BGD Unveils Tuna: First Submarine-Style Pressurised Harness

BGD has entered the submarine harness market with the Tuna, its first fully pressurised design. Created in partnership with BogdanFly, the Tuna is a lightweight, streamlined harness built for high-performance cross-country flying and hike-and-fly missions.

Tipping the scales at just 2.2kg in size M, the Tuna aims to deliver impressive efficiency without carrying unnecessary weight. BGD says it’s designed not only for competition pilots but also for weekend flyers seeking a performance edge.

Inflatable back protection is certified to 27G and covers an extensive area from mid-back down to under the thighs. The integrated under-seat reserve container features an easily accessible handle on the right side, with a left-hand configuration available on request.

Getting into the Tuna is remarkably straightforward — BGD claims it’s even easier than traditional pod harnesses. Two buckles secure the system, while a magnetic zipper allows smooth opening and closing of the pod both after launch and before landing.

The cockpit area is generous and positioned outside the main harness envelope, ensuring instruments remain visible and accessible. A large zipped pocket below the instrument panel can accommodate an anti-G system, food or a camera, with a smaller zipped pocket near the shoulder. Rear stowage provides 20 litres of space, with an additional 5 litres under the seat.

In the air, BGD says the Tuna provides a comfortable reclined position that balances performance with the comfort needed for long-distance flights.

This is BGD’s first fully pressurised harness, and the company highlights that Bruce Goldsmith was an early pioneer in this field. Back in 1992, he built a prototype of the first fully inflatable pressurised hang gliding harness for Airwave, featuring air intakes on the pilot’s shoulders. Inflatable fairings have since become standard on most modern high-performance harnesses.