Fusion — Solar energy — the source of wind, thermals, and soaring flight.
Fusion — The combining of basic elements to form something greater, e.g. solar-cured graphite composite spars.
Fusion — The exciting new glider from Wills Wing.
Carbon fiber composite spar technology, three-dimensional computer assisted design, computer optimized aerodynamics and twenty-three years of hang glider design and manufacturing experience combined to create the latest competition class design from Wills Wing — The Fusion.
Cantilevered for negative loads and featuring fully enclosed stability systems, the Fusion offered a perfectly clean aerodynamic top surface — no kingpost, upper rigging, bridles or sail openings to disrupt the critical upper surface air flow. The result was a significant increase in performance across the speed range: reduced stall speed, improved climb rate, and better L/D at every speed.
Specifications
| Specification | 141 | 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Area (ft²) | 141 | 150 |
| Span (ft) | 33 | 34.1 |
| Aspect Ratio | 7.7 | 7.7 |
| Double Surface | 88% | |
| Nose Angle | 128–132° | |
| Glider Weight (lbs) | 74 | 76 |
| Hook-In Weight (lbs) | 145-220 | 150-270 |
| Optimum Body Weight (lbs) | 145-200 | 180-225 |
| Pilot Rating | USHPA Advanced (IV) | |
| Va (mph) | 46 | |
| Vne (mph) | 53 | |
| Vs max (mph) | <25 | |
| Vd min (mph) | >45 | |
| HGMA Certified | 10/20/98 | 4/16/97 |
| Fusion 150 R | — | 11/11/97 |
| Fusion SP | 11/06/00 | 4/17/00 |
| Original Retail Price | $5,175 | |
See Airworthiness Certifications for complete HGMA and DHV records.
Features
- Composite carbon fiber crossbar
- 7075 drawn seamless leading edge and keel tubing
- 7075 battens
- Fully internal composite stability systems (no kingpost)
- Cantilevered for negative loads
- Proprietary computer-optimized airfoil downtubes
- Speedbar with lay-flat and flat setup hardware
- Cam VG system for extended range, light activation, no anhedral change
- Internal fabric ribs and bottom surface battens to control sail shape
- Comprehensive owner/service manual and tuning guide
Available Options (at time of production)
- Custom colors ($300)
- Hydranet trailing edge or leading edge ($50)
- Aramid leading edge ($30)
- Folding speedbar ($85)
- Winglets ($310)
- Mylar top surface sail ($200)
Reviews
Read the full review: "Approaching Perfection" by Dennis Pagen
Originally published in Hang Gliding Magazine, September 1997.
"I believe Wills Wing has made the perfect glider. Wills Wing has fused all the good ideas from their previous gliders with a few new items to achieve a design that approaches perfection."
— Dennis Pagen
Read the Fusion SP review by Dennis Pagen
Originally published in Hang Gliding Magazine, January 2000.
"Not only have they improved performance on all counts, but they have also maintained the cruiser-friendly nature of the design."
— Dennis Pagen, on the Fusion SP
Pilot Comments
"I am an aging glider pilot that thought perhaps I had experienced all there was to the sport when I got a chance to purchase a Fusion SP. I was a little intimidated by the unusual look of a topless, but soon found out that the Fusion is about the sweetest handling glider I've flown. The performance has also opened up a whole new outlook on my flying potential."
— Lyman Hart, November 2001
"I took a demo flight on a Fusion 150 and I was really surprised at how easy the handling was. This thing sure can work the light stuff. You can slow WAY down and it STILL responds quickly and easily. And it DOES go fast with a great glide. I couldn't see the speed on my Ball, but I could see the disk in the little Hall ASI move above the red mark making it about 60. The Fusion brings a tear to my eye."
— Stan Koszelak, August 1999
"Using a Fusion 150 and an Xtralite, I can soar our local sites in all conditions from light to strong. Both are great, but the Fusion lets me fly in conditions that ground the XL."
— Pete Lehmann, May 1999
Service
The Fusion is covered by several Technical Bulletins, including:
- Cable Maintenance (TB 19940802) — universal cable inspection procedures
- Spring to Lever Batten Tip Conversion (TB 20030909)
- Retrofit Stabilizer Kit (TB 20031021)
- Platform Towing Advisory (TB 20000719)
Spare parts for the Fusion are no longer available from Wills Wing. For parts, check with Lookout Mountain Flight Park or the used glider market.
Competition Results
The Fusion quickly proved itself in competition upon its release:
- Chris Arai won the U.S. National Championships flying a Fusion 150
- At the season-opening Bassano competition in Italy, Chris Arai placed second and two of three Fusions finished in the top ten in a field of over 170 pilots
- At the East Coast Challenge, two of three Fusions finished in the top three places — Jim Lee and Pete Lehmann took 2nd and 3rd
- Pete Lehmann flew his Fusion 182 miles from Templeton, Pennsylvania to Bel Air, Maryland, setting a new East Coast Distance Record
- Wills Wing President Rob Kells won the Morningside Glide Angle Contest on a Fusion 150
2000 Season Highlights
- 1st — 2000 U.S. National Championships
- 1st — 2000 Women's World Championships
- 2nd — 2000 Women's World Championships
- 1st — 2000 French National Championships
- 1st — 2000 French Women's National Championships
- 1st — 2000 Canadian National Championships
- 1st & 3rd — 2000 Lone Star Championships
- 3rd — 2000 Pre-Worlds
- 1st — 2000 Valida International De Vol Vibre, Venezuela