The 1980 Storm was the first offering of Solar Wings, the new company, based at Marlborough, Wilts. The Storm is similar to the Super Scorpion in that it has a deflexerless fully-battened and cambered sail, together with a simple but strong airframe. The set-up method uses plug-in type cross-booms with no loose attachment bolts, the bottom bar being secured by pip pins. Handling is pleasant, although the glider noticeably yaws prior to turning. Performance is on a par with other gliders of fourth generation machines, giving a good slow sink rate and a slightly faster top speed than the looser sailed Super Scorpion. The Storm came in three sizes to suit various pilot weights, although the large one is only recommended for the pilot of over 14 stones.
The 1980 Storm was Solar’s first glider. Simple and light with good handling. Did not have preformed airfoil battens and no moving crossbar. There were two massive poles had to be seperated from the glider when folding it.
A 1994 big version of the Rumour 3 hang glider. Not many made.
It has been described as heavyweight on the ground and in the air, and difficult to land. Yet near the top end of the weight range, very light in pitch/roll and to be very honest undemanding in any flight situation. Very docile and responsive, and good with power.
The 1986 Ace was a radically new sail design from Solar Wings, which incorporated an increased double surface towards the tips to improve performance and handling. The Ace were double surfaces to 70%.
The Ace featured mylar leading edge, nose cone, variable billow, aerofoil uprights, 4.2 ounce sailcloth, and was pricea at £1217.00 ex.VAT.
The Ace double surface tip was joined to the upper surface by a flexible membrane at the scallop ensuring that the tips remain totally clean even at very high airspeeds on the 1988 Ace Sport.
Ace Sport
The Ace Sport has a VB system, mylar trailing edge, camera zip on the cross boom, fluoro colours, a two tone undersurface, spare upright, and was priced at £1545.00 inc VAT.
Ace 150 Wing area: 13.9 m² Wing span: 9.6 m Aspect ratio: 6.6 Hang glider weight: 28 kg Minimum pilot weight: 51 kg Maximum pilot weight: 83 kg Packed length short: 4.2 m Number of battens: 25 Nose angle: 122°
Ace 160 (medium) Wing area: 14.8 m² / 160 sq ft Wing span: 9.9 m / 32.5 ft Aspect ratio: 6.6 Hang glider weight: 32 kg / 70 lb Minimum pilot weight: 70 kg Maximum pilot weight: 89 kg Packed length short: 4.2 m Number of battens: 25 Nose angle: 122° speed bar
Ace 170 Wing area: 15.8 m² Wing span: 10.3 m Aspect ratio: 6.8 Hang glider weight: 34 kg Minimum pilot weight: 83 kg Maximum pilot weight: 100 kg Packed length short: 4.2 m Number of battens: 27 Nose angle: 122°
Under power the large & small Scandal (kingposted) goes exceptionally well. The spiral stability is good and handling firm, but not stiff.
Scandal
The Solar range of gliders were unique in that they had 100% double surface at the tips. The key to this was a “rubber membrain” which allowed the upper and lower surface to move relative to each other. This was dropped on the Scandal range of gliders, when Solar introduced a presurised leading edge. This prevents the leading edge from colapsing when flying at high speed. It has a clever active pressure system – At low speed the holes in the leading edge are in the low pressure air, so it sucks air out of the double surface, giving concave lower surface at the wing tips, effectively adding camber to the wing. The Solar Gliders had a reputation for being more stable and less “twitchy” or sensitive. It was claimed that it gave a 13 % improvement in top speed and an 11 % reduction in stall speed to the 1995 Scandal.
1995 Scandal
The 1995 Scandal wing is ‘uniform’, easy to fly, to take-off, to land, and it accepts slow flight. Slow landings even with AUW over 100kg and sink rate with engine off 220 fpm. Neutral ground handling, not tail heavy. A much nicer glider than the Rumour. Handling better and more docile in pitch while thermaling. Lighter, stiffer leading edges & X tubes made big difference to the weight.
The Scandal 13.6 has a very nice glide, good penetration into wind and is a real confidence builder when you come to landing.
This is a very nice glider for a small light pilot. The glider is quite light. The A frame is small and “fits my shoulders”. Landing – no vices good large flare window. This glider has vents in the leading edge which stop it from collapsing at high speed. They seem to work, in that at high speed the Glide Angle does not deteriate as fast as other gliders.
Stright line at speed it is stable. Thermaling and scratching the ridge the glider is nice and responsive, and not too sensitive to turbulance. A very nice glider with great glide ratio but rather slow to initiate a turn. The wing has a tendency to drop the nose when held against the wind on take off. But as soon as you start running the wing behaves normal and the take off is just as easy as with any modern glider. Easy to land as well, light in construction and easy to set up.
The 1997 Scandal XK was Solarwing’s first kingpostless glider. The Scandal XK was claimed to be only 1.5 kgs heavier than the standard kingposted Scandal.
Scandal XK
The Scandal XK cross boom is of composite construction and was designed by Dr Bill Brooks. There are 23 battens (including 4 lower), the airframe material is 7075-T6 and HT30-TF, and it was priced at £3795.00.
Scandal XK
After the kingposted Scandal came the topless XK then the 2000 XK-R which had a roll-assist hang point arrangement. Said to be out-performed on glide by contemporary gliders such as the Laminar and rather variable in handling between different examples.
Scandal 12.4 Wing area: 12.4 sq.m Certification: BHPA Pilot weight: 48-68 kg Wing span: 9.4 m Nose Angle: 131 degs Aspect ratio: 7.1 Price (1998) £ 3350
Scandal 13.6 Wing area: 13.6 sq.m Certification: BHPA Pilot weight: 58-78 kg Wing span: 9.9 m Nose Angle: 131 degs Aspect ratio: 7.3 Price (1998) £ 3350
Scandal 14.4 Wing area: 14.4 sq.m Certification: BHPA Pilot weight: 72-92 kg Wing span: 10.35 m Nose Angle: 131 degs Aspect ratio: 7.44 Price (1998) £ 3350
Scandal XK 1997 Wing area: 13.2 m² Minimum pilot weight: 75 kg Maximum pilot weight: 95 kg Minimum speed: 28 km/h Maximum speed: 90 km/h Number of battens: 23
Scandal XK 13.6 Wing area: 13.6 sq.m Certification: BHPA Pilot weight: 58-78 kg Wing span: 9.9 m Nose Angle: 131 degs Aspect ratio: 7.3 Price (1998) £ 3795
Scandal XK 14.4 Wing area: 14.4 sq.m Certification: BHPA Pilot weight: 72-92 kg Wing span: 10.35 m Nose Angle: 131 degs Aspect ratio: 7.44 Flying weight: 32.5 kg Packed length: 5.8 m Double surface: 85% Price (1998) £ 3795
Scandal XK-R 13.6 Wing area: 13.6 m² Wing span: 9.9 m Aspect ratio: 7.3 Minimum pilot weight: 58 kg Maximum pilot weight: 78 kg Nose angle: 127°
Scandal XK-R 14.4 Wing area: 14.4 m² Wing span: 10.35 m Aspect ratio: 7.44 Minimum pilot weight: 72 kg Maximum pilot weight: 92 kg Nose angle: 127°
The 1989 Rumour was a fast, small, light, efficient and very clean glider which featured a new lightweight airframe, enclosed tip rods, enclosed keel, sealed kingpost hole and it was without a keel pocket.
Other features were 100 % double surface tips, VB, and rubber backed airfoil uprights.
The Rumor allowed Solar Wings to keep up with its UK competitor (i.e. Airwave) by winning the French and Italian championships in 89 and the UK ones in 89 and 90.
Very stable glider good in a straight line, but can be a little stiff in roll. Easy landings and rock solid in turbulance.
Plenty of examples around so not too expensive-good intermediate glider with reasonable performance, for 35hrs + pilot wanting to upgrade on a budget in May 2007 for £200.
The 1991 Rumour 2 had a new high-aspect ratio sail, a kingpost hang point, luff-line compensator and slightly reduced wing area in pursuit of improved handling and better glide at speed. The battens were of 7075.
Rumour 2
The Rumour 2 has very good min sink despite being near the top of its weight range. Compared to the Rumour 3, it is not so sensitive in roll but the K/P hang point makes it not too bad. Pitch sensitivity is high, but not unpleasantly so. Glide-on in ground effect is long, but landing without a drag chute is easily achievable.
There are 14 top battens (15 including static one), 2 tip battens and 6 undersurface battens – 23 in total.
From 40 kph the sink rate of the Rumour 2 14 increases considerably. It is a “hard” wing that it costs to leave its inertia, therefore stable. Especially at low speeds (where it has its best performance) requires a very physical piloting and the knowledge of some tricks like the “penduleo” to start the turns. Although it lands well in the final braking, this awkwardness and slowness of reaction is also a problem for approach, which requires some anticipation.
The 1992 Fever is a new light weight glider for the smaller pilot, priced at £2850.00 inc VAT. Later models were designated Rumour Fever MK2. They were later updated with mods to the sail and airframe with reduced anhedral to improve roll response. It was claimed to have better roll control, yaw stability and glide performance at speed.
Fever
The 1993 Rumour 3 is one of the last Kingpost designs and has very high performance and light handling characteristics. It has excellent performance at low and high speed. Landing characteristics are docile, but float in ground effect if coming in fast is very long. Roll control is lighter than the 2. Oddly, it has no wingtip washout struts.
Rumour 3
The 1992 Fever 2 roll was much faster and easier pitch than the Rumour 1 (13m).
Rumour Fever 12
The 1992 Rumour 3 looks similar to its predecessor but the handling was been improved giving much lighter roll. The bar position was changed from the Rumour 2 so that it is 4 cm further forward. The advantages of this are that when flying in ‘budgie’ position more speed can be pulled on before the bottom bar reaches the pilot’s body, enabling pilots to take off and approach to land at higher speeds. Also a higher top speed can be flown. The Rumour 3 was produced in two sizes; 13 sq m and 14 sq m. The certification was BHPA C of A (No.9306090). The airframe material was 6082 TF T6 and battens 7075.
Rumour 3
The Rumour 3 Special Edition was only available between November 1 1993 and end of February 1994.Cost £3000.00. The glider featured blue leading edges, light grey top surface and Solar logo.
Rumour 13 1989 Wing area: 13 m² Wing span: 9.44 m Aspect ratio: 6.6 Hang glider weight: 34 kg Number of battens: 12 Nose angle: 128°
Rumour 14 1989 Wing area: 14.5 m² Wing span: 10.5 m Aspect ratio: 6.96 Hang glider weight: 34 kg Number of battens: 12 Nose angle: 128°
Rumour 2 13 1991 Wing area: 13 m² Wing span: 9.6 m Aspect ratio: 5.6 Minimum pilot weight: 58 kg Maximum pilot weight: 80 kg Nose angle: 127° Stall speed: 31 kph Maximum speed: 95 kph Glide ratio: 11
Rumour 2 14 1991 Wing area: 14 m² Wing span: 10.1 m Aspect ratio: 5.1 Minimum pilot weight: 65 kg Maximum pilot weight: 90 kg Nose angle: 127° Stall speed: 31 kph Maximum speed: 95 kph Glide ratio: 11 at 37 kph Min sink rate: 0.95 m/s
Rumour 3 13 Wing area: 13 sq.m Certification: DHV 3/BHPA Pilot weight: 60-75 kg Wing span: 9.6 m Nose Angle: 127 degs Aspect ratio: 7.1 Price (1998) £ 2850
Rumour 3 14 Wing area: 14 m² / 151 sq ft Wing span: 10.1 m / 33 ft 2 in Aspect ratio: 7.3 Weight: 31.7kg / 70 lbs Minimum pilot weight: 70 kg / 154 lb Maximum pilot weight: 85 kg / 187 lb Nose angle: 127° Packed length: 5.8 m / 19 ft Double surface: 85 % Battens: 25 (6 undersurface)
Rumour 3 15 Wing area: 14.8 m² Wing span: 10.4 m Aspect ratio: 7.4 Minimum pilot weight: 80 kg Maximum pilot weight: 95 kg Nose angle: 127°
Rumour Fever 12 1992 Wing area: 12.1 m² Wing span: 9.2 m Aspect ratio: 7 Minimum pilot weight: 45 kg Maximum pilot weight: 65 kg Nose angle: 127°
Fever Sail area: 12 sq m Weight: 27kg / 60lb
Fever Compet 1992 Wing area: 12.1 m² Wing span: 9.2 m Aspect ratio: 7 Minimum pilot weight: 45 kg Maximum pilot weight: 65 kg Nose angle: 127°
Made during 1996-8, the Breeze fits into the category of a sports glider as its performance is above that of a floater and exhibits some of the attributes of the higher performing hang gliders.hang glider. Price (1998) £ 1997.
The Breeze features 15 battens, round uprights, and speed bar.
Breeze Sail area: 15 sq m Span 9.4 m Nose angle: 125 degs Aspect ratio: 5.6:1 Weight: 28 kg Pilot weight: 60-80 kg Top speed: 50 mph Packed length: 5.5m Double surface: 61%
Breeze Wing area: 15 m² Wing span: 9.4 m Aspect ratio: 5.6 Hang glider weight: 27 kg Minimum pilot weight: 65 kg Maximum pilot weight: 80 kg Minimum speed: 25 km/h Maximum speed: 80 km/h Max glide ratio (L/H): 10 Max glide ratio speed: 50 km/h Minimum sink rate: 1 m/s Nose angle: 125° Certification: BHPA
The 1980 Typhoon was the first double surface Comet clone produced by Solar Wings, in two sizes. The Typhoon followed the formula fairly closely with preformed battens and four undersuface battens. Reflex being retained by a harness of lines attached to the trailing edge from the kingpost.
Typhoon
Although the glider handled nicely it is rather heavy. Three hundred and thirty-four sold.
The 1982 Typhoon S was brought out by Solar Wings to counter improvements made to the Airwave Magic. In line with the policies of these two dominant companies no specification or details of changes made were publicised (184 sold). Priced from £943.00 plus VAT.
Typhoon S
The Typhoon SS has been introduced to give another increase in handling and performance, attributed in part to the lay of the cloth being bias-corrected to the trailing edge and in part to further modification of the tips. The trailing edge, previously taped, was folded over. (226 sold).
The Typhoon range resulted in the 1983 Typhoon S4 which is intended to be Solar’s answer to the successful Magic 3. The 1983 Typhoon S4 was priced from £865.00 plus VAT.
The 1984 S4 Racer was originally based on a standard S4 with a package of options added, these including the mylar leading edge, airfoil kingpost and control-frame sides and 8 undersurface battens. However a variable billow system has put the machine into a class of its own. Decreasing the nose angle increases the billow, improving the handling at the expense of speed, thus the low setting is selected for thermalling.
1984 S4 Racer
When leaving the thermal the pilot can select the maximum nose angle and by tightening the sailcloth decrease the drag coefficient substantially, making the S4 Racer one of the fastest hang gliders in the world, despite it’s friendly handling characteristics. The S4 Racer was priced at £1115.00 inc VAT.
The 1985 S4 Racer GP was developed specifically for professional competition pilots, it’s tough mylar sandwich sail ensuring that it remained accurately tuned during the punishment of top competition.
S4 Racer GP
The S4 Racer GP has mylar sandwich sail, mylar leading edge, nose cone, keel and tip fairings, airfoil control frame sides, speed bar, 8 undersuface battens and Variable Billow.
Although the S4 performs well in international and national competitions it was just as suitable for the intermediate pilot. Decent take-off and landing speeds with smooth positive response make it a safe, enjoyable experience every time you take it into the air.
The 1985 S4 was very good in rough conditions, with great roll response without winding into turns too quickly. It was available in two sizes: 166 and 180.
Typhoon S medium Sail area: 166 sq ft Span: 32 ft 6 in Nose angle: 122 deg Aspect ratio: 6.4 Glider weight: 72 lb Min-sink: 180 ft min Double surface: 55 %
Typhoon S4 medium Sail area: 166 sq ft Span: 32 ft 6 in Nose angle: 122 deg Aspect ratio: 6.4 Glider weight: 72 lb Min-sink: 180 ft min Double surface: 55 %
The 1980 Storm was the first offering of Solar Wings, the new company, based at Marlborough, Wilts. The directors of the company are Mark Southall, Dave Raymond, Cliff Ingram, Roland Lewis-Evans.
1998: Elm Tree Park Manton, Marlbrough, SN8 1PS Wilts, United Kingdom
Since ceasing production of the Scandal (King post and XK) gliders, Solar has concentrated on manufacturing micro-lights.
The Solar 7 is a high performance Rogallo designed for Hang 3 pilots or above. The Solar 7 features three sets of wires for negative G loadings, the first to incorporate this type of rigging. Three wing posts give camber and suppor to the leading edges for turbulence encountered in thermal flying. Quick locking tensioners are fitted.
The airframe is made from 2024-T3 1.75in x .058, 1 5/8in x .058 and 1.5in x .049 aluminium tubing. Rigging cable is 3/32in 7 x 7 stainless steel. All hardware is aircraft quality. The sail is 3.8oz Howe and Bainbridge stabilised dacron. It was available in 11 colours, and fully battened. A seated or prone harness were options.
20 x 12 Leading edge: 20 ft Keel length: 12.5 ft Wing span: 31.7 ft Wing area: 190 sq,ft Aspect ratio: 5.27 Nose angle: 97˚ Sail billow: 1.5˚ Weight: 39 lb Pilot weight: 100-150 lb Takeoff speed: 18 mph Stall speed: 16 mph Max speed: 45 mph Best glide ratio (L/D): 7-1 Best L/D speed: 23 mph
21 x 13 Leading edge: 21 ft Keel length: 13.5 ft Wing span: 32 ft Wing area: 195 sq,ft Aspect ratio: 5.25 Nose angle: 97˚ Sail billow: 1.5˚ Weight: 42 lb Pilot weight: 140-190 lb Takeoff speed: 18 mph Stall speed: 16 mph Max speed: 45 mph Best glide ratio (L/D): 7-1 Best L/D speed: 23 mph
22 x 14 Leading edge: 22 ft Keel length: 14.5 ft Wing span: 32.3 ft Wing area: 200 sq,ft Aspect ratio: 5.23 Nose angle: 97˚ Sail billow: 1.5˚ Weight: 180-240 lb Pilot weight: 180-240 lb Takeoff speed: 18 mph Stall speed: 16 mph Max speed: 45 mph Best glide ratio (L/D): 7-1 Best L/D speed: 23 mph
All Aero 