 1 Very popular single surface trainer.
205, 220, 240 Docile handling, easy landing, poor
glide/penetration. The 145 was one of the
few good trainers for light (under 120 lb)
pilots (until several small trainers -
Pulse 9M, XL 145, small Spectrum -
hit the market in the early '90s).
The 220 was the de facto standard tandem
glider for many years, but the 240 was
reputed to be too big and difficult to
handle for all but the largest tandem loads.
Production on these models has continued
through UP and later Air Sports International
after Delta Wing folded.
Like the Skyhawk, a superb single surface
glider. Very maneuverable, easy to launch,
land and set up.
Glider Years Sizes (sq. ft) Rating Comments
Lancer 79-81 170, 190 1 Easy handling, easy landing
Super Lancer 155, 180, 200 trainer. Quick set-up.
Uncambered plastic battens
Poor speed and penetration
Comparable to Raven without tail heaviness
There was a huge difference between the old
Lancer IV and the Super Lancer. The Super
Lancer was something of a Raven clone. The
old Lancers were among my personal favorites.
2 Sizes, 170 sq feet and 190 sq feet. They would
slow down like a Condor, yet fly faster
than a Stratus V.
Javelin 81-83 168, 208 1 Easy handling, easy landing trainer
Cambered Aluminum ribs
Better performance than Lancer series
Comparable to Harrier series
Demon 80-82 176 3 Early double surface glider.
Competitor to the Comet, but a bit
heavier (80+ lbs.) and lower in aspect ratio
Shadow 83 172 3 Double surface competition glider
with reputation for good handling
Not many produced before Flight Designs
folded.
The Shadow has 27 battens and is still the
best handling double surface glider I have
flown. It does have the ability to spin but
I consider this an asset in dropping out of
clouds and losing altitude when you want to
come down. Fun glider. If you ever get the
chance to fly one, give it a try.
Glider Years Sizes (sq. ft) Rating Comments
Elan 89- 154 1-3 60% Double Surface, very light
Amour 91- 139 3-4 Very light, 56lbs in bag, small
A-frame. Good for the smaller pilot.
92- 159 3-4 As 139, 63lbs in bag, superb handling.
Java 95- 140, 150, 155 4 High performance glider that handles
easy as an intermediate, very
light VG, excellent speed range,
very good climb.
Glider Years Sizes (sq. ft) Rating Comments
Typhoon 81- ? ?
Typhoon S4 85- 166, 180 ? Higher performance version of Typhoon
Ace 86- 150, 160, 170 ? Early performance Rumour with keel pocket
Also available in "RX" racing version
Sport 88- 150, 160 ?
Rumour 89- 13.5, 14.5 (m2) ? Performance glider, reportedly very stiff
Rumour2 91- 13, 14 (m2) ? Performance glider, reportedly bad
in roll
Rumour 92- 12 (m2) ?
Fever
Rumour3 93- 13, 14 (m2) ? High performance, improved on 1 & 2
Rush 94- 15 (m2) ?
Scandal 95- 12.4, 13.6, 14.4 ? Newest high performance with APS.
Active pressure system - holes in
leading edge, keep its shape at speed
Glider Years Sizes (m2) Rating Comments
Profil '84- 13, 15 3 Intermediate double surface glider.
Very nice handling, forgives some mistakes,
very easy to control during take off
even in turbulent conditions.
Sphinx '92- ? ? dual glider
Cobra '92- 13.5 ? High performance
Compact '92- 13 ? Smaller Cobra
Topless '95- ? ? High performance, no top rigging
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