La Mouette Topless

Design and development

The Topless was introduced in 1995 and was the first commercially produced modern hang glider without a kingpost and upper flying wires. Intended as a competition glider, it was based on the development work of Christof Krazner.

The aircraft is made from aluminum tubing, with the wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. It was built in three different sizes, designated by their metric wing areas and all with a nose angle of 132°.

Variants

Topless 11

Small-size model for lighter pilots. Its 9.84 m (32.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 11 m² (120 sq ft) and an aspect ratio of 8.8:1. Pilot hook-in weight range is 40 to 60 kg (88 to 132 lb).

Topless 12.8

Medium-size model for mid-weight pilots. Its 10.12 m (33.2 ft) span wing has a wing area of 12.8 m² (138 sq ft) and an aspect ratio of 8.0:1. Pilot hook-in weight range is 50 to 75 kg (110 to 165 lb).

Topless 13.5

Large-size model for heavier pilots. Its 10.12 m (33.2 ft) span wing has a wing area of 13.5 m² (145 sq ft) and an aspect ratio of 7.5:1. Pilot hook-in weight range is 60 to 92 kg (132 to 203 lb).

Specifications (Topless 12.8)

Data from Bertrand

General characteristics

Crew: one

Wingspan: 10.12 m (33 ft 2 in)

Wing area: 12.8 m² (138 sq ft)

Aspect ratio: 8:1