We only sell gear directly to customers in our region (NC, Southeast USA).
If you submit an order request but are outside of our region,
we will connect you to the importer, dealer, or local gear rep nearest you.

Normally, a lightweight glider design is based from an existing full-sized wing. But in the case of the HERO, we’ve started completely from scratch – optimizing every part for efficiency and weight reduction.

Pilot profile

Designed for the versatility and limitless combinations of Hike & Fly and XC, the HERO is the attractive choice for competition pilots, vol-biv enthusiasts, and backcountry adventurers.

Especially in competitions or XC-Hike & Fly combinations, the HERO exploits all its strengths.

At just 2.9kg and an incredibly small pack size, it’s perfect for any ambitious Hike & Fly XC pilots and/or vol-biv enthusiasts.

But even in normal XC flights, the HERO can show its performance and take you much further!

How does it fly?

To prove that performance is not based wholly on the premise that the greater number of cells is always superior, we’ve designed this glider with only 59 cells at an AR of 6.95, achieving top-level performance.
We’ve introduced a brand-new winglet-shaped tip design that improves roll-stability when flying accelerated. In combination with our proven Vortex Holes, it has a positive effect on wing-tip stability in turbulent conditions.

By inventing a new airfoil profile that creates greater lift, we could retain a compact surface area, delivering perfect climbing and direct and precise handling characteristics and optimum safety.

In order to achieve high top-speed, we intentionally positioned the glider within the EN-D range. The HERO flight performance feels perfectly balanced, very agile and precise in handling, which is confidence inspiring in both smooth and turbulent conditions.

Construction & Features

To further reduce drag and improve performance, a completely new line-setup was developed for the HERO, which presents as an unconventional 3-liner concept. The positions of the line-attachment points work together with new internal construction in order to avoid the need for straps or polyamide wires in the body of the glider, again permitting a greater reduction in weight. The HERO line configuration showcases 2 main-lines on each side, (A-B-C riser-set) achieving a very low overall line consumption. Controlling the wing efficiently in-flight with B-risers is also possible via new B/C Riser Control.

Other advantages of lightweight construction include improvements in performance and safety.
The HERO comes with polyamide wires only situated at the nose area, providing you with the best opportunity for small pack-downs. In addition, the wing comes with our compact and lightweight 50/50 AirPack.

Double mini A-Line attachments, in combination with Shark-Nose design technology provide the HERO with increased stability, especially under acceleration. The HERO brings an impressive speed range to the table, and is optimised for top-end speed and glide.

  • Weight-optimised construction
  • Vortex Holes
  • 3D-Cut
  • Mini-Ribs
  • Razor-Edge
  • Unsheathed lines
  • Lightweight risers
  • 50/50 AirPack
Size

M, S, SM

SizeSSMM
Minimum Weight (kg)708090
Maximum Weight (kg)8595105
RatingDDD
Glider Weight (kg)2.933.163.38
Number of Cells595959
Projected Area (m^2)17.1518.5219.80
Flat Area (m^2)20.2921.9123.42
Projected Span (m)9.509.8810.21
Flat Span (m)11.8512.3212.74
Projected Aspect Ratio5.275.275.27
Flat Aspect Ratio6.956.956.95
Root Chord (m)0.000.000.00

Air Design Hero

$0.00

Custom Order

Select Size

S
SM
M

• Products with a $0.00 price require verification from the manufacturer in order to provide an accurate cost. Add the item to your cart and submit an order request to begin the process.

• Thank you for your understanding and patience. We ensure every order is correct, verified, and confirmed before purchase.

Product Attributes

Lightweight / Hike & Fly

Find Your Size with GearMatchTM Mini