The Cross Country offered competition class climb performance, L/D, and speed in combination with relaxed and comfortable handling and landing characteristics. The Cross Country also featured optional winglets which enhanced performance and stability, and a 14:1 VG reduction for effortless in-flight adjustment. This was the high performance glider pilots had been asking for.
Specifications
| Specification | 132 | 142 | 155 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area (ft²) | 132 | 142 | 155 |
| Span (ft) | 30.75 | 32.5 | 34 |
| Aspect Ratio | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.5 |
| Glider Weight (lbs) | 62 | 66 | 70 |
| Hook-In Weight (lbs) | 120-220 | 140-240 | 170-280 |
| Pilot Rating | USHPA Advanced (IV) | ||
| Va (mph) | 48 | ||
| Vne (mph) | 55 | ||
| Vs max (mph) | <25 | ||
| Vd min (mph) | >46 | ||
| HGMA Certified | 5/24/96 | 2/6/96 | 4/12/95 |
| Original Retail Price | $4,395 | ||
See Airworthiness Certifications for complete HGMA and DHV records.
Features
Configuration
The Cross Country featured four internal ribs per side (outboard of the leading edge-crossbar junction) and three bottom surface battens (inboard of the junction) to precisely control the bottom surface airfoil profile.
Standard Features
- Seamless drawn 7075-T6 airframe tubing
- 7075 battens
- New crossbar hardware
- Short keel track for easy lay-flat assembly
- Regular one-piece speedbar
- Low drag, computer-optimized aerodynamic control bar tubing
- Control bar end fitting angled to align downtubes to the airflow
- 14:1 VG reduction for effortless in-flight adjustment
- Optional winglets for enhanced performance and stability
- Comprehensive owners manual and tuning guide
Options
- Quick setup folding speed bar
- Custom choice of sail colors
- Winglets
History
The Cross Country (XC) was Wills Wing's kingposted advanced performance glider of the mid-1990s through early 2000s. It shared hardware features and general planform with the Ultra Sport, but offered higher performance suited to advanced and competition-oriented pilots.
The XC's airframe and hardware innovations — including the internal rib system, VG technology, and crossbar hardware — influenced the design of subsequent Wills Wing gliders. The Ultra Sport was specifically designed as a more accessible alternative sharing many of the XC's features.
The XC 132 was notable as one of the few high-performance gliders designed specifically for smaller pilots (120–220 lb hook-in weight).
Reviews
Read the full reviews: XC 142/155 by Paul Voight and XC 132 by Aaron and Kerie Swepston
Originally published in Hang Gliding Magazine, April and August 1996.
"It really is a no-brainer to get this glider to climb like a shot." — Paul Voight
Paul Voight's review covered both the XC 155 and 142 in depth, noting the improved handling over the RamAir with equal or better performance. Aaron and Kerie Swepston reviewed the XC 132 from the perspective of smaller pilots who finally had a competitive glider designed for their weight range.