Steve Pearson flying the Talon
The Talon was Wills Wing's second-generation topless (kingpostless) competition hang glider, building on the innovations introduced with the Fusion. Available in three sizes — 140, 150, and 160 — the Talon offered advanced performance in a topless configuration with refinements to handling, performance, and construction over its predecessor.
The first prototype of the small Talon (140) had its first flight on May 10, 2001, and the glider flew exceptionally well from the start. The 140 joined the already-released 150 and expanded the Talon line to cover a broader range of pilot weights.
Specifications
| Specification | 140 | 150 | 160 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area (ft²) | 140 | 150 | 160 |
| Pilot Rating | USHPA Advanced (IV) | ||
| Va (mph) | 46 | ||
| Vne (mph) | 53 | ||
| HGMA Certified | 11/24/02 | 11/24/02 | — |
| Original Retail Price | $5,875 (2005) | ||
See Airworthiness Certifications for complete HGMA and DHV records.
Features
- Composite carbon fiber crossbar
- Cam VG system for extended range, light activation, no anhedral change
- 7075-T6 drawn seamless keel tubing
- 7075-T6 drawn seamless leading edges
- 7075-T6 pre-formed battens
- Curved tip planform
- Internal four-sprog stability system
- Composite transverse battens
- Pocket for carbon leading edge insert
- Lever rear batten tips
- PX Laminate Mylar leading edge
- 205 MT Square trailing edge fabric
- Litestream Performance Control Bar
- Bottom surface battens and internal shear ribs control sail shape
- Elevated hang point
- Integral low-drag backup hang loop
- Keel kickstand
- Medium weight, XC-type glider bag, control bar bag, batten and tip bags, and Velcro sail ties
- Comprehensive owner/service manual and batten diagram
- Spare parts kit, team hat, and bumper sticker
Review
Read the full review: "Test Flying the Wills Wing Talon: On Becoming a Bird" by Dennis Pagen — including Steven Pearson's sidebar on the development of the Talon.
Originally published in Hang Gliding Magazine, January 2003.
Dennis Pagen launching the Talon at Wallaby Ranch.
"I believe Wills Wing has created the best all-around glider they have had since the HP AT. Once it gets into the hands of a greater number of pilots it's bound to show up in the winners circle."
— Dennis Pagen
Pilot Comments
"My Talon 160 is far and away the finest ship I've had the pleasure to pilot. In virtually the same number of flights I've had for the previous ten years (on average), I more than doubled my airtime last season. It's just that nice to fly. The ability to penetrate upwind and stay high has opened up so much more terrain. It's also about the easiest wing to land, in all kinds of conditions."
— Dan Gravage, Paradise Gliders, February 2003
"The Talon just cruised like it was on rails. I could totally relax. I remember actually thinking, 'Oh yeah, this is what flying is supposed to be like!' I pulled on VG and pulled in. I think I actually said 'Oh my God' out loud. I was doing 50 mph in no time, with very little bar pressure. And I was going OUT instead of DOWN."
— Greg Knepp, March 2002
"What a fabulous glider! I was really impressed — I didn't realise you could get such lovely handling with great performance. It looks fabulous too."
— Judy Leden, April 2003
"The new Talons are, by the way, among the best handling high performance gliders I have ever flown — and they really look the part with the attention to detail and immaculate finish. Most pilots who have flown it have either bought one or are working out how to sell their other toys to buy one."
— Chris Dawes, April 2003
"Unsurpassed sink rate — top of the stack including glass sailplanes. Enormous speed range. Launching and landing were as easy as any hang glider I've ever flown."
— Michael Webb, March 2003
Milestones
- May 2001 — First prototype Talon 140 flies; the glider flew exceptionally well from the start
- 2001 — Davis Straub reviews the Talon 150 for Hang Gliding Magazine (April 2001 issue)
- November 2002 — HGMA certification received for Talon 140 and 150
- 2002 — Nene Rotor places 2nd at Pre-Worlds in Brazil flying a Talon
- January 2003 — Dennis Pagen's full review published in Hang Gliding Magazine
- January 2006 — Johan Anderson flies a T2 to victory in South African Nationals — the Talon's successor continues the competition legacy
Photo Gallery
Service
The Talon is covered by several Technical Bulletins that also apply to other gliders of the same era, including:
- Cable Maintenance (TB 19940802) — universal cable inspection procedures
- Batten Tip Replacement (TB 20020601) — spring tip battens
- Lever Type Batten Tip Procedures (TB 20030922)
- Rear Leading Edge Replacement (TB 20030101)
- Tip Wands — Proper Installation and Warranty Replacement (TB 20040424)
- Streamlined Wheels Installation (TB 20030301)
Spare parts for the Talon are no longer available from Wills Wing. For parts, check with Lookout Mountain Flight Park or the used glider market.
History
The Talon represented the evolution of Wills Wing's topless glider technology that began with the Fusion in 1997. Building on the competitive success of the Fusion — including Chris Arai's U.S. National Championship victory — the Talon incorporated lessons learned and advances in materials and design.
Designer Steven Pearson chose to begin the Talon as a clean-sheet design rather than upgrading the Fusion, believing that only a fresh start could achieve the world-class competition performance he envisioned. The result was a total of 42 incremental design improvements over the three sizes in the first 18 months of development alone.
The Talon was part of a period of rapid development in topless hang glider design across the industry. It was eventually succeeded by the T2/T2C, which became Wills Wing's definitive competition platform and the glider on which Dustin Martin set the 475-mile World Open Distance Record in 2012.
Related Articles
- Test Flying the Wills Wing Talon by Dennis Pagen (with development sidebar by Steven Pearson)
- The Talon is Here: Volume 131
- 140 Talon Released, Paraglider Specials: Volume 132