BGD ADAM (PAST MODEL)

Technical Specification

Info

The ADAM is a EN/LTF-A certified wing, designed for beginners or leisure pilots. Made from Durable Dominico D30 tissue, 34 enhanced clean cells make for a safe, 4.8kg paraglider. Smooth panels and uncorrupted ribs bring stability to BGD paragliders so ADAM has been designed with Cord Cut Billow (CCB). By adding CCB to the leading edge’s top panel the 3D bulge wraps around the rib without deforming it.

Target

This is the first glider of this level to which BGD has added mini-ribs on the trailing edge. Normally, large-celled paragliders without mini-ribs have a lot of billow near the trailing edge and around the brake fold. When this billow is folded down with a brake input everything gets pulled out of shape. Mini-ribs reduced the billow around the brake fold creating more responsive brake input and a cleaner brake fold.

The ADAM is very colourful. BGD think that being seen in the air and on the ground is a safety bonus for instructors and new pilots.

Features

Baby A-Riser

BGD has added a 'big ears' A riser which is also on a 1/2 ratio with the rest of the A-lines. This facilitates easy use of the big ears while helping speed and stability while on bar. The speed system is light and simple without reflex really helping glide at speed. 

Snap locks

Snap Locks are lightweight, compact attachments that effortlessly connect the breaks to the risers. A small focused magnet inside the catch and an internal locking system hold the handle in place, releasing only if the handles are pulled down towards the pilot. This unique design feature means the handles don't fall off while kiting, packing or performing manoeuvres. The Snap Lock system solved many of the problems associated with press-studs and magnets.

Impeccable Spiral Behaviour

The spiral behaviour is astounding- spiral stability can be a problem with low aspect-ratio beginner wings, but BDG has tested the paragliders extensively, with different inclinations and sink rates, and never ever has it stayed in a spiral, once! This is very unusual for a school glider and is a big safety bonus.

Optimized Line Layout 

Over the years BGD has perfected their system for optimizing the line layout of their wings. BGD use numerous equations, software, and the plain old guess-and-check method to build their line layouts. The result is simple: fewer lines making stronger, faster gliders.

 Exceptional Roll Stability

Designed for progressing pilots this gilder has outstanding roll stability. Paragliders are inherently unstable on the ground, added roll stability makes the glider easier to launch and more comfortable in the air. 

Eyes Wide-Open Safety

Gliders that talk are safer. Safer gliders make pilots perform better. Better performing pilots fly further. Further flying pilots are happier pilots. Eyes Wide-open Safety produces happier pilots.

Elliptical Cell Openings

BGD have found that elliptical cell openings give better lower surface tension making for smoother inflation, and re-inflation after collapses.

Cord Cut Billow (CCB)

Cord Cut Billow technology has been developed to improve the form friction, glider stability and overall performance of our paragliders. Two seams run chord-wise across the top panels of the leading edge to accommodate the panel ballooning that happens when the wing is inflated. Up to five centimetres of excess material is created on the sides of an inflated flat panel bending over a wing profile. Cord Cut Billow technology absorbs the material with a 3D panel resulting in fewer ripples and improved rib profile shape and stability.

Weight-Optimised Ribs

BGD have maintained the strength and rigidity of the ribs while removing unnecessary material. This means less weight for no increase in cost or reduction in strength of the wing. The hole positioning and size depends on the loads taken locally by the sail, and it is thanks to recent developments in our software that it is now possible to accurately calculate this.

Progressive Stability

Progressive stability has been designed into all BGD gliders to help pilots feel turbulence and avoid it. This makes for safer and more comfortable flying.

Every parent knows that deep nervous feeling in their stomach as his or her kids first leave the nest. Tyr, my son, is doing his first flights now. Gunnar, and Freyja are almost old enough. I have to believe I did the best possible job equipping them with them the necessary tools for society and flying. I imagine instructors have the same feelings about their students.

I don't want my kids, instructors, or anyone to worry about how their paraglider will react so I designed the ADAM EN-A. It is light enough for little Freyja to carry up the mountain and durable enough for the boys.

I have been designing paragliders since 1990 and this is by far the best EN-A glider I have ever made. Back in those days, the Black Magic DHV-1 was designed from a basic parachute with unsupported cells and square box cell design. It worked but needed improvement. 

Over the years we have come a long way. CCB and mini-ribs create fitted 3D cells, unsupported cells are supported with diagonal ribs, and span-wise bands clean up the bottom surface. All this new technology has greatly improved the safety and performance of beginner wings. For the ADAM I believe I have found the best combination of simplicity and technology. 

It launches really easily, flies responsively and has the highest safety rating available. I even let my kids fly it! - Bruce, BGD

Flying Style/Level

Downloads

• Manual
• Flight Test Report M
• Flight Test Report S
• Certification S, M, ML, L