Ozone have been doing a lot of research into lightweight paraglider technology, and have released a specialised, high-performance lightweight wing for experienced vol-bivouacers: the LM4.
It is based on the EN D Mantra M4, but reconstructed with modern lightweight techniques. It is uncertified and there are no plans to certify it, the company reiterating that it is a specialised wing, aimed only at pilots who have extensive experience flying high performance paragliders and who are fully comfortable flying an uncertified wing.
Ozone say the materials and techniques used for the wing have proved viable over many years of testing and they are happy with the flight characteristics which they describe as being “similar to the certified version of the M4”.
The company’s research into lightweight technology has also led to the creation of a concept paraglider that weighs only 1.35kg.
The XXLite is “extra-lightweight and extra-innovative”, and not for sale at present.
The 19m wing has a single surface, and is made from the latest lightweight materials. It packs small enough to fit into a waist bag!
In flight, Ozone say the current prototypes of the XXLite are somewhat “special” to fly, although the launch is the easiest they have ever seen – the wing seems to come up entirely on its own.
Below is a video of the XXLite in flight:
[vimeo id=”29247558″ w=”500″]
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