AirDesign launch Exta, a parakite built for the mountains

AirDesign have pulled the covers off the Exta, a parakite line developed specifically for flying in the mountains rather than the coastal soaring that most parakites are designed around.

They set out to challenge the idea that parakiting is dangerous or unsuitable for alpine terrain, instead targeting a wing that is accessible, ultralight and versatile – one that delivers genuine climb in thermals while keeping the passive safety and active-air stability parakites are loved for.

The line comes in four sizes. The 21 (2.68kg) is the most approachable, aimed at pilots learning to parakite up to 75kg, though heavier pilots up to 85kg will find it livelier. The 18 (2.45kg) is an intermediate option for a lower weight range, suited to mountain soaring and local thermic flying. The 16 (2.20kg) is “the core of the range” – claimed to be around 30% lighter than rival wings with a compact packed size, sitting between a mini-wing and a soaring/thermal wing. The 12 (1.85kg) is the most specialised, with shorter lines and sharper handling for experienced pilots after a compact wing with a strong glide ratio.

The low aspect ratio layout keeps it manageable. On reflex, AirDesign say they hunted for “the best compromise between the inherent stability of the parakite and the reactive behaviour of a paraglider outside its flight envelope.” Tension through the internal structure and control of chord-wise rigidity give the wing its active-air character, while pyramid-shaped D-lines tighten to help it reopen after a frontal collapse in thermal conditions. Brake travel and pressure are tuned to feel close to a paraglider’s.

Durability comes from nitinol rods and their signature Ghost Nose Guard on the leading edge – extra reinforcement along the seams above the rods. The internal structure has been slimmed to save weight without giving up strength, and thicker material is used on the leading edge and the last five cells each side “for pilots flying hard.”

With weights starting at 1.85kg and packed volumes this small, getting the wing to the launch cleanly is half the battle. A Fast Pack Bag keeps an ultralight parakite like this protected and easy to carry on the hike up, while a Concertina Bag helps safeguard the reinforced leading edge in transit.

More details at ad-gliders.com.

Looking for gear to match your next mountain parakite mission? Explore the Fast Pack Bag and Concertina Bag at yowfly.com.