| Bede Wing | |
|---|---|
| Role | Inflatable hang-glider |
| Manufacturer | Bede Aircraft |
| Designer | Jim Bede |
| Unit cost | $890[1] |
The Bede Wing was an inflated hang glider, designed in the 1970s by aeronautical engineer Jim Bede. Intended as a safer alternative to conventional hang gliders,[2] it resembled an early ram-air parachute, but instead was an inflatable structure, that could be filled with air for gliding, or with helium to act as a gas balloon.[3]
The aspect ratio of the Bede Wing was low, in the area of 1.8. Fitted with unusually long suspension lines, the Bede Wing had almost no dihedral.[4] It was also reported to have a lower sink rate than conventional hang gliders of the time.[5]
Although Bede intended to start full production of the Bede Wing,[5] the project came to naught. However, it foreshadowed the introduction of ram-air inflated paragliders in the mid-1980s.
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