The ALP is Supair’s new super-light racing pod with a full fairing. It was designed for athletes competing at the top level in hike-and-fly and XC events, and used by Pierre Rémy in the X-Pyr 2024.
ALP stands for Aerodynamics, Light, Performance. The ALP has an inflatable envelope that wraps around the pilot, and a large rear fairing. Together these minimise drag and stabilise the harness in the yaw axis.
Supair say the seat was designed first, focussing on weight but also comfort, handling and durability for extensive competition use. The outer shell was next, and is “submarine-style” for maximum aerodynamic performance. Supair say over 30 envelope configurations were tested before they settled on the final version.
Finally the materials were chosen, for lightness and durability, although Supair caution the ALP is nonetheless an ultra-light product that needs to be handled with care! The chassis is Dyneema, and the envelope a mixture of 32 and 38g/m2 Mungyeong and 210D nylon fabrics.
The cocoon has a magnetic zipper, which closes by itself once you get your legs into the pod and push them out. This seals the harness, and the relative wind inflates the envelope. Simply spread your knees apart to reopen the closure when it’s time to get your legs down for landing.
The back protection is inflatable, minimising weight, and there is a clear plastic viewing panel for the instruments in the cockpit.
The ALP is available in three sizes, and the smallest size weighs just 1.58kg.
Supair say the ALP redefines the standards of the ultra-light cocoon, and is a pioneer in this new genre, “opening up new horizons in the world of hike-and-fly competition”.
