The new Rio 2 is the latest Club/sports hang glider from Avian. The Rio 2 is even more user friendly. It is easier and quicker to rig, easy to fly and easier to land. Of-course, with a totally new airframe and all new fittings, it looks smarter on the ground as well as cleaner in the air.
| Aerofoil uprights |
Aerofoil rubber backed uprights. |
| Speed bar |
Speed bar for comfortable flight. |
| V.G. |
Variable Geometry option. |
| Power use |
Suitable for use with FLPA power units. |
| Clip end battens |
Special clip end battens as used on competition machines. |
| Model Number |
AVIAN-RIO2 |
| In Stock |
Yes |
Available Options:
Extra space:
Please select your desired option using the buttons provided.
Click the images to enlarge.
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| Variable Geometry:
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Product Description
Greater Range of Pilot Weights.
The Rio 2 now comes in two sizes the 15m and 17m. The Rio 17 has also been tested to very high payloads and is designed for the heavier pilot or for use with power units and light trikes.
Rigging and De-Rigging.
The Rio will of course rig flat, which is vital for windy hill flying conditions such as those found in the British Isles. However the Rio 2 is easier to rig and especially so when on the keel. Its new control frame fittings prevent the glider flopping from side to side.
New Sail Design
Of course just looking at the Rio 2 the new sail is obvious. The batten ends and elastics on the trailing edge have disappeared in favour of new clip batten ends. These robust, easy to use fittings give the longest sail life. The new under-surface shape with logo cut into the sail is striking but only the more observant will notice the new wide keel pocket to reduce drag and improve handling.
Even less obvious are the new production methods used to manufacture the Rio 2. The new sail is now cut with a laser. This of course gives great accuracy and all fabric edges ‘hot cut’ resulting in no fraying.
Variable Geometry Option.
Variable Geometry is now available on the Rio 2. This allows the pilot to adjust the wing tension in flight changing the blend of performance and handling. This can be useful in both Aerotowing and cross country flight.
Short Packing
Those of you who travel by plane, with your hang glider, will know how important it is for the baggage handlers to have packages under 12 feet in length. Amazingly both sizes of Rio 2 will short pack under 12 feet. A standard Rio 17 short packs slightly longer than 12 feet. The extra short pack option must be chosen for the shortest possible short pack. This feature is only really relevant if travelling by air if 12 foot is specified as the longest length that the aircraft will take. (In reality far longer packages can be taken if the airline is willing to do so.)
Safety
Avian Ltd. are committed to the BHPA airworthiness scheme and its pitch stability and physical strength tests. Avian are also committed to continuous safety improvement throughout the glider. It is for this reason that the Rio 2 now has both ‘luff lines and washout control. These are two, well tested, means of ensuring good pitch stability at
all speeds and VG settings.
Download more information.
Many fans of the very popluar Rio 15 (Mk 1) ask, "What has changed on the Rio 2?" A PDF datasheet is available:
what's new on the Rio 2? listing many of the improvements.
Some of the options and feartures are explained above. However the Rio 2 has also been reviewed independantly. Copies of the reviews are available below.
1st Short review free flying.
Skywings March 2011 Rio 2 1st Impressions
2nd Longer review also testing flying with FLPA power.
Skywings August 2011 Rio 2 15 & 17m
