This glider is a delight in high flight, they will tell you. And wow, they are not wrong! The glider behaved impeccably. Just pure, easy fun!
Your First Flights, Made Easy
The Alpha is Wills Wing’s most approachable and confidence-building hang glider, purpose-built for first-time pilots, training environments, and relaxed recreational soaring.
Its ultra-low stall speed, rock-solid pitch stability, and gentle, predictable handling make it the best beginner hang glider in the Wills Wing lineup — ideal for learning the fundamentals(opens in a new tab) with ease.
The latest Alpha 235 replaces the long-standing Alpha 210 with meaningful improvements, including even lower stall speed for safer takeoffs and landings, greater control near stall to boost confidence during early training, and smoother, more predictable slow-flight behavior.
Light, remarkably easy to ground-handle, and stable across the entire slow-speed range, the Alpha has become a top choice hang glider for instructors worldwide.
The Alpha comes in two sizes to suit pilots of different weights and flying preferences:
- Alpha 180: A smaller wing designed for lighter pilots (54–91kg)
- Alpha 235: A larger wing built for mid-to-heavier pilots (68–127kg)
Below are the measurements for the Alpha. Click the tabs to toggle between Metric and US Customary Units. You can learn more about these measurements by clicking here to use our Specifications Key.
| Metric Units | US Customary | |
|---|---|---|
| Specification | Alpha 180 | Alpha 235 |
| Area | 16.7m² | 21.8m² |
| Span | 8.6m | 10m |
| Aspect Ratio | 4.4m | 4.6m |
| Glider Weight | 20.8kg | 23.6m |
| Hook-In Weight | 54-91kg | 68-127kg |
| Optimum Body Weight | 54-68kg | 68-100kg |
| USHPA Rating | 2 | 2 |
| Vne | 72kph | 72kph |
| Va | 63kph | 63kph |
| Vms | 27kph | 27kph |
| Vd | 55kph | 55kph |
| Length (in bag) | 5.46m | 5.79m |
| Break-down | 3.73m | 4.06m |
| HGMA Certified | August 24, 2015 | May 19, 2020 |
Why Choose the Alpha?
Click The Tabs For More
Glider Specifications
Price
USD $4,920
Models
- Alpha 180ft²: A smaller wing designed for lighter pilots (120–150 lbs)
- Alpha 235ft²: A larger wing built for mid-to-heavy pilots (150–220 lbs)
Operator Manual
Read the Alpha’s operator manual here.
Availability
Built to order; custom colors available.
Assembly Time
Approx. 10–15 minutes
Glider Weight
- Alpha 180 – 46 lbs
- Alpha 235 – 52lbs
Skill Rating
USHPA Rating 2* – beginner/intermediate.
*(Click here to find out more.)
Materials
- 7075-T6 aircraft-grade tubing
- 4 oz woven sailcloth
- Mylar leading edge
Included in Purchase
- Control bar bag
- Batten bag
- Velcro sail ties
- Owner’s manual
A Closer Look At The Alpha
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Beginner-Optimized Airframe
The Alpha’s structure is engineered for absolute predictability. Its 7075-T6 drawn seamless tubes are used for the keel, leading edges, and crossbar, and provide outstanding durability while keeping the glider’s total weight low. This combination makes the Alpha especially easy to ground-handle and confidence-boosting during takeoff and landing practice.
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Slow-Flight Stability
Where advanced wings prioritize speed and efficiency, the Alpha focuses on slow-speed safety, making it the perfect companion for training and new pilots. Its airfoil, sail tensioning, and batten configuration work together to deliver a stable, forgiving feel at lower airspeeds, ideal for learning pitch control, practicing flares, and navigating early solo flights.
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Refined Control Near Stall
The updated Alpha 235 introduces a noticeably lower stall speed and improved control authority near the stall break, giving new pilots clearer, more predictable feedback during low-speed flight. These refinements make early training maneuvers such as pitch control, approaches, and flare timing far more intuitive. By smoothing out the transition into and out of the stall, the Alpha 235 helps students and newcomers develop correct technique with reduced risk, supporting safer, more confident progression through their first solo flights.
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Durable, High-Quality Sailwork
The Alpha’s sail is constructed entirely from 4 oz woven sailcloth, chosen for its durability in high-use training environments where wings experience frequent use, setup, breakdown, and handling. A Mylar insert along the leading edge of the sail reinforces it from the inside, helping the wing hold its smooth, aerodynamic shape even after many hours of use. By preventing wrinkles and deformation that can develop over time, this insert preserves the Alpha’s stable, low-speed handling and ensures new pilots experience consistent, predictable control on every flight.
Learn More About The Alpha
The Alpha is purpose-built for beginner pilots and students, offering ultra-stable, predictable handling and an accessible flying experience ideal for first flights and early solo practice.
The Alpha comes in two sizes: 180 ft² for lighter pilots (120–150 lbs) and 235 ft² for mid-to-heavy pilots (150–220 lbs). Choose based on your weight and preferred handling characteristics.
The Alpha features a 7075-T6 aircraft-grade tubing frame, 4 oz woven sailcloth, and a Mylar leading edge insert for durability, stability, and low-speed predictability.
The glider assembles in approximately 10–15 minutes, is lightweight (46 lbs for the 180, 52 lbs for the 235), and comes with control bar and batten bags for convenient storage and transport.
Yes, all sail panels can be custom-ordered in color at no additional cost on non-inventory gliders, making it easy to personalize your Alpha.


