Airwave Sport

Last updated
Sport
Role Paraglider
National origin Austria
Manufacturer Airwave Gliders
Status Production completed
Produced mid-2000s
Unit cost
£1,740 (Sport L, 2004)

The Airwave Sport is an Austrian single-place, paraglider that was designed by Bruce Goldsmith and produced by Airwave Gliders of Fulpmes. It is now out of production. [1]

Austria Federal republic in Central Europe

Austria, officially the Republic of Austria, is a country of nearly 9 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Hungary and Slovakia to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west. The territory of Austria covers 83,879 km2 (32,386 sq mi). The terrain is highly mountainous, lying within the Alps; only 32% of the country is below 500 m (1,640 ft), and its highest point is 3,798 m (12,461 ft). The majority of the population speaks local Bavarian dialects as their native language, and German in its standard form is the country's official language. Other local official languages are Hungarian, Burgenland Croatian, and Slovene.

Bruce Goldsmith is a British paraglider pilot and designer, and the 2007 Paragliding World Champion. He won the title at Manilla in Australia, flying an Airwave Magic FR3.

Airwave Gliders was an Austrian aircraft manufacturer based in Fulpmes. The company specialized in the design and manufacture of hang gliders and paragliders.

Contents

Design and development

The Sport was designed as an intermediate glider. The five models are each named for their relative size. [1]

Operational history

Reviewer Noel Bertrand described the Sport in a 2003 review as "a lively DHV 1-2 wing". [1]

Variants

Sport XS
Extra small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 10.9 m (35.8 ft) span wing has a wing area of 23 m2 (250 sq ft), 51 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The pilot weight range is 50 to 70 kg (110 to 154 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified. [1]
Sport S
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.4 m (37.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25 m2 (270 sq ft), 51 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The pilot weight range is 65 to 85 kg (143 to 187 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified. [1]
Sport M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 11.9 m (39.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27 m2 (290 sq ft), 51 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified. [1]
Sport L
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.3 m (40.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28 m2 (300 sq ft), 51 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 120 kg (209 to 265 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified. [1]
Sport XL
Extra large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.8 m (42.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29 m2 (310 sq ft), 51 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The pilot weight range is 110 to 140 kg (243 to 309 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified. [1]

Specifications (Sport L)

Data from Bertrand [1]

General characteristics

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 50 km/h (31 mph; 27 kn)
  • Rate of sink: 1.1 m/s (220 ft/min)

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 12. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
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