"Flex Wing" Hang gliders

Flex wing hang gliders are designed to be foot launched from a hill or mountain. Most or all of hang gliding was originally done in mountainous terrain. Of course it was first practiced and tested from smaller hills but, as hang glider development progressed the gliders were eventually flown from high mountain slopes and cliffs.

Unfortunately , a foot launch aircraft has it's limitations.. People that live in the areas in the country with no mountains were not able to be involved in the sport. Trying out hang gliding in Wisconsin is one example. Because of this, various types of towing was developed. At first towing was considered quite dangerous but, it too went through its developmental stages and it is now , in many areas, a preferred method getting aloft.

Aero towing and payout winch towing are probably the most two common types of towing. Now powered harnesses are becoming popular in the hang gliding and ultralight community. They are a very versatile unit. They can be used solely for the purpose of getting aloft and then can be shut down for soaring. Or they can be used as a very versatile ultralight that can be packed up and taken anywhere with a car or pickup.
One thing all hang glider pilots have in common is no matter what type of method they use to get high...once there, they all want to achieve hours of powerless soaring.

Powered harnesses


Powered harnesses are becoming increasingly popular in the hang gliding community and also with the ultralight community.
There are two types. The Mosquito and the Doodlebug. They are both relatively light and use the same type of power. You can review the features and the specs of each one by clicking on their corresponding links below. 
The Mosquito is designed for the hang glider pilot that wants to take advantage of all that untapped soaring time they miss by not having the convenience of getting up in the air on demand  when the conditions are good . The Mosquito is built strong and very aerodynamic for the purpose of XC soaring.
The Doodlebug is designed for the hang glider pilot that wants to fly in comfort and upright (in style). This design is also becoming popular with the ultralight pilots. After all. Where else can you find an ultralight where you have the option of packing up your wing and motor, taking it where ever you want in the state, and setting up in much less than an hour? Not to mention you can shut the motor down in flight and soar for hours without power. When you no longer can find lift you have the option powering back up and continuing your flight under power.