Hybrid Tandem Paramotor

Best of both worlds – for Two!

Certification: EN B* (Tandem)

A truly revolutionary glider design – The APCO Hybrid Tandem

The Apco Hybrid – has proven its advantages and gained immense popularity worldwide.

The Hybrid combines a classic double surface profile with a single surface profile, together creating a hybrid profile design. The Tandem is based on the original Hybrid, and was further improved for use as a Tandem wing. Its main advantages are:

✅ The easiest inflation characteristics available period. Less prone to inadvertent inflation than a single skin glider.
✅ Low Take-Off Speed – for even the most uncooperative passengers.
✅ Real Flare capability – better than any single Skin.
✅ Very Light brake pressure.
✅ Un-matched Roll and pitch Stability, truly amazing!

Designed for both Paramotor and mountain flying, the Hybrid tandem delivers the easiest and smoothest flight experience possible for you and your passengers.

Certified EN-B with both Trimmers closed and Open, with a weight range from 110 to 190 Kg.
DGAC approved* for paramotor use from 110-240kg.

The Hybrid Tandem is the easiest tandem wing on the market. It brings everything the solo Hybrid offers to the hands of the tandem pilot:
Phenomenal inflation and Launch, even with a light tail wind, Outstanding passive and active safety characteristics, Perfect, predictable and light handling, Low sink rate with great thermalling, and of course, what every tandem pilot wants – Easy and predictable landing! (unlike single skins).
This unique design combines a classic double surface profile with a single surface profile, together creating a hybrid profile which provides really special flying characteristics.
Putting aside all the hype – this wing must be flown to be believed!
The Hybrid tandem offers many advantages over both classic tandems and single skin designs. It is evident that “Hybrid type” wings are becoming a standard on the market with many companies introducing similar concept designs and we are proud to once again set future standards with the first Tandem Hybrid wing!
Background
The original Hybrid project started off as a concept, an idea that we wanted to explore but never expected what we found! The initial test flights of the first prototype were so impressive that we virtually dropped all other projects in an effort to bring this wing to the market. After 2 years of intense R&D we launched the HYBRID!
The Hybrid must be flown to believe all the “hype” around it, but we promise you it is that SPECIAL! Any pilot that had the chance to try it was amazed and after only 1 flight, convinced that this concept is here to stay!
The Hybrid Tandem is light (4.4 kg), but not designed to be a “Lightweight” wing. the absence of bottom surface on the back part of the wing saves weight but is also what makes it fly in such a special way.

The Hybrid is much more than an exotic wing for special purposes. It offers many advantages over single skin designs and also classic wings in beginner to sport categories. Hybrid wings will become mainstream products within a few years, replacing many classic designs out there. We are proud that APCO is behind such an innovation!

This project has been long and difficult but we are sure the term “Hybrid” will be forever coined into our sport!

Hybrid	Tandem (35)
Product Codes	38710 - Free flying 38810 - Paramotor
Cells	48
Area m2	35
Area (projected) m2	29.60
Span (incl. Stabiliser) m	13.28
Span (projected) m	10.39
Aspect Ratio	5.1
Aspect Ratio (projected)	3.7
Pilot Weight, Kg (all up) PG	110 - 190
Pilot Weight, Kg (all up) PPG	110 - 240
Weight of Canopy Kg	4.27
Root Cord m	3.20
Tip Cord m	0.57
Length of Lines on B m	8.02
Total length of line used m	402
Certification	EN-B DGAC

V-min [km/h]	22
V-trim [km/h]	35
V-max [km/h]	45+
Min Sink [m/s] at optimal wing loading	1.1

The glider is made from 100% Skytex cloth.
Top surface is a hybrid combination of Skytex 27 and Skytex 33 gr. The 33gr. material is used on the front of top surface as it is the highest loaded part of the canopy and there it is critical to maintain best porosity possible over time.
The rear part of top surface is Skytex 27 gr. for additional weight saving.
Bottom surface is Skytex 27 Gr. Ribs are made from Skytex 33 gr. hard finish.
On the paramotor version – bottom lines are color coded and sheathed for additional durability.

Background

This project started off as a concept, an idea that we wanted to explore but never expected what we found! The initial test flights of the first prototype were so impressive that we virtually dropped all other projects in an effort to bring this wing to the market. After 2 years of intense R&D we launched the HYBRID!

The Hybrid must be flown to believe all the “hype” around it, but we promise you it is that SPECIAL! Any pilot that had the chance to try it was amazed and after only 1 flight, convinced that this concept is here to stay!

The Hybrid Tandem is light (4.4 kg), but not designed to be a “Lightweight” wing. the absence of bottom surface on the back part of the wing saves weight but is also what makes it fly in such a special way.

The Paramotor version has sheathed lower lines for increased durability where the lines wear against the frame during forward inflations.
Line Specifications:

Line	Material	Diameter [mm]	Strength [kg]
Top	Dyneema	1.0	90
Mid & Brake Mid	Vektran	0.9	115
Mid a, b, c	Vektran	1.0	153
Bottom A, B, C	Sheathed Aramide	2.5	450
Bottom St	Sheathed Aramide	1.8	230
Brake top, St top	Vectran	0.9	115
Brake bottom	Sheathed Dyneema	2.0	230

Sail Cloth	Skytex 27 and 33 gr/m2 "Zero Porosity" Ripstop Nylon
Rib Reinforcement	FLEXON® batten system
Warranty	1 year / 100 Hours manufacturing defects only

What is the difference between the Paraglider and Paramotor versions of the Hybrid Tandem

The Paramotor version is supplied with a fully sheathed bottom line set, specifically adapted to the needs of paramotor pilots, giving protection against line wear, this is vs. unsheathed line set on paragliding version. On both versions, lines are attached to risers with our new unique Aluminium V-link.

How does it handle strong turbulent conditions.

Feedback from the wing is always gentle with no surprises, even in rough air, but remains simple to understand. It requires surprisingly little active piloting to keep the wing inflated and on the desired heading.

Why is this glider so roll stable?

Roll Stability on the Hybrid is something special, and it is actually a combination of the Yaw and Roll stabilisation that is a result of having the exposed ribs only on the latter half of the wing (similar to the effect of a tail on an aircraft).
The advantages are apparent in Launch, Level flight in rough air, and in Thermals.

Launch: The wing is more inclined to come up straight, and not to veer of to one side or the other.
Flight: the wing is less inclined to change direction due to turbulence or collapses.
Thermalling: The Hybrid, holds a constant angle of bank with minimum effort, which results in a more efficient climb – Infact, the Hybrid will outclimb most other paragliders on the market.

This stability is also very good in more extreme situations such as deep spirals, where the airflow on the wing is not equal on the inner and outer wings, but the wing always seeks to equalize this airflow, so the wing has no tendency to stay in a spiral and will naturally come out faster than traditional paraglider.

None of this reduces the handling or response in normal flight, it still turns as good as or better than any other wing out there.

Why is this glider so pitch stable?

The Pitch Stability is a result of the unique profile on the glider, which is shark nose on the front, which gives high internal pressure at lower angles of attack and at higher speeds. The undercut in the profile at mid-chord of the wing accelerates the air in that area on the under surface, which means the pressure distribution is higher on the front half of the wing and lower on the latter half, which makes the wing very collapse resistant in flight. The result can be compared to a reflex profile in its behavior, but it is different in that it does not come at the cost of glide performance. The overall shape of the profile is very similar to that of a vulture, and is surprisingly efficient.

Why is the brake pressure lower than on traditional paragliders?

The lower brake pressure is related to the pitch stability of the profile, where the lift is mainly on the front part of the wing. The brake pressure is still progressive, increasing as expected as you apply more brake, all the way up to the stall point.

HYBRID EXPLAINED - from August 2018 Newsletter

Intended for :

A. Schools – from the ground training stage, up to cross country flights with a low B level wing, the Hybrid is a perfect choice!

This is due to extreme ease of use with this unique wing design throughout the entire flight envelope. Flying the Hybrid makes the beginner pilot, a better pilot who will have more success!

B. Hike & Fly – if compared to single skin wings, then this wing has all the advantages – better launch, handling, safety and better flare than single skin alternatives on the market.

Stability – The flight characteristics of this wing can be described as “Ultra Stable”!

This is the most balanced wing you have ever tried in Roll, Pitch and Yaw.

The design of this wing does not allow the canopy to accumulate energy as you are used to on a classic wing design. You will find that the wing resists big wing-overs or “dolphin” movements and returns to level flight almost

immediately after any disturbance caused by turbulence or incorrect input. This is because of the ultra stable characteristics, the wing is constantly damping out energy, aspiring to fly in the lowest energetic level when the pilot is directly underneath the canopy.

The Hybrid‘s unique profile shape results in the center of lift being further forward than other wings – a factor that also makes this wing more collapse resistant throughout the speed range.

Certification – All maneuvers were rated EN-A apart from 2 maneuvers that received the EN-B rating:

Full front collapse – where the pilot holds the A risers until the Leading edge touches the trailing edge.
The 75% side collapse – this was rated B only at the maximum weight at maximum accelerated flight (full speed bar)

Both of the above relate to opening time after the maneuver, but to describe wing safety – it is a highly docile wing, with no tendency for surges or high speed, high stress responses.

Thermaling – The next big advantage of the hybrid is during thermaling. The Hybrid has a very good climb rate and thermaling this wing is easier than on other gliders. Firstly the stability of the profile gives confidence as there are no surges, the air feels calmer with this wing and very few pilot corrections are needed.

The Hybrid is NOT a fast wing. The unique profile is optimised to perform well at a lower airspeeds, but this is also where the advantages of the wing come into play.

At slow speeds the Hybrid shaped profile is most efficient (minimum sink rate) which allows flying slowly inside thermals spending more time in “high lift” areas producing an impressive climb rate, especially when considering the small surface area.

Handling – Very good, better than single skin designs, and better than most EN A, B wings. Efficiency of the brakes is superb, with very very low brake pressure! this is due to the fact that the back part is single skin.

Flare – As on a normal wing and better than single skins! (Single skins tend to have poor flare)

Comparing the Hybrid to a mid level EN-B wing you can expect similar performance at trim speed.

The Hybrid will have a slower speed across the speed range and glide at speed bar will be less efficient than on a classic wing, but you will gain on all other aspects of flight:

Ease of flying and thermaling!
Hike and fly and XC potential.
Ease of inflation and takeoff!
Low weight and packing volume of the wing.
Active and passive safety!
Fun Factor – stress free flying!

Conclusion – We believe that this is perfect for schools/weekend pilots (EN-A , B) who need a wing which is easy to use, and for hike and fly pilots seeking more flying potential than on a Single Skin.

What is the internal pressure of the HYBRID?

It is hard to give a numeric value, the reality is that the internal pressure is directly related to the position of the air intake openings and speed in flight.

The big advantage of the Hybrid is that the front inflated section is unaffected by the pilot’s braking action. This results in a more constant internal pressure which does not change throughout the flight, keeping the leading edge always steady with no small moments of pressure loss/deflation which are familiar from classic wings.

Glider stuff bag
Closing belt
Riser sock
Wind sock or Apco Cap
Warranty, stickers, and repair kit
At the time of purchase you may chose ONE of the following: Sherpa Bag OR Light PG Bag (80L) OR Light Clinch Bag for a special price!

Options and Accessories

42459: Light Clinch Bag
198.00$

Durable, Comfortable.Made from LightRipstop material. Large Carry Bag for Quick packing of all your equipment. Holds unfolded glider, Harness, Helmet, etc. easily and quickly.
Weight – 500gr.

Open dimensions (Spread Flat): 1.2m x 1.2m

Add to basket

57007: Tandem Spreader Bars
178.00$

Redesigned Spreader bars to attach a second harness to your tandem paraglider incorporating An automatic B-stall mechanism integrated into the spreader bar

**PLEASE NOTE:**

**This product is NOT designed for high load aerobatic maneuvers/aerobatics!**

Add to basket

57010: Paramotor Tandem Spreader Bar Set
235.00$

Sold as a set of 2.
Paramotor Tandem Spreader Bar with wide spread to accommodate use with motor.
It has multiple attachment points for easy balancing of the passenger in relation to the pilot. 5 main hook-in points for any pilot, paramotor and passenger weight combinations.
Additionally 2 different height passenger connection points.

**PLEASE NOTE:**

**This product is NOT designed for high load aerobatic maneuvers/aerobatics!**

Add to basket

A4909-3T: Mini karabiner for 25 mm webbing – triple safety lock
42.00$

Triple safety lock – only 55 [gr].
The Mini karabiner is a 25mm version of our well proven twist lock karabiner. The lightest in the range of Karabiners!

Add to basket

Tandem Passenger Harness
547.00$ – 867.00$

Like the matching Pilot Harness, the Passenger Harness is highly comfortable, safe and light, designed for ease of use with maximum protection.

Price Includes:

Passenger Harness

does not include Karabiners or Pilot Stirrup/Footrest

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Tandem Pilot Harness
834.00$ – 1,080.00$

Extremely comfortable, safe, and light, the pilot harness was designed for ease of use with maximum protection.

**Price includes**:

Foam Protector and Lexan Sheet

Details This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Gallery

Wing Suitability

Certification

Size	Certification Type
Tandem (35)	EN - B DGAC

Characteristics

TAKE OFF
Take-off speed is surprisingly slow. This helps tremendously in “not perfect” take-off conditions, or with uncooperative passenger! Back-wind of 5-7 [kmh] is not a problem with the Hybrid. Same goes for front launches with a paramotor, few steps and you are airborne. Inflation is as on superlight single-skin wings, it will come overhead and stay there!
PITCH STABILITY
This is immediately noticeable when kiting the wing, if you try to create “dolphin” movements in the air you will understand exactly what we mean! Contrary to a Single Skin, you are not tossed around by the currents, the pilot is in control and will enjoy strong thermal conditions! The Hybrid has enough air mass and inertia to penetrate through the air rather then being controlled by the air.
ROLL STABILITY
Especially dominant with a paramotor – this wing is more roll stable than anything out there. With this wing, there will be NO roll oscillation what so ever!! When free flying, the pilot will notice that it is “hard” to perform wing-overs. This is due to the increased roll stability of this wing.
BRAKE PRESSSURE
Very very low! On a classic profile, the brakes need to be applied against the internal pressure of the wing. With the Hybrid, as with single skin designs the brakes create only drag and therefore are much more efficient. This wing feels accurate and precise, the brakes are progressive and constantly transmitting the air around you.
LANDING
Compared to single surface wings, which tend to have very poor flair capabilities, the Apco Hybrid has a flair as good as traditional paragliders in class A or B, only better in that the wing has a very long and forgiving brake range, making manoeuvres such as butterfly landings particularly effective for top-landing.
FLARE
Contrary to single skin wings, the Hybrid flare is superb! Due to its high stall resistance and long brake travel, it flare is close to that of a normal wing!
WING FEEDBACK
Feedback from the wing is always gentle with no surprises, even in rough air, but remains simple to understand. It requires surprisingly little active piloting to keep the wing inflated and on the desired heading.
Commercial Pilots
Coming in at only 4 [kg] including standard webbing risers, (not flimsy rope risers!)
Add to this the ease of take-off at nil wind or even back-wind, and it’s perfect for commercial tandem. It has better performance than a single skin with proven Safety. It will make your life so much easier with a better, more enjoyable flying experience for your passenger.
HYBRID
Best of both worlds, rolled into one lightweight, compact package.