The AirDesign UFO-Bi is an innovative ultra-light tandem EN-B certified paraglider specifically engineered for mountaineering, hike & fly, and expedition scenarios where minimizing weight and pack volume is essential. Weighing only 2.83 kg and boasting a remarkably compact pack size, it fits into an AirPack 50/50 XS, which is exceptional for a tandem wing. Crafted for advanced and expert pilots desiring to share high-mountain or backcountry flights in a minimalist setup, the UFO-Bi balances lightweight design with durability and structural stability for sustained use.
Design Philosophy and Technical Features
The UFO-Bi’s concept centers on enabling fast, safe descents in alpine environments and transforming long, demanding climbs into exhilarating tandem flights. It’s presented as a tool for serious adventure and safety, allowing access to remote, pristine slopes and facilitating bivouacs on challenging alpine faces. Its technical specs include a 30.24 m² flat wing area, a 12.26 m flat span, and an aspect ratio of 4.97 with 27 cells, targeting an all-up certified weight range of 130 to 190 kg.
Structural innovations such as Nitinol rods reduce weight while enhancing robustness and compact folding ability. The leading and trailing edges are reinforced with Mylar border bands to maintain the aerodynamic profile and prevent deformation over time. This targeted engineering keeps the UFO-Bi stable and reliable in the air despite its single-skin construction.
Practical Build and Handling
Lightweight Materials and Packability
Customers and testers consistently praise the UFO-Bi’s extraordinary lightness and compactness. Pilots highlight its ability to fit alongside essential expedition gear in standard 25–30 L backpacks, supporting practical use in alpine and ski touring environments. This real-world validation aligns well with the manufacturer's marketing focus on mountaineering and hike & fly usage.
Launch Characteristics
The wing inflates simply and progressively, exhibiting calm behavior with little risk of overshoot even in variable mountain winds. This forgiving launch behavior is appreciated in narrow or tricky alpine takeoffs and inspires pilot confidence under challenging conditions.
Flight Stability and Comfort
The UFO-Bi handles gently and predictably, with precise yet forgiving brake inputs. Despite its superlight category, it performs comparably to full-skin hike & fly tandems in glide and sink rate, providing a relaxed and reassuring ride suitable for both pilot and passenger comfort during high-mountain flights.
Improved Landing and Flare Control
Historically a weakness of single-skin designs, the UFO-Bi’s landing capabilities are notably enhanced, particularly through the effective use of trimmers to boost speed before flare. Pilot feedback emphasizes smooth, controlled landings and reliable flare power, making it safer and easier to land in constrained or improvised landing zones typical in alpine terrain.
Durability and Quality
While designed with ultra-light materials such as Porcher Skytex 27 double-coated fabric and unsheathed Aramid lines, the UFO-Bi is regarded as robust rather than fragile. Reinforcements like Mylar bands and rib edging ensure structural integrity is maintained over time. Reports from experienced pilots and dealers underline confidence in its durability for repeated use in demanding mountain environments.
Limitations and Target Audience
The wing’s niche focus is a recurring theme in user feedback. It is explicitly designed for hike & fly, ski & fly, and expedition tandems rather than as a commercial tandem school or all-day workhorse. Only one certified size is offered, with a weight range suitable for average tandem pairings but potentially challenging for very light pairs without additional ballast.
The single-skin design entails some compromises in speed range and cross-country performance; however, these are accepted trade-offs for an exceptionally lightweight package optimized for mountain access and emergency descent safety rather than purely maximum glide efficiency.
Who Should Consider the UFO-Bi?
Tandem-rated pilots experienced in mountain flying seeking a lightweight, safety-oriented tool for alpine descents and adventure flights.
Alpinists and ski tourers who want to include tandem flying as part of lightweight summit-to-valley expeditions.
Recreational pilots looking for a secondary wing that is EN-B certified, ultra-light, and ideal for hike & fly missions where traditional tandems are impractical.
Conclusion
The AirDesign UFO-Bi stands out as a specialized, high-end tandem paraglider that excels in scenarios demanding minimal weight and pack volume without sacrificing safety and handling quality. Its design and build reflect a deep understanding of alpine aviation requirements, bringing a practical solution for pilots focused on lightweight adventure rather than commercial versatility. The trade-offs inherent in its single-skin design and narrow certification range are balanced by the unmatched freedom it offers for mountain and backcountry tandem flights.
For more detailed specifications, customization options, and to place an order, visit the manufacturer's website and order equipment conveniently through Paragliding4.me.