What Do You Need to Make a Hang Glider?

Hang gliding is a sport using a powerless aircraft that works in a similar way to a glider plane. Commonly these delta planes are launched by the pilot running off the edge of a cliff and using the natural wind resistance and updraft to keep it in the air. They are then maneuvered by the pilot shifting his weight around. Although there are a wide range of hang gliders available, they all use very similar durable lightweight materials.

  1. Wing

    • The wing is arguably the most important part of a hang glider. It needs to be lightweight, so it can stay in the air, but also very strong, so it does not get torn resulting in a reduction in lift. There are two main types of fabric used, woven polyester and laminated fabrics. Woven polyester is a petroleum based man-made fiber which is woven together like other fabric sand, then treated with polyester resin. Laminated fabrics are made from layers of similar man made fibers encased in a plastic film.

    Frame

    • The heaviest part of a hang glider is the metal frame. As light weight is such a necessity, the number of materials used for it is quite small. The basic frame is made from an aluminum alloy because it is strong and weighs very little. It is commonly mixed with magnesium, zinc or copper.

    Rigging

    • The cables, or rigging, for a hang glider are what keeps the frame attached to the wing and allows the pilot to move the hang glider. Like the frame and wing, these need to be strong and lightweight. Weight is less of an issue, as the cables make up so little of the design. The most common material to use is stainless steel cables. These are a mix of iron, carbon and chromium, which are extruded as fibers and woven together like rope. They are made from stainless steel so they will not rust and cause weaknesses to develop.

    Other Parts

    • All fixtures on the hang glider, such as nuts, bolts and rivets, are made from stainless steel, because they will not rust and are very strong. The harness is made from nylon or another man-made fabric, similar to those used by rock climbers. The control bar is usually covered in a material such as foam to make it easier to hold. The sleeping bag arrangement, which the pilot stays in to keep warm, is identical to a regular sleeping bag with the bottom cut out, allowing the feet to move.