Wills Wing developed the Eagle in response to pilot feedback that the jump from the Falcon to the Ultra Sport was too demanding for many pilots. The Eagle was a medium performance, double-surface glider that was exceptionally easy to fly, designed to serve as:
- The perfect move-up glider for the pilot ready to graduate from the Falcon
- An ideal glider for the casual intermediate to advanced recreational pilot interested in low-key local soaring with maximum convenience, easy flight characteristics, soaring performance and fun
- A great second glider for the serious advanced pilot who wants a more convenient alternative when flying just for fun
The Eagle had remarkable sink rate and climb performance, slowed down exceptionally well, carried a broad range of pilot weights with excellent efficiency, and was very comfortable and confidence-inspiring in turbulent air.
Specifications
The Eagle 164 was the first size released, with larger and smaller sizes following. Specifications shown are for the Eagle 164, the primary production size with the most complete data available.
| Specification | 164 |
|---|---|
| Area (ft²) | 164 |
| Span (ft) | 32 |
| Aspect Ratio | 6.2 |
| Glider Weight (lbs) | 58.5 |
| Hook-In Weight (lbs) | 150-250 |
| Optimum Hook-In Weight (lbs) | 175-225 |
| Pilot Rating | USHPA Novice (II)* |
| Va (mph) | 46 |
| Vne (mph) | 53 |
| HGMA Certified | 11/06/00 |
| Base Retail Price | $3,475 |
* With instructor recommendation
Additional sizes: Eagle 145 (HGMA certified 3/12/02), Eagle 180 (3/12/02).
See Airworthiness Certifications for complete HGMA and DHV records.
Features
Standard Features
- Quick-mount vertical stabilizer (can be flown with or without)
- 7075-T6 leading edges and keel
- Double surface sail with enclosed crossbar
- Full leading edge Mylar pocket and Mylar insert
- Nosecone
- Pre-formed 7075-T6 battens
- Speedbar basetube
- Streamlined kingpost
- Kingpost hang system
- Rapid setup
- Deluxe glider bag, control bar bag, and batten bag
- Velcro sail ties
- Delivery kit with owner's manual, batten diagram, hat, bumper sticker, and spare parts kit
Available Options (at time of production)
- Streamline downtubes upgrade ($35)
- Folding speedbar upgrade ($85)
- Hall wheel kit ($89.50)
- Finster wheel kit ($129.50)
- Custom choice of colors ($300)
- Custom sail patterns (quoted on request)
Review
Read the full review: "Pilot Report: Wills Wing Eagle 145" by Ursula Edwards-Howells
Originally published in Hang Gliding Magazine, October 2001.
The Wills Wing Eagle 145, planform view. Photo by Ken Howells.
"The sink rate was phenomenal, and I found myself climbing out above everybody with an ease that put a goofy grin on my face for the entire flight and for hours afterwards."
— Ursula Edwards-Howells
Pilot Comments
"I have owned a SuperSport, HPAT, XC (my current glider), and now an Eagle. Flew the Eagle for the first time yesterday and am hooked. WW is a class company."
— Tim Felder, October 2000
"After not flying for 15 years I am amazed how easy this glider has made it for me. The season is starting here and last weekend I had my first mini cross country flight. Gained 3,600 feet and flew about 10 miles over the back."
— Douglas Henderson, April 2001
"I bought an Eagle 164 and had my first real soaring flight with it on Saturday... 55 minutes and 4,200' AGL. It's a great glider and I loved every minute!"
— Mike Bourget, May 2003
"I've owned an Airwave Magic, a WW HP-AT, and a WW Supersport, but the Eagle is the best glider I've ever had. It is the right choice for someone who likes flying like an 'Eagle'. Thermalling is very easy and although there were strong conditions I felt very safe."
— Hubert Zwick, June 2005
"I just started hang gliding about 4½ months ago. I purchased a new Eagle 164. The transition from the Falcon to the Eagle was very easy. It flies and lands easier than I thought it would."
— Larry Howe, September 2005
Photo Gallery
Service
The Eagle is covered by several Technical Bulletins, including:
- Cable Maintenance (TB 19940802) — universal cable inspection procedures
- AT Control Bar Elbow Design Changes (TB 20020602)
- Ground/Keyhole Bolts (TB 20020701)
- Converting AT Round/Streamlined Legs (TB 20020703)
- Platform Towing Advisory (TB 20000719)
Spare parts for the Eagle are no longer available from Wills Wing. For parts, check with Lookout Mountain Flight Park or the used glider market.
History
The Eagle was released in 2000 with the 164 size, designed to fill the gap between the Falcon and the Ultra Sport. It was one of the first Wills Wing gliders specifically designed with an included vertical stabilizer that could be mounted or removed, giving pilots the flexibility to configure the glider's handling characteristics.
Without the stabilizer, the Eagle was on average midway between a Falcon and an Ultra Sport in terms of pilot skill required. With the stabilizer mounted, the Eagle became remarkably docile and easy to fly — every bit as resistant to roll/yaw oscillations as the Falcon, with inherent turn coordination and ease of thermalling as good as a Falcon.
Because it had a flatter polar curve than the Falcon, the Eagle retained more energy when flown fast, requiring more skill in setting up an accurate landing approach. It also required a more accurately timed landing flare than a Falcon, though compared to even an Ultra Sport it was a very easy and forgiving glider to land.
The Eagle 164 received HGMA certification in November 2000.