- Safety in Colours -
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Adam

EN/LTF-A

A safe and fun glider that you can trust to get you airborne for the very first time, and then learn to fly on in comfort.

Size

S M ML L
22 25 28 30

Specs

  S M ML L
Linear scaling factor 0.94 1 1.05 1.1
Projected area (m²) 18.5 21 23.2 25.4
Flat area (m²) 22.1 25 27.6 30.2
Glider weight (kg) 4.3 4.9 5.4 5.9
Total line length (m) 243 275 303 333
Height (m) 6.3 6.7 7 7.8
Number of main lines (A/B/C) 3/4/3
Cells 34
Flat aspect ratio 4.5
Projected aspect ratio 3.2
Root chord (m) 2.8 3 3.1 3.3
Flat span (m) 10 10.6 11.1 11.7
Projected span (m) 7.7 8.2 8.6 9.1
Trim speed (km/h) 38
Top speed (km/h) 50
Min sink (m/s) 1
Best glide 8
Weight range (kg) 55-75 70-95 90-110 105-130
Certification (EN/LTF) A

Info

The ADAM is our EN/LTF-A certified wing, designed for beginners or leisure pilots. Made from Durable Dominico D30 tissue, 34 enhanced clean cells make for a safe, 4.8kg paraglider. Smooth panels and uncorrupted ribs bring stability to my paragliders so I designed the ADAM with Chord Cut Billow (CCB). By adding CCB to the leading edge’s top panel the 3D bulge wraps around the rib without deforming it.

This is the first glider of this level to which I have added mini-ribs on the trailing edge. Normally, large-celled paragliders without mini-ribs have a lot of billow near the trailing edge and around the brake fold. When this billow is folded down with a brake input everything gets pulled out of shape. Mini-ribs reduced the billow around the brake fold creating more responsive brake input and a cleaner brake fold.

The ADAM is very colourful. We think that being seen in the air and on the ground is a safety bonus for instructors and new pilots.

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Tech

Baby A-riser

We have added a 'big ears' A riser which is also on a ½ ratio with the rest of the A lines. This facilitates easy use of big ears while helping speed and stability while on bar. The speed system is light and simple without reflex really helping glide at speed.

Chord Cut Billow (CCB)

Chord Cut Billow technology has been developed to improve the form friction, glider stability and overall performance of our paragliders. Two seams run chord-wise across the top panels of the leading edge. They accommodate the panel ballooning that happens when the wing is inflated. Without CCB, up to five centimetres of excess material is created on the sides of an inflated flat panel when it bends over a wing profile. This results in wrinkles. Chord Cut Billow technology removes this excess material and the 3D panel has fewer ripples and improved rib profile shape and stability.

Elliptical Cell Openings

We have found that elliptical cell openings give better lower surface tension making for smoother inflation, and re-inflation after collapses.

Exceptional roll stability

Designed for progressing pilots this glider has outstanding roll stability. Paragliders are inherently unstable on the ground, added roll stability makes the glider easier to launch and more comfortable in the air.

BGD Feedback

Gliders that talk are safer. Safer gliders make pilots perform better. Better performing pilots fly further. Further flying pilots are happier pilots. BGD Feedback produces happier pilots!

Impeccable spiral behaviour

The spiral behaviour is astounding – spiral stability can be a problem with low aspect-ratio beginner wings, but we have tested the paraglider extensively, with different inclinations and sink rates, and never, ever has it stayed in a spiral, once! This is very unusual for a school glider and is a big safety bonus.

Integrated Line Layout

The line layout of our gliders is fully integrated into the wing design. Sail and lines are designed together, holistically. The cell widths and the internal straps that transfer the load though the sail are all designed according to the line layout. Even the panel shaping is matched with the line layout though detailed CAD simulation. The result is simple: fewer lines and stronger, faster, safer gliders.

Progressive Stability

Using ALULA, BGD gliders are designed to have a stable and solid centre with progressively softer tips. This teaches pilots to predict and avoid deflations and stay aware of the air.

Snap Locks

Snap Locks are lightweight, compact attachments that connect the brakes to the risers. A small focused magnet inside the catch and an internal locking system hold the handle in place, releasing only if the handles are pulled down towards the pilot. This unique design feature means the handles don’t fall off while kiting, packing, or performing manoeuvres. The Snap Lock system solves many of the problems associated with press-studs and magnets.

Weight-optimised ribs

We have maintained the strength and rigidity of the ribs while removing unnecessary material. This means less weight for no increase in cost or reduction in strength of the wing. The hole positioning and size depends on the loads taken locally by the sail, and it is thanks to recent developments in our software that it is now possible to accurately calculate this.

Target

Every parent knows that deep nervous feeling in their stomach as his or her kids first leave the nest. Tyr, my son, is doing his first flights now. Gunnar, and Freyja are almost old enough. I have to believe I did the best possible job equipping them with them the necessary tools for society and flying. I imagine instructors have the same feelings about their students.

I don't want my kids, instructors, or anyone to worry about how their paraglider will react so I designed the ADAM EN-A. It is light enough for little Freyja to carry up the mountain and durable enough for the boys.


Designer's notes

I have been designing paragliders since 1990 and this is by far the best EN-A glider I have ever made. Back in those days, the Black Magic DHV-1 was designed from a basic parachute with unsupported cells and square box cell design. It worked but needed improvement.

Over the years we have come a long way. CCB and mini-ribs create fitted 3D cells, unsupported cells are supported with diagonal ribs, and span-wise bands clean up the bottom surface. All this new technology has greatly improved the safety and performance of beginner wings. For the ADAM I believe I have found the best combination of simplicity and technology.

It launches really easily, flies responsively and has the highest safety rating available. I even let my kids fly it!

Flying Level / Style

Package includes

Paraglider / Gift / Manual card / Stickers / Rucksack / Speed bar / Repair material / Stuff sack / Riser bag / Compression strap

Material

Top surface Dominico D30 42g/m²
Bottom surface Dominico D30 42g/m²
Internal structure Dominico D30 hard finish 42g/m²
Nose reinforcing Plastic wire 2,3 / 2,7mm
Risers 20mm Kevlar / Nylon webbing
Top lines Liros DSL
Middle lines Liros TSL
Lower lines Liros TSL
Brakes Liros TSL

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