U-Turn Infinity
| Infinity | |
|---|---|
| Role | Paraglider |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | U-Turn GmbH |
| Introduction | 2003 |
| Status | In production (Infinity 4, 2016) |
| Produced | 2003-present |
The U-Turn Infinity is a German single-place paraglider, designed and produced by U-Turn GmbH of Villingen-Schwenningen. It was the first glider introduced by the company in 2003 and remained in production in 2016 as the Infinity 4.[1]
Design and development
[edit]The Infinity was designed as an intermediate glider.[1]
The design has progressed through four generations of models, the Infinity, Infinity 2, 3 and 4, each improving on the last. The Infinity 4 was a complete redesign and not just an evolution of previous versions. The models are each named for their relative size.[1][2]
Operational history
[edit]Reviewer Noel Bertrand noted the Infinity's distinctive wing graphics in a 2003 review as "easily recognizable" and noted that the design is "quick and full of promise".[1]
Variants
[edit]Infinity
[edit]- Infinity S
- Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.76 m (38.6 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.5 m2 (285 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The pilot weight range is 55 to 90 kg (121 to 198 lb). The glider model is Deutscher Hängegleiterverband e.V. (DHV) 1-2 certified.[1]
- Infinity M
- Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.30 m (40.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29 m2 (310 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 115 kg (176 to 254 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]
- Infinity L
- Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.82 m (42.1 ft) span wing has a wing area of 31.5 m2 (339 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 130 kg (209 to 287 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]
Infinity 4
[edit]- Infinity 4 XS
- Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 10.817 m (35.5 ft) span wing has a wing area of 22.457 m2 (241.73 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The take-off weight range is 50 to 75 kg (110 to 165 lb). The glider model is not certified.[2]
- Infinity 4 S
- Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.287 m (37.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 24.454 m2 (263.22 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The take-off weight range is 55 to 80 kg (121 to 176 lb). The glider model is DHV LTF/EN-B certified.[2]
- Infinity 4 SM
- Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 11.739 m (38.5 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.45 m2 (284.7 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The take-off weight range is 60 to 90 kg (132 to 198 lb). The glider model is DHV LTF/EN-B certified.[2]
- Infinity 4 M
- Medium-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.174 m (39.9 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28.446 m2 (306.19 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The take-off weight range is 75 to 105 kg (165 to 231 lb). The glider model is DHV LTF/EN-B certified.[2]
- Infinity 4 L
- Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.696 m (41.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.941 m2 (333.05 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The take-off weight range is 95 to 125 kg (209 to 276 lb). The glider model is DHV LTF/EN-B certified.[2]
Specifications (Infinity M)
[edit]Data from Bertrand[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 12.30 m (40 ft 4 in)
- Wing area: 29 m2 (310 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 5.21:1
Performance
- Maximum speed: 53 km/h (33 mph, 29 kn)