Airdesign UFO 2: The Pinnacle of Ultralight Adventure Flying
Discover What True Freedom Feels Like
For pilots who crave ultimate freedom in the mountains, the Airdesign UFO 2 stands as a game-changer. Engineered for the lightest hike-and-fly experiences, this single-surface glider redefines what’s possible at the intersection of minimal weight, performance, and safety. Whether you’re pushing alpine limits, tackling technical bivouac routes, or simply enjoying the view from above, the UFO 2 ensures every flight feels effortless, controlled, and exhilarating.
Why Choose the Airdesign UFO 2?
Innovation Beyond the Ordinary
Instead of following traditional glider designs, Airdesign challenged conventions. Consequently, the UFO 2 offers a truly stripped-down experience that maximizes freedom without sacrificing safety. Although it weighs less than a liter of water, it handles confidently in varied terrain and thermals. Therefore, it’s no surprise this model continues to dominate the ultralight category worldwide.
Designed With a Clear Purpose
Built specifically for hike-and-fly enthusiasts, vol-biv explorers, and alpine adventurers, the UFO 2 brings unmatched efficiency. It launches easily from rugged sites, flies stably in mixed air, and packs down to the size of a jacket. Thus, whether you’re summiting before dawn or gliding into a remote valley at dusk, this wing keeps up with your rhythm.
Key Features That Set the UFO 2 Apart
Advanced Lightweight Construction
Every detail of the UFO 2 has been trimmed to reduce weight without compromising safety. This results in a wing that weighs under 1.8kg (depending on size), yet flies like a full-fledged glider. That careful engineering ensures the balance of weight and strength is ideal for real-world conditions.
Airdesign UFO 2 Single-Surface Simplicity
By eliminating the bottom surface, Airdesign cut down on weight and complexity. As a result, the UFO 2 inflates instantly—even in nil wind—making launches on steep or technical terrain remarkably straightforward.
Compact Packing Size
You no longer need a full-size rucksack. The UFO 2 packs so small that it fits easily into any trail pack, leaving room for your helmet, harness, water, and layers. As a result, long approaches feel lighter and more manageable.
Highlighted Benefits of the Airdesign UFO 2:
✅ Single-surface glider design for ultralight performance
✅ EN-B certification (depending on size) for reliable safety
✅ Incredibly small pack volume—fits in any trail bag
✅ Fast and easy inflation, even in zero-wind launches
✅ Exceptional handling for a single-surface design
✅ Optimized for hike-and-fly, vol-biv, and alpine launches
✅ Reinforced leading edge for added durability
✅ Sizes suitable for pilots from 50kg to 120kg
✅ Built for both beginner and advanced mountain pilots
Performance You Can Trust
Natural Handling in Flight
Although it’s a single-surface wing, the UFO 2 doesn’t compromise on handling. Brake input feels precise and intuitive. In thermals, the wing centers easily and climbs without delay. Thus, it offers agility that surprises even seasoned pilots. Because the brake range is progressive, you can fly it comfortably even during long descents.
Excellent Glide Ratio for Its Class
While it won’t outperform double-surface XC machines, the UFO 2 delivers an impressive glide for an ultralight wing. That means you can confidently launch from tight spaces and still reach safe landing zones—even in marginal conditions. Furthermore, the speed system extends its versatility when descending rapidly is needed.
Built for Adventure
Reliable in Challenging Conditions
High-mountain conditions can shift quickly. Therefore, the UFO 2 has been fine-tuned to maintain structural integrity and pitch stability even in turbulent air. Although light, it reacts predictably, allowing you to adapt without overcorrecting.
The Go-To Wing for Vol-Biv and Expeditions
From the Himalayas to the Alps, the UFO 2 has earned its place as a trusted companion. Not only does it minimize pack weight, but it also reduces launch anxiety in tight alpine spaces. Because it launches so easily, you spend less time on the ground and more time in the sky.
Ideal for a Wide Range of Pilots
Who Is the Airdesign UFO 2 For?
Although originally designed with expert hike-and-fly pilots in mind, the UFO 2’s forgiving handling and predictable behavior make it suitable for a wide range of skill levels.
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Beginner Pilots: Seeking an ultralight certified glider for local ridge soaring
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Intermediate Flyers: Exploring vol-biv or hike-and-fly without compromising safety
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Experienced Mountaineers: Looking for an escape route after summit pushes
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Expedition Pilots: Needing reliable gear with compact weight and volume
Safety Features That Build Confidence
EN-Certified Safety Across Sizes
Depending on size, the UFO 2 is EN-B certified. That means even newer pilots benefit from a safety margin not often found in single-surface wings. While lighter gliders tend to feel twitchier, the UFO 2’s refined profile maintains stability through wind shifts and thermals.
Designed With Structure in Mind
Even though it’s a minimalist wing, the UFO 2 integrates reinforced internal structures. These lend the canopy better load distribution and resistance to deformation. Consequently, collapses are rare, and the wing communicates well before things go sideways.
Built to Last—Even in Harsh Environments
Rugged Where It Matters
Airdesign chose a fabric that balances low weight with abrasion resistance. Reinforced leading-edge elements reduce wear from rocky launches. Additionally, the risers use Kevlar-reinforced Dyneema to handle years of UV exposure and stress without failing.
Easy Maintenance and Long Lifespan
Because there’s less fabric and fewer lines, the UFO 2 requires less maintenance overall. Its simple line geometry makes pre-flight checks faster, while the reduced parts list means fewer things can go wrong.
Final Take: Lightweight Doesn’t Mean Limited
In the Airdesign UFO 2, you get the best of all worlds—ultralight packing, smooth flight characteristics, and enough durability to handle real backcountry demands. Each element of the glider is refined for pilots who push their limits but demand reliable performance.
From your first hike-in launch to your hundredth cross-mountain glide, the UFO 2 will meet you at the edge of adventure—ready to fly, every time.
Choose the Airdesign UFO 2—because in the mountains, every gram counts and every second in the air should feel extraordinary.
Airdesign UFO 2 Technical data
Size | 13 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
standard takeoff weight (kg) EN/LTF Certification |
45-55 C | 45-65 C | 50-75 B | 65-87 A | 80-100 A |
Extended takeoff weight (kg) EN/LTF Certification |
55-80 C | 65-80 C | 75-90 B | 87-100 B | 100-110 B |
Area | Flat (m2) | 13.00 | 14.58 | 16.06 | 17.74 | 19.44 |
Area | Projected (m2) | 11.02 | 12.35 | 13.61 | 15.03 | 16.47 |
Span | Flat (m) | 8.04 | 8.51 | 8.94 | 9.39 | 9.83 |
Span | Projected (m) | 6.35 | 6.72 | 7.06 | 7.41 | 7.76 |
Aspect ratio | Flat | 4.97 | 4.97 | 4.97 | 4.97 | 4.97 |
Aspect ration | Projected | 3.66 | 3.66 | 3.66 | 3.66 | 3.66 |
Cells | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Weight (kg) | 1.36 | 1.45 | 1.59 | 1.77 | 1.95 |
Colours
Standard colours: Yoda Green, R2-D Blue, Flash Red – size 13 only
Custom colours: Choose your colours and email us the colour reference with your order. Include a screenshot if you can. Full payment required upfront to confirm your order after which it cannot be cancelled.
Package
- Glider
- UFO Airpack
- Goodies
- Repair materials and AirDesign stickers
The new UFO – #haveyouseenit
They were returning home. What they had seen had astonished them so much, they were keeping quiet. One of them ended up breaking the silence.
– “What are we going to say?”
– “The truth” his fellow replied.
They went back to their thoughts. The spaceship was sailing on autopilot, they could rewind the scene and reflect on the impact of their discovery.
Alf was worried. How would the Council react? He could already imagine himself overwhelmed by questions: “Have you seen it?” “Is that true that They made our design even better?” and so on…
That wouldn’t be easy. Especially with the old Stachys. The General was against this mission since the beginning and now they were coming back with such news.
On the other hand, Gordon was kind of excited. What an adventure! After such a long time, they would be acclaimed like heroes. He could perfectly remember the kid playing in the wind. “I’d teach my son on this thing back home!”. He would have to be careful to hide his enthusiasm. But still! What a toy! And he couldn’t help but love the name They had chosen: The UFO, the “Ultralight Flying Object” and their quirky logo as well. “These Humans are really funny” he thought while they could finally catch sight of their planet.
With the new UFO, let’s go back to the roots of paragliding: to fly from a mountain, find a thermal and enjoy the glide! Accessible for everyone, this is the easiest to fly, fully usable and complete single surface, no compromise.
The new UFO – Break your own rules!
How to describe the new UFO…
…in one word?
Universal!
…in one image?
Magnetic attraction! On a take-off people can’t help to touch or inflate it. They are like mesmerized.
…in one dream?
Alone on a remote peak… in a galaxy far, far away…
Airdesign UFO 2 Construction & Features
- Double coated Skytex, doubled seams and etching tape on edges: robustness is the key.
- For the first time in the product range, the lines are unsheathed Aramid but color-coded! Solidity has never been so easy to untangle.
- The use of Nitinol rods not only saves weight and increases robustness, it also allows a super compact folding… To always slip into your rucksack.
- Leading edge and trailing edge are with mylar-border band. This ensures a structural consistency for not changing the wing’s flying behaviors.
- Struts have disappeared from the surface for an even cleaner, simpler design, and more compact folding. Few ribs are supported by Nitinol rods instead.
- On the leading edge, ground attachment loops can be used to prevent the paraglider from slipping on a steep and/or slippery slope (snow).
Alien’s notes
“For every AD wing, these Humans use a claim and a hashtag. For the new UFO, they chose Beam me up and the #haveyouseenit. Dude these guys have guts! We heard them saying: “We know there was expectation, we are confident there won’t be any disillusion. The new UFO follows the original idea behind its predecessor: to be the simplest and easiest tool for hike&fly!”
Airdesign UFO 2 Features
- SUPERLIGHT
- Nitinol Rods
- 3D-Cut
- Razor Edge
- Soft links
- Unsheathed Lines (colored)
- Superlight Dyneema Risers
- B/C control
Materials
Line
• Porcher Skytex 27 classic II – Double coated
Leinen
• Top lines: Edelrid 8001/U-070, 090
• Middle lines: Edelrid 8001/U-130, 190
• Main lines: Edelrid 8001/U-190, 230, 280
Riser: EDELRID Taurus – ~3,7mm Dyneema Rope
Maillons: AirDesign Soft-Links
FAQ
Did you know?
- The new UFO is SUPERLIGHT on every part designed but durable as well-known for the first one. Every detail matters. For instance, the use of rib-arches with a border-webbing support takes the load from the ribs and line attachments. As well it guarantees a long-lasting glider.
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AirDesign has received amazing feedbacks on the first UFO’s longevity. With this new version, pilots and schools will be even happier! The repair shop may not!
Airdesign UFO 2 product registration
Register your AirDesign product here.
Flippo deigo –
My experience with AirDesign UFO 2 is an excellent choice for pilots seeking a lightweight, durable, and easy-to-handle wing for hike-and-fly adventures.
😇
I highly do recommend this shop