U-Turn Infinity

The U-Turn Infinity is a German single-place paraglider, designed and produced by U-Turn GmbH of Villingen-Schwenningen. It was the first glider introduced by the company in 2003 and remained in production in 2016 as the Infinity 4.[1]

Infinity
Role Paraglider
National origin Germany
Manufacturer U-Turn GmbH
Introduction 2003
Status In production (Infinity 4, 2016)
Produced 2003-present

Design and development

The Infinity was designed as an intermediate glider.[1]

The design has progressed through four generations of models, the Infinity, Infinity 2, 3 and 4, each improving on the last. The Infinity 4 was a complete redesign and not just an evolution of previous versions. The models are each named for their relative size.[1][2]

Operational history

Reviewer Noel Bertrand noted the Infinity's distinctive wing graphics in a 2003 review as "easily recognizable" and noted that the design is "quick and full of promise".[1]

Variants

Infinity
Infinity S
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.76 m (38.6 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.5 m2 (285 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The pilot weight range is 55 to 90 kg (121 to 198 lb). The glider model is Deutscher Hängegleiterverband e.V. (DHV) 1-2 certified.[1]
Infinity M
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.30 m (40.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29 m2 (310 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 115 kg (176 to 254 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]
Infinity L
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.82 m (42.1 ft) span wing has a wing area of 31.5 m2 (339 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 130 kg (209 to 287 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.[1]

Infinity 4
Infinity 4 XS
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 10.817 m (35.5 ft) span wing has a wing area of 22.457 m2 (241.73 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The take-off weight range is 50 to 75 kg (110 to 165 lb). The glider model is not certified.[2]
Infinity 4 S
Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.287 m (37.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 24.454 m2 (263.22 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The take-off weight range is 55 to 80 kg (121 to 176 lb). The glider model is DHV LTF/EN-B certified.[2]
Infinity 4 SM
Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 11.739 m (38.5 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.45 m2 (284.7 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The take-off weight range is 60 to 90 kg (132 to 198 lb). The glider model is DHV LTF/EN-B certified.[2]
Infinity 4 M
Medium-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.174 m (39.9 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28.446 m2 (306.19 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The take-off weight range is 75 to 105 kg (165 to 231 lb). The glider model is DHV LTF/EN-B certified.[2]
Infinity 4 L
Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.696 m (41.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.941 m2 (333.05 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.21:1. The take-off weight range is 95 to 125 kg (209 to 276 lb). The glider model is DHV LTF/EN-B certified.[2]

Specifications (Infinity M)

Data from Bertrand[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 12.30 m (40 ft 4 in)
  • Wing area: 29 m2 (310 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 5.21:1

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 53 km/h (33 mph, 29 kn)

References
  1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 34. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. U-Turn GmbH (2015). "Infinity 4". Retrieved 21 November 2016.
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