Abstract: A partially-inflated rigid-structure glider is a portable or collapsible gliding apparatus that a user can transport in a carrying case. The gliding apparatus includes a rigid yet collapsible frame, tension membranes over both on the wings and tail, and inflatable bladder, a pair of drogue brakes, and a left and right steering mechanism. The pair of drogue brakes is located on opposing sides of the gliding apparatus and create drag on its respective side in order to turn the gliding apparatus either left or right. The user can activate either drogue brake with the left and right steering mechanism, which are control lines attached to each drogue brake. The tension membranes are fitted over the frame so that the gliding apparatus has an airfoil shape in order to create lift with the wings and tail while the gliding apparatus is in flight.

Abstract: A partially-inflated rigid-structure glider is a portable or collapsible gliding apparatus that a user can transport in a carrying case. The gliding apparatus includes a rigid yet collapsible frame, tension membranes over both on the wings and tail, and inflatable bladder, a pair of drogue brakes, and a left and right steering mechanism. The pair of drogue brakes is located on opposing sides of the gliding apparatus and create drag on its respective side in order to turn the gliding apparatus either left or right. The user can activate either drogue brake with the left and right steering mechanism, which are control lines attached to each drogue brake. The tension membranes are fitted over the frame so that the gliding apparatus has an airfoil shape in order to create lift with the wings and tail while the gliding apparatus is in flight.

Abstract: The present invention is a ram air rigid structure glider, which uses both ram air inflation and a rigid structure in order to produce the necessary aerodynamic lift to glide through the air. The frame uses two main structural beams, the spar and the keel, to form the general shape of the wings and the tail. The hubs and the network of lines expand the structure laid out by the spur and the keel. The hubs are evenly placed along the spur, and the network of lines are connected and crisscrossed in between the hubs. The sail is a piece fabric wrapped around the frame and has a plurality of cells, which are evenly spaces throughout the sail. The plurality of cells allows the sails to be inflated by ram air pressure. The pilot pod carries the user in the supine position and is attached to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a ram air rigid structure glider, which uses both ram air inflation and a rigid structure in order to produce the necessary aerodynamic lift to glide through the air. The frame uses two main structural beams, the spar and the keel, to form the general shape of the wings and the tail. The hubs and the network of lines expand the structure laid out by the spur and the keel. The hubs are evenly placed along the spur, and the network of lines are connected and crisscrossed in between the hubs. The sail is a piece fabric wrapped around the frame and has a plurality of cells, which are evenly spaces throughout the sail. The plurality of cells allows the sails to be inflated by ram air pressure. The pilot pod carries the user in the supine position and is attached to the frame.