Hybrid

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Best of both worlds  – a new standard

Certification: EN B (Intermediate)

A truly revolutionary glider design – The APCO Hybrid.

The Hybrid represents the first wing in this class –  a new category of wing in our sport, with unprecedented flying characteristics. This unique design combines a classic double surface profile with a single surface profile, together creating a hybrid profile.

Certified in EN-B category, with all but 2 manoeuvres rated EN-A indicating the real life safety of this unique design!

Putting aside all the hype – this wing must be flown to be believed!

The Hybrid is much more than an exotic wing for special purposes. It offers many advantages over single skin designs and also classic wings in beginner to sport categories. Hybrid wings will become mainstream products within a few years, replacing many classic designs out there. We are proud that APCO is behind such an innovation!

This project has been long and difficult but we are sure the term “Hybrid” will be forever coined into our sport!

Background

This project started off as a concept, an idea that we wanted to explore but never expected what we found! The initial test flights of the first prototype were so impressive that we virtually dropped all other projects in an effort to bring this wing to the market. After 2 years of intense R&D we launched the HYBRID!

The Hybrid must be flown to believe all the “hype” around it, but we promise you it is that SPECIAL! Any pilot that had the chance to try it was amazed and after only 1 flight, convinced that this concept is here to stay!

The Hybrid is light (3 kg), but not designed to be a “Lightweight” wing. the absence of bottom surface on the back part of the wing saves weight but is also what makes it fly in such a special way.

Gallery

Colours representing the new spirit of APCO Aviation, both striking and functional as they incorporate the 3D cut, shaping the leading edge panels to be sleek and crease free, while allowing for a balanced combination of different fabrics according to their position on the wing.

HybridSmallMediumLargeX-Large
Product Codes38510385203853038540
Cells48484850
Area m220222425.56
Area (projected) m216.918.620.321.65
Span (incl. Stabiliser) m10.110.611.011.59
Span (projected) m7.98.38.69.06
Aspect Ratio5.15.15.15.25
Aspect Ratio (projected)3.73.73.73.79
Pilot Weight, Kg (all up) PG55-7570-9085-105100-120
Pilot Weight, Kg (all up) PPG70-9585-110100-125115-140
Weight of Canopy Kg3.03.13.23.25
Root Cord m2.432.542.652.65
Tip Cord m0.430.450.470.47
Length of Lines on B m6.066.356.647.10
Total length of line used m315324333352
CertificationEN-B
DGAC
EN-B
DGAC
EN-B
DGAC
EN-B - Pending
DGAC Pending
V-min [km/h]22
V-trim [km/h]35
V-max [km/h]45+
Min Sink [m/s] at optimal wing loading1.1

The glider is made from 100% Skytex cloth.
Top surface is a hybrid combination of Skytex 27 and Skytex 33 gr. The 33gr. material is used on the front of top surface as it is the highest loaded part of the canopy and there it is critical to maintain best porosity possible over time.
The rear part of top surface is Skytex 27 gr. for additional weight saving.
Bottom surface is Skytex 27 Gr. Ribs are made from Skytex 33 gr. hard finish.
Lines are all Cousin Trestec, specified in the table below.

MaterialDiameter [mm]Strength [kg]
TopDyneema0.990
Mid & Brake MidVektran0.9115
Mid a, b, cVektran1.0153
Bottom A, B, CAramide1.5280
Bottom StAramide1.0130
Brake top, St topVectran0.9115
Brake bottomDyneema2.0230
Sail ClothSkytex 27 and 33 gr/m2 "Zero Porosity" Ripstop Nylon
Rib ReinforcementFLEXON® batten system
Warranty1 year / 100 Hours
manufacturing defects only

Documentation

Apco Hybrid Manual (Download Pdf)

1 Year / 100 Hours

Learn more about our outstanding factory service.

Order replacement lines from our Line Shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does it handle strong turbulent conditions.

Feedback from the wing is always gentle with no surprises, even in rough air, but remains simple to understand. It requires surprisingly little active piloting to keep the wing inflated and on the desired heading.

What is the difference between the Paraglider and Paramotor versions of the Hybrid

The Paramotor version is supplied with a fully sheathed bottom line set, specifically adapted to the needs of paramotor pilots, giving protection against line wear, this is vs. unsheathed line set on paragliding version. Also lines are attached to risers with our new unique Aluminium V-links, this is vs. soft links on PG version.

Additionally paramotor risers are supplied with trimmers!

Did you have success with a siliconized material version of the Hybrid?

Because of the certification we do not offer a “siliconised material” version – it is out of spec. We do have over 3 years of experience with this specific design and out of a few hundred pieces sold worldwide – so far no complaints about durability whatsoever.

Why is this glider so roll stable?

Roll Stability on the Hybrid is something special, and it is actually a combination of the Yaw and Roll stabilisation that is a result of having the exposed ribs only on the latter half of the wing (similar to the effect of a tail on an aircraft).
The advantages are apparent in Launch, Level flight in rough air, and in Thermals.

  • Launch: The wing is more inclined to come up straight, and not to veer of to one side or the other.
  • Flight: the wing is less inclined to change direction due to turbulence or collapses.
  • Thermalling: The Hybrid, holds a constant angle of bank with minimum effort, which results in a more efficient climb – Infact, the Hybrid will outclimb most other paragliders on the market.

This stability is also very good in more extreme situations such as deep spirals, where the airflow on the wing is not equal on the inner and outer wings, but the wing always seeks to equalize this airflow, so the wing has no tendency to stay in a spiral and will naturally come out faster than traditional paraglider.

None of this reduces the handling or response in normal flight, it still turns as good as or better than any other wing out there.

Why is this glider so pitch stable?

The Pitch Stability is a result of the unique profile on the glider, which is shark nose on the front, which gives high internal pressure at lower angles of attack and at higher speeds. The undercut in the profile at mid-chord of the wing accelerates the air in that area on the under surface, which means the pressure distribution is higher on the front half of the wing and lower on the latter half, which makes the wing very collapse resistant in flight. The result can be compared to a reflex profile in its behavior, but it is different in that it does not come at the cost of glide performance. The overall shape of the profile is very similar to that of a vulture, and is surprisingly efficient.

Why is the brake pressure lower than on traditional paragliders?

The lower brake pressure is related to the pitch stability of the profile, where the lift is mainly on the front part of the wing. The brake pressure is still progressive, increasing as expected as you apply more brake, all the way up to the stall point.

What is the best way to get a soft landing on the Hybrid?

We have found the best way to land the Hybrid is to approach with hands all the way up and to flair quite late, not too deep.
Pulling with your hands wide apart will increase the amount of brake applied to the center section of the wing, which also improves the flair.
On the PM version, we recommend landing with the trimmers in the closed position.

Video credit: Mario Moreno – Escuela Parapente Eolox, Spain
The Hybrid does not carry a lot of energy, so diving the wing on finals does not really improve the landing.

Flying with a motor, it is also possible to land under power, which can give a softer landing, but is only recommended for experienced pilots.

HYBRID EXPLAINED - from August 2018 Newsletter

Intended for :

A. Schools – from the ground training stage, up to cross country flights with a low B level wing, the Hybrid is a perfect choice! 
This is due to extreme ease of use with this unique wing design throughout the entire flight envelope. Flying the Hybrid makes the beginner pilot, a better pilot who will have more success! 
B. Hike & Fly – if compared to single skin wings, then this wing has all the advantages – better launch, handling, safety and better flare than single skin alternatives on the market.
Stability – The flight characteristics of this wing can be described as “Ultra Stable”!
This is the most balanced wing you have ever tried in Roll, Pitch and Yaw.
The design of this wing does not allow the canopy to accumulate energy as you are used to on a classic wing design. You will find that the wing resists big wing-overs or “dolphin” movements and returns to level flight almost
immediately after any disturbance caused by turbulence or incorrect input. This is because of the ultra stable characteristics, the wing is constantly damping out energy, aspiring to fly in the lowest energetic level when the pilot is directly underneath the canopy.
The Hybrid‘s unique profile shape results in the center of lift being further forward than other wings – a factor that also makes this wing more collapse resistant throughout the speed range.
Certification – All maneuvers were rated EN-A apart from 2 maneuvers that received the EN-B rating:
  1. Full front collapse – where the pilot holds the A risers until the Leading edge touches the trailing edge. 
  2. The 75% side collapse – this was rated B only at the maximum weight at maximum accelerated flight (full speed bar)
Both of the above relate to opening time after the maneuver, but to describe wing safety – it is a highly docile wing, with no tendency for surges or high speed, high stress responses.
Thermaling – The next big advantage of the hybrid is during thermaling. The Hybrid has a very good climb rate and thermaling this wing is easier than on other gliders. Firstly the stability of the profile gives confidence as there are no surges, the air feels calmer with this wing and very few pilot corrections are needed.
The Hybrid is NOT a fast wing. The unique profile is optimised to perform well at a lower airspeeds, but this is also where the advantages of the wing come into play. 
At slow speeds the Hybrid shaped profile is most efficient (minimum sink rate) which allows flying slowly inside thermals spending more time in “high lift” areas producing an impressive climb rate, especially when considering the small surface area. 
Handling – Very good, better than single skin designs, and better than most EN A, B wings. Efficiency of the brakes is superb, with very very low brake pressure! this is due to the fact that the back part is single skin. 
Flare – As on a normal wing and better than single skins! (Single skins tend to have poor flare)
Comparing the Hybrid to a mid level EN-B wing you can expect similar performance at trim speed.
The Hybrid will have a slower speed across the speed range and glide at speed bar will be less efficient than on a classic wing, but you will gain on all other aspects of flight:
  • Ease of flying and thermaling!
  • Hike and fly and XC potential. 
  • Ease of inflation and takeoff! 
  • Low weight and packing volume of the wing.
  • Active and passive safety!
  • Fun Factor – stress free flying!
Conclusion – We believe that this is perfect for schools/weekend pilots (EN-A , B) who need a wing which is easy to use, and for hike and fly pilots seeking more flying potential than on a Single Skin.

What is the internal pressure of the HYBRID?

It is hard to give a numeric value, the reality is that the internal pressure is directly related to the position of the air intake openings and speed in flight.
The big advantage of the Hybrid is that the front inflated section is unaffected by the pilot’s braking action. This results in a more constant internal pressure which does not change throughout the flight, keeping the leading edge always steady with no small moments of pressure loss/deflation which are familiar from classic wings.

In the Box

  • The right to change prices, specifications or equipment at any time without notice is reserved.

Options and Accessories

42479: Light Backpack 80 [Ltr]

298.00$

At only 595 grams, it is one of the lighter bags on the market in this class.
Large enough to hold a standard paraglider with a lighter harness and other essentials.

Wing Suitability

Certification

SizeCertification Type
S - 20EN B*, DGAC
M - 22EN B*, DGAC
L - 24EN B*, DGAC
XL - 25.5DGAC
*Trimmers closed (Paramotor Version)

Characteristics

  • PITCH STABILITY

    This is immediately noticeable when kiting the wing, if you try to create “dolphin” movements in the air you will understand exactly what we mean! Contrary to a Single Skin, you are not tossed around by the currents, the pilot is in control and will enjoy strong thermal conditions! The Hybrid has enough air mass and inertia to penetrate through the air rather then being controlled by the air.

  • ROLL STABILITY

    Especially dominant with a paramotor – this wing is more roll stable than anything out there. With this wing, there will be NO roll oscillation what so ever!! When free flying, the pilot will notice that it is “hard” to perform wing-overs. This is due to the increased roll stability of this wing.

  • BRAKE PRESSSURE

    Very very low! On a classic profile, the brakes need to be applied against the internal pressure of the wing. With the Hybrid, as with single skin designs the brakes create only drag and therefore are much more efficient. This wing feels accurate and precise, the brakes are progressive and constantly transmitting the air around you.

  • TAKE OFF

    Take-off speed is surprisingly slower than most EN A wings.  This helps tremendously in “not perfect” take-off conditions. Back-wind of 5-7 [kmh] is not a problem with the Hybrid (common in Hike&Fly take-off spots). Same goes for front launches with a paramotor, few steps and you are airborne. Inflation is as on superlight single-skin wings, it will come overhead and stay there even in the lightest breeze imaginable!

  • LANDING

    Compared to single surface wings, which tend to have very poor flair capabilities, the Apco Hybrid has a flair as good as traditional paragliders in class A or B, only better in that the wing has a very long and forgiving brake range, making manoeuvres such as butterfly landings particularly effective for top-landing.

  • FLARE

    Contrary to single skin wings, the Hybrid flare is superb! Due to its high stall resistance and long brake travel, it flare is close to that of a normal wing!

  • THERMALLING

    The Apco Hybrid has exceptional thermaling characteristics due to its low sink rate in turns and low airspeed capabilities. It will easily settle in a constant angle of bank turn in a thermal, requiring very little pitch or roll input once centred, resulting in a superior climb rate, which will have you at the top of the gaggle in no time.
    Flying the Hybrid feels like the wing is “taming down” the conditions. 7 [m/s] thermals, will feel like 4 [m/s] with calm and peaceful behavior.

  • PERFORMANCE

    The Hybrid offers performance that is substantially higher than that of single skin gliders, and at trim speed, it is as good as a conventional glider. The custom Sharknose profile keeps the wing highly pressurised and collapse resistant throughout the speed range.

  • WING FEEDBACK

    Feedback from the wing is always gentle with no surprises, even in rough air, but remains simple to understand. It requires surprisingly little active piloting to keep the wing inflated and on the desired heading.

  • HIKE & FLY

    Coming in at only 3 kg including standard webbing risers, (not flimsy rope risers!)
    Add to this the ease of take-off at nil wind or even back-wind, and it’s perfect for hike and fly. It has better performance then a single skin with proven Safety – A rating, across the board and B on only 2 manoeuvres. (B rating on  Front stall and 75% side collapse,  flying at full speed bar at maximum weight )

  • HYBRID

    Best of both worlds, rolled into one lightweight, compact package.

Features

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    EHP

    Embed Hook-In Points

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    FAR

    Flow Aligned Ribs (FAR – pat. pending)

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    APP

    Automatic Pressurising Profile

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    L/E FLEXON battens®

    A system for improved launch, lighter weight, prolonged lifespan

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    3D Cut

    Additional 3D cut on the leading edge for clean construction and improved profile definition

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    BBP

    Air Extreme Ball bearing Pulleys ®

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    LSR

    Latest laser cutting technology.

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    NBM

    Integral built-in neodymium brake magnets

Documentation

Apco Hybrid Manual (Download Pdf)