The Falcon 4 represents twenty years of cumulative refinement of the most popular and successful glider in Wills Wing’s history. Since 1994, the Falcon series of gliders have represented the most accessible, stress-free soaring performance available in hang gliding, and have helped to introduce an entire generation of new pilots to the sport.
What’s New
Updates on the Falcon 4 include a new sail cut and new sail panel layout, improved lateral stability at higher speeds and under aero tow conditions, and the option for the glider to be built with a Litestream Control bar. The Falcon 4 comes standard with an airframe that breaks down to shipping length, but is not short-packable into the 2 meter length. The short-packable airframe is an available option on the Falcon 4. The 195 size features an extra batten for improved airfoil definition, and, on the standard airframe, a smaller diameter crossbar for reduced drag and improved performance. The Falcon 4 is currently available in the 145, 170 and 195 sizes and the Falcon 4 Tandem at this page
Falcon 4 Performance
Less than ten days after the first production Falcon 3’s left the factory; a demo Falcon 3 170 had been flown 205 miles by Davis Straub for a new single surface cross-country world distance record. The Falcon 4 carries forward the tradition of exceptional effective soaring performance of the Falcon line, by providing an unmatched combination of relaxed and responsive handling with exceptional climb rate and low speed glide. For developing pilots, this is a glider that will allow you to have longer flights more often, and as a result will help you improve your flying skills more rapidly. For experienced pilots, the Falcon 4 will remind you of just how simple and how enjoyable soaring flight can be.
Features
Can be short-packed to under 7 feet (2.1 m) for transport with available optional aiframe
Quick–attach nose cone enhances performance
Optional Litestream performance control bar can be ordered as an upgrade
Transverse batten extends washout support provided at wingtips, allowing for reduced number of reflex bridle lines
All main frame tubes are 7075 – T6 drawn seamless tubing for maximum strength to weight ratio
7075 – T6 Drawn Seamless Keel Tubing
7075 – T6 Drawn Seamless Leading Edge
7075 – T6 Pre-formed Battens
Improved sail cut yields enhanced aerodynamics
Handling is light and quick, yet remains comfortable and reassuring
Lever Rear Batten Tips
Ball-type Crossbar Center
Full Leading Edge Mylar Pocket and Mylar Insert
Streamlined Kingpost
Rear Crossbar Haulback System
Deluxe Glider Bag, Control Bar Bag, Batten Bag, and Velcro Sail Ties
Spare Parts Kit, Team Hat, Bumper sticker
Comprehensive Owner / Service Manual and Batten Diagram
Control Bar
The standard control bar on the Falcon 4 features round downtubes and a round, speedbar (comfort bar) basetube. (Note that these control bars are the same as the Falcon 3 control bars, but are different from, and not interchangeable with AT type control bar used on Falcon 1’s and Falcon 2’s – see the article Falcon Control Bars Not Interchangeable for more information.) This control bar configuration will accept either the 5 inch diameter Hall wheels or the 8 inch diameter Finsterwalder wheels, mounted directly on the basetube. As an option, Falcon 4 owners can order their glider built with the Litestream Control bar – equipped with either a streamlined or round speedbar basetube. The Litestream control bar with the streamlined basetube will accept the Wills Wing Streamlined Wheel Kit as an additional option, and with the round basetube, you can use either the Hall or Finsterwalder wheels.
Sail Colours
All panels in the Falcon 4 sail are available for use of coloured V170 4 oz. woven sailcloth. Inventory gliders will have factory selected colours on Panel 1 (top surface leading edge) and Panel 5 (bottom surface), and customers can select their own colours for these panels, as well as for panel 4 (trailing edge), without any extra charge for colour choice. In addition, colour choices can be selected for Panel 2 (top surface immediately behind Panel 1) and Panel 3 (mid-chord panel) for an additional $75 per (full span) panel.
Sail Materials
All panels in the Falcon sail will be made normally with 4 oz woven sailcloth. 205 MT can be selected for panel 1 (leading edge) and / or panel 4 (trailing edge) for an extra charge (see options table). Finally UVPXB05 can be selected for panels 1, 2, 3 and 4 for an extra charge. All of these options require the customer colour choice option charge as well.
Optional Falcon 4 Short Pack Airframe and Deluxe Transport / Storage Container
The Falcon 4 with the optional short-packable airframe can be broken down to a short pack length of seven feet (195), six and a half feet (170), or six feet (145) for transport, shipping or storage. Wills Wing offers an optional protective container, specially designed to provide maximum protection and transport convenience for your Falcon 4. The overall dimensions of the container allow you to check the glider as baggage on most airline flights.
The Deluxe Transport / Storage Container consists of a protective dense foam liner inside of a heavy duty, ballistic cloth zippered bag. The entire glider – sail, airframe, battens and cover bags – fits inside the container. The ballistic outer bag and foam liner provide damage protection for the sail and airframe.
