With RAST, the air equalization flows within the paraglider canopy can be regulated through defined openings. This applies both when filling (during take-off) and when emptying. In the case of pressure loss, e.g. caused by canopy collapse in turbulent air, the relative internal pressure of the CORE section increases, while the BUFFER section absorbs the introduced energy by deformation. Furthermore, RAST can be used as an additional support to the leading and trailing edge, which has a positive effect on flight comfort. As RAST connects the ribs over the entire profile height, the construction has a stiffening effect and reinforcements and/or stiffening elements can be saved or even completely replaced by this special construction method.

The idea for the Sphera RS came from the team around Maurizio Bottegal and Alessio Casolla’s intention to build a 2-liner with the “Ram Air Section Technology”.

They were convinced that especially a paraglider with only two line levels could benefit significantly from the separation into two pressure sections.

The Sphera RS, with its high aspect ratio gets significantly more stability with RAST, which results in a noticeably better glide in turbulent air. You will also feel less movement of the canopy while thermalling. This makes the Sphera RS very easy and precise to handle.

However, the most important advantage of RAST is revealed when getting a collapse, or in extreme flight behaviour. RAST prevents the canopy from deflating too quickly, even with large accelerated collapses. The tendency of getting a cravat is thus significantly reduced and you keep control with the brakes longer. This gives you the possibility to recover the glider more promptly and to reduce any loss of altitude.

Nitinol Wires – for maximum profile stability

Nitinol is a high-strength, temperature- and corrosion-resistant shape memory alloy. The name Nitinol is an acronym for Nickel Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory.This material is well-known in medical technology, and for a long time Swing has been using it as leading edge reinforcement in paraglider design, one of the first paraglider manufacturers to do so.