Wills Wing offered the Super Sport series of gliders designed for intermediate and advanced pilots. Derived from the technologically innovative HP AT series, the Super Sports featured the HP AT airfoil, HP AT airframe technology, and a similar planform.
The design focus of the Super Sport project was to combine a very high level of pure performance with the simplicity, light weight, and user-friendly handling and landing characteristics of the popular Wills Wing Spectrum. The result was a glider of extraordinarily accessible soaring and cross-country capabilities that was a joy to fly and own.
Performance and handling characteristics fit directly between those of the milder and more forgiving Spectrum and the World Record setting HP AT series. Pilots moving up from the Spectrum found increased thermal reach due to the extended speed range and higher L/D. Those moving up from the Sport found superior pitch and roll response, effortless roll-neutral thermal tracking, and a noticeable improvement in static balance and ease of landing.
Specifications
| Specification | 143 | 153 | 163 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area (ft²) | 143 | 153 | 163 |
| Span | 31' | 32' 8" | 34' 4" |
| Aspect Ratio | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 |
| Glider Weight (lbs) | 57 | 62 | 66 |
| Hook-In Weight (lbs) | 125-210 | 154-250 | 175-275 |
| Pilot Rating | USHPA Intermediate (III) | ||
| Vne (mph) | 50 | ||
| Va (mph) | 50 | ||
| Vs max (mph) | <25 | ||
| HGMA Certified | June 11, 1991 | ||
| DHV Certified | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Original Retail Price | $3,695 | ||
See Airworthiness Certifications for complete HGMA and DHV records.
Features
- HP AT airfoil and airframe technology
- Seamless drawn aircraft quality 7075 airframe
- 7075 battens
- Faired wingtips and nosecone
- Premium sailcloth options
- Pilot's choice of sail colors
- Streamlined or round control bar legs
- Straight, speedbar, or quick folding speedbar control bar basetube
- Comprehensive owner/service manual
- Superior quality glider protection system featuring 600 denier UV-resistant coverbag
History
The Super Sport was introduced around 1991 as a bridge between the entry-level Spectrum and the competition-level HP AT. By bringing HP AT airfoil and airframe technology to the intermediate market, it gave recreational pilots access to a significantly higher level of performance than had previously been available in an intermediate-rated glider.
The Super Sport was eventually replaced by the Ultra Sport around 1996–1997. While the Ultra Sport maintained the "Sport" name lineage, it was a completely new design incorporating the latest technology from the Cross Country and Fusion programs.
The Super Sport's legacy as the accessible performance glider continued through the Ultra Sport and eventually into the modern Sport 2 and Sport 3 lines.
Review
Read the full review: "Pilot Report: Wills Wing Super Sport" by Gil Dodgen
Originally published in Hang Gliding Magazine, July 1991. Includes a sidebar on the 143 by Linda Nelson.
"I feel that this glider is an excellent choice for the casual or serious recreational pilot, and perhaps even for those with more ambitious flying goals."
Gil Dodgen's review covered the Super Sport's flight characteristics, performance, handling and landing qualities, noting the significant improvements over the original Sport.