It is beginning to look as though this airframe will outlast several sails . Because of its higher strength to weight ratio , a carbon fiber frame can be made the same weight as an aluminum frame but much stronger, or the same strength but much lighter. Although a carbon fiber frame is somewhat more expensive at present, the composites industry is much younger than the metals industry so composite prices will likely be less in the future. On the other hand, the price of aluminum continues to climb. Moreover, the manufacture of aluminum tubing involves a series of environmentally costly processes.
Composites are easier on one's conscience, and in the long run, on one's pocketbook.
We attribute the decreased sink rate and increased high speed glide ratio to these features. The most unusual departure from a normal hang glider is the semi-symmetrical airfoil in the tip area. There are two curved bottom surface ribs near the tip forming an airfoil that produces less drag at low angles of attack . This drag reduction at high speeds results in a higher useable top speed and improved high speed glide ratio. Boundary layer energizers or vortex generators were slow to catch on, but are now accepted in the general aviation industry.