Do harness aerodynamics really matter? It’s a question that, historically, hasn’t been given much attention in paragliding. Until five years ago, seated harnesses were still far more popular than the sleeker, pod harnesses most common today.
Since 2005, Skywalk have conducted ongoing research with the car manufacturer Daimler, using their wind tunnel in Germany to help with their modelling and shaping. “It’s only possible because we’ve got a friend there!” says designer Manfred Kistler.
Manfred told us: “All the upright, seated harnesses just kill your glide. With your legs down you have a much bigger front surface and in addition a bad Cw value [drag coefficient]”
That much, we know. What’s really interesting though is Skywalk’s take on the importance of a rear fairing. A Paragliding World Cup pilot wouldn’t be seen dead…
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Cross Country (Digital) - 1 Issue, May 2016