Reflex Profile
A reflex profile is a wing construction that stabilises the profile automatically at higher speed instead of letting it collapse. Standard on paramotor wings — per the datasheets, the V-max of the APCO reflex line ranges from 62 (F5) to 80 km/h (F1). The line includes the F1, F3, F5, F7, NRG III and F3 BI.
Also known as: Reflex · RFX · reflex wing · reflex glider
What a reflex profile delivers
Classic paraglider profiles are shaped to collapse at excessive speed — a safety reserve against overload. For paramotor wings that is a problem: high speed is desired, collapses are critical.
A reflex profile solves this with a different profile shape: as speed increases, the profile generates more stabilising pressure instead of collapsing. That keeps the wing stable even with trimmers fully open.
How it works
Reflex profiles work through the trimmer range:
- Trimmers closed → classic profile behaviour, low speed, normal collapse risk
- Trimmers half open → cruise mode, balanced speed/safety
- Trimmers fully open → reflex active, high speed, stable
The stabilisation comes from the profile geometry in the rear section — a slight upward curve at the trailing edge that automatically generates more pressure at higher speed.
The APCO reflex line
Current models:
- F5 — school/entry reflex
- F7 — the new Mohawk reflex generation
- F3 — performance reflex
- F1 — competition reflex (speed machine)
- NRG III — reflex freestyle dual mode
- F3 BI — full-reflex tandem
→ Deeper comparison: F3 vs F1 · F5 vs F3 · F5 vs F7
Where you will encounter it
- During PPG training — all school wings are reflex profiles
- In a paramotor setup — reflex is the standard for paramotor wings
- When learning trim — experiencing reflex behaviour means opening the trimmers step by step
- When choosing free flying vs. PPG — reflex is NOT designed for free flight (pilots without a motor)