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Glossary

Hybrid Concept

APCO's hybrid concept combines properties of two wing classes or construction types in one model — the passive safety of a school wing plus the performance of a higher class. Used on the Hybrid (EN-B) and Hybrid Tandem, among others.

Also known as: Hybrid Wing · APCO Hybrid · hybrid paraglider

What hybrid means

The wing world classically separates:

  • single surface — one layer of cloth only (no bottom sail). Very light, but low performance.
  • double surface — top and bottom sail with cells in between. Standard, high performance, heavier.

APCO Hybrid breaks up this separation. Over a large part of the span the wing is double surface with cells (performance zone); towards the wing tips it transitions to single surface (lightweight zone). The result is a wing that:

  • is lighter than a full double-surface wing of the same size
  • at the same time offers the profile stability and inflation behaviour of a double surface
  • reaches passive safety at EN-A to EN-B level despite the unconventional construction

Where the concept is used

APCO uses hybrid in two main models:

  • APCO Hybrid — an EN-B wing for ambitious pilots who want a light but capable wing
  • APCO Hybrid Tandem — a tandem canopy certified EN B* (110–190 kg); per the manufacturer, all manoeuvres were rated EN-A apart from two that received EN-B

Per APCO, the Hybrid Tandem is “perfect for commercial tandem” — easy take-off even in nil wind, “better performance than a single skin with proven Safety”.

Where you will encounter it

When you are looking for a light wing — for hike & fly, travel or as a second wing — without giving up performance. A Hybrid Tandem is also interesting wherever the tandem has to be carried regularly (flight school, commercial tandem flights).

What is different with hybrid

In flight you barely notice the hybrid — it reacts like a double-surface wing. Only in ground handling is it slightly easier in a cobra launch, because less cloth hangs in the air. After the flight, the smaller packing volume is immediately obvious.

Service life

Hybrid wings use the same Skytex hard-finish fabric as standard wings — service life is comparable. The exposed single-surface areas are actually slightly less UV-stressed, because they hold less volume under the bottom sail.