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- Andrea Cella
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- wing foil, hydrofoils, reptile wing foil, best foil, advanced foils
Less than a year after the launch of the innovative Aqua Lift, one of the best entry-level/intermediate foils on the market, we are ready to introduce the next step: the Aqua Glide. This new foil is dedicated to high speed, freeride, pumping, surfing, and, of course, glide. Its exclusive profile focuses the chord at the center of the wing, providing lift and stability, while significantly reducing drag at the edges, offering speed and endless smoothness.
Our Foil Head Designer, Theo Nonis, briefly explains the chosen lines and some technical choices.
INTRODUCTION. At the beginning of a foil project, we define its purpose, which determines some choices regarding the main parameters (Area, Aspect Ratio, and Leading Edge curvature). The wing's geometry represents the distribution of lift from the center towards the edges. The theoretically optimal lift distribution is elliptical, although aspects related to maneuverability and versatility often prevail.
What assistance does a wide central part of the front wing provide?
Increasing the lift of the central part of the wing, where its chord is greater, facilitates ease of use by increasing the critical angle of attack. This allows the wing to generate lift even when outside the optimal angle of attack.
What assistance do tapered ends provide?
Reducing the contribution of the ends decreases structural loads at the wing root, minimizes the effects of vortices at the tips, and enhances maneuverability.
What are the characteristics of the profile?
We chose a profile capable of operating across a wide speed range, with a slight flex in the rear to promote pressure recovery and reduce the coefficient of drag.
Assuming a 5m² wing, at how many knots does a 75 kg rider start with the Glide 750/950/1200?
On paper, the lift-off speed for a 75 kg rider is 11 knots for a 750, 10 knots for a 950, and 9 knots for a 1200. However, the ability to generate lift at lower speeds largely depends on the rider's skill level.
Stabilizers. Explain the GD 220 and GD 150.
All stabilizers have a slight angle of incidence, and we chose to keep it fixed to avoid spending days adjusting the stabilizers rather than flying. This angle is a compromise between stability and speed evaluated across all feasible combinations for the Aqua Glide.
The stabilizer, while necessary, acts as a brake for the foil, and its size directly affects the maximum flight speed.
As the rider's proficiency with a particular setup increases, the front wing should be reduced first, and only then should the stabilizer size be decreased. This allows for an increase in flight speed while accepting a slight reduction in stability.
Stabilizer characteristics
GD 220: Area 220 cm² - Aspect Ratio 7.0 - Span 390 mm
GD 150: Area 150 cm² - Aspect Ratio 7.0 - Span 325 mm
Choosing an AR of 7, not excessive, depends on the need for a stabilizer that can always generate lift and is more tolerant to the large angles of attack of the front wing. The trailing edge is linear to shed the flow to favor pumping.
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