Based on the successful XC machine the Blacklight, U-Turn has designed a lightweight wing with stunning comfort and performance. The LIGHTNING is for ambitious pilots who want to go XC with ease – without sacrificing comfort. With the intelligent choice of light weight material a significant weight and drag reduction has been reached. That raised the overall performance- in particular the glide with a remarkable 10.5. The lighter canopy has a positive effect to the flying characteristic in turbulent air – the wing stays calm and balances quickly the pressure differences. But not only in flight has the light weight design come into effect, it eases the comfortable inflation handling too, in special under difficult conditions.

The LIGHTNING is the response to the rapidly growing demand to light weight XC wings. The Focus was set to the comfort flying the wing, spite it is already optimized regarding packing volume and weight; it should feel like a “full” wing. But comfort too in the sense of passive safety. The LIGHTNING fulfills the demands to the EN/LTF B class with ease. The main principle of U-turn – safety and performance – was implemented here with consequence.

U-Turn chief designer Ernst Strobl gave the Lightning 50 cells and a flat aspect ratio by 5.8. The wing is  mainly made out of Skytex 27, only in the more stressed leading edge Skytex 36 is used. The ribs and the V-ribbs are made of Skytex 27 hardfinish. The LIGHTNING has 2A, 3B, and 2C main lines. The used lines are mostly unsheathed Kevlar lines in 8 different diameters to receive a balanced line loading. This leads naturally to reduced weight and drag.

The LIGHTNING is the first wing in the new U-Turn design. The new line accents the technical design and the aspect ratio. The theme in the redesign was to connect the U -Turn roots to a clearer design line. The new design fills functional demands too; the new line allows an optimal material mixture in the higher loaded areas.

The LIGHTNING is now available in 4 sizes certified to EN/LTF B: Lightning S (60 – 90 kg), Lightning SM (75 – 100 kg), Lightning M (85 – 110 kg), Lightning L (100 – 125 kg).

Get your own experience, how easy the stunning performance of the LIGHTNING handles.

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