The Ultra Sport was the high performance glider for intermediate and advanced recreational pilots, offering the most accessible true high performance available on the market. Wills Wing designed the Ultra Sport as a move-up glider from the Super Sport series, with easy handling qualities suitable for pilots graduating from the Falcon, Spectrum, Super Sport or similar models.
The Ultra Sport shared hardware features and general planform with the Cross Country, and yet was in some ways easier to fly than a Spectrum. The combination of its low stall speed and easy handling qualities yielded exceptional climb performance, while the highly effective VG system provided the increased L/D and penetration required for true high performance flying.
Specifications
| Specification | 135 | 147 | 166 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area (ft²) | 135 | 147 | 166 |
| Span | 30' 6" | 32' 8" | 34' 2" |
| Aspect Ratio | 6.9 | 7.25 | 7.0 |
| Glider Weight (lbs) | 60 | 65 | 70 |
| Hook-In Weight (lbs) | 125-210 | 150-250 | 175-285 |
| Pilot Rating | USHPA Intermediate (III) | ||
| Va (mph) | 46 | ||
| Vne (mph) | 53 | ||
| Vs max (mph) | <25 | ||
| Vd min (mph) | >40 | ||
| HGMA Certified | 7/15/98 | 12/4/96 | 11/11/97 |
| DHV Certification | Level 2 | Level 2 | Level 2 |
| Original Retail Price | $3,975 | ||
See Airworthiness Certifications for complete HGMA and DHV records.
Features
- 7075-T6 drawn seamless leading edges
- 7075-T6 pre-formed battens
- Ball-type crossbar center
- Full leading edge Mylar pocket and Mylar insert
- PX Laminate Mylar leading edge
- AT streamlined downtubes
- Streamlined kingpost
- Standard speedbar basetube
- Kingpost hang pilot suspension
- Cam VG system for extended range, light activation, no anhedral change (135 and 166 sizes)
- 14:1 VG system
- Bottom surface battens and internal shear ribs control sail shape
- Rear crossbar haulback system
- Lay-flat and flat setup hardware
- Airfoil shared with the Fusion competition glider
- Deluxe glider bag, control bar bag, batten bag, and Velcro sail ties
- Comprehensive owner/service manual and batten diagram
The Wills Wing Ultra Sport. Photo by Paul Voight.
Available Options (at time of production)
- Winglets ($310)
- Vertical stabilizer ($53)
- Folding speedbar upgrade ($85)
- Custom choice of colors ($300)
Review
Read the full review: "Pilot Report: Wills Wing Ultra Sport 147" by Paul Voight
Originally published in Hang Gliding Magazine, April 1997.
"The one exceptional performance feature of the Ultra Sport seems to be its sink rate. Every time I've flown this glider it has wandered to the top of the stack. Every other pilot I have watched fly the glider has had the same experience."
— Paul Voight
Pilot Comments
"I tried to grab an Ultra Sport 135, which sounded like a hot-sized intermediate wing for me. That glider was so easy to pick up, set up, launch, fly, land and break down... It was an absolute joy to fly at scratching speeds, and frankly, if more people flew these things, more people would fly, period."
— Glenn Norman, October 2002
Service
The Ultra Sport 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)
- Retrofit Stabilizer Kit (TB 20031021)
Spare parts for the Ultra Sport are no longer available from Wills Wing. For parts, check with Lookout Mountain Flight Park or the used glider market.
History
The Ultra Sport was released in 1996 with the 147 size, followed by the 166 in 1997 and the 135 in 1998. It was designed as the successor to the Super Sport series, incorporating the latest Wills Wing technology including the Cross Country hardware and the Fusion airfoil.
Though it maintained the "Sport" name, the Ultra Sport was a completely new design bearing very little resemblance to its predecessor. The sail cut resembled a larger XC 142, and the airframe shared the XC series' hardware innovations including internal fabric ribs and VG technology.
The Ultra Sport occupied the intermediate-advanced segment for over a decade before being succeeded by the T2 line and the Sport 2 series.