AirDesign's single-skin UFO | Cross Country Magazine

The UFO is AirDesign’s new single-skin paraglider. At 16m2 the Ultralight Flying Object weighs just 1.7kg, and is a “light and useable” glider for mountain adventures, say the team.

Developed by Stephan Stieglair and Joe Keppler, AD say the UFO has good speed and durability, is very easy to launch and feels similar to a conventional glider to fly.

Our main goal during development was to create a very light and usable glider. For alpine applications, it’s important to have a wing with good speed and durability. The UFO fulfils both criteria.

Trim speed is around 37km/h (at 85kg) and can be accelerated up to 43km/h via a speed-system. Although using lightweight materials, we’ve incorporated durability with the integration of edging tapes along the ribs.

Another direct result and benefit of the concept means that the glider has an extremely low packing volume.

Because the feedback is more direct and less damped than a standard paraglider, AD recommend the UFO for pilots with previous experience of mini wings.

It’s built using ram-air struts, V-shaped closed cells that are pressurised by ‘sharknose’ styled leading edge intakes, to give the glider stability.

AirDesign have prepared answers to some of the questions pilots frequently pose about the single-surface wing:

Pitch Control Behaviour

Compared with a standard paraglider where pitch instability can lead to extreme overshooting, the UFO at times can feel pitch active, but this pitching is always exhibited in a controlled degree. A conventional paraglider can overshoot further than that of the UFO.

Landing

Due to the design contributing to minimal pitch inducement, flare behaviour is different to that of a conventional paraglider. The glider requires a fast and late flare prior to touching down. When landing with ample headwind, standard landing technique flare is sufficient.

Rapid Descent Manouveres

Like a conventional glider, it is possible to undertake B-stalls, big-ears or spirals for rapid descents. The UFO does not demonstrate any unconventional behaviour during these manoeuvres. Little ears (tips) can stay folded inward, but they are easily re-inflated with short brake pumping.

Collapses

Asymmetric collapses reopen quickly after expected surge and rotation. To support collapse recovery, we recommend active braking for stabilisation in the same manner as a conventional glider. Frontal collapses reopen very fast and initially with a strong, fast surge forward. Any surges stop quite immediately, and never exhibit more than a 45-60 degree of dive-angle.

Deep-Stall, Full-Stall

Brake range of the size 16 is around 45-50 cm. The range is less progressive in pressure compared to conventional gliders. The stall-point position is noticeable via a softened feel. The UFO recovers immediately with a short, fast dive, but stops itself at around 45-60 degrees.

We do not recommend using this glider to undertake extreme or acrobatic manoeuvres. If doing so, then ensure that you do so over water with safety elements in place (boat, life-vest, ect) under the guidance of a safety instructor.