Is there a market for the UltraVision glider?

Abstract

The UltraVision glider represents a change of paradigm in glider design from maximising the gliding performance to maximising the flying experience. It prioritizes an unobstructed cockpit view over traditional performance-focused considerations. Historically, gliders have been meticulously designed to maximize performance within specified limitations such as material selection, dimensions, weight, manufacturing processes, and cost per unit. The UltraVision challenges this norm by intentionally sacrificing certain performance aspects to elevate the overall flying experience, recognizing that exceptional sightlines are a key driver for attracting pilots to the sport. However, as far as the author knows, this approach has never been followed, raising the question of whether there is a market for a glider that sacrifices performance. To address this question, a series of high-quality renders were created and made viral within the gliding community, generating many reactions. Here, we will systematically analyze these reactions and address the objections to try to answer the question: Is there a market for the UltraVision glider?