Hang Glider Aerodynamics

Hang gliders are a type of flying wing, thus subject to similar advantages and disadvantages thereof.[^1] The mild sweep back and the lack of tail surfaces means that hang gliders have a pitch-up moment at high AOA.[^1] They have low directional stability as well as inadequate Dutch Roll damping at low AOA. They have poor directional and roll control power.[^1] If a PIO is encountered in a hang glider, the control bar should be released when the wings are level.[^1] This will cause the glider to pitch up and stop the oscillations.[^1] Hang glider pilots adjust their gliding speed close to the theoretical optimum.

[^2]
  • RTO-TR-029[^1]
  • akosThermalSoaringFlight2010[^2]