AirDesign Ride 4

For 20 years, every new tandem promised the same trio: lighter brake pressure, easier launches, better flare. We had the same goals. The difference is how we achieved them.

This project took 2 years and around 20 prototypes. From day one, the target was crystal clear: a true professional tool with AirDesign DNA — a wing you trust from the first inflation to the final flare.

More than once we thought we were done. Each time we went back to the spec list to nail the details that matter in real life for pilot and passenger. Tiny tweaks that looked minor at first often took two or three more months to achieve the goal.

The Ride 4 was developed where tandem is a full-on tourist machine, in demanding conditions: snowy winter launches with tailwind, strong spring thermals, windy take-offs, no-wind landings in tight small places, wide variations in wing loading, and multiple landing techniques.

This new generation comes in two sizes: 40 m² (110–220 kg) and 43 m² (120–235 kg). They will cover all your tandem needs, while keeping the same one-pull inflation, precise handling, and a floaty controlled flare across the range.

The main concepts behind the Ride 4

• Shorter total line length (pilot to canopy):
One-step inflation, easier take-off: the wing comes overhead quicker with less pitch at the end of the rise

• More agile and precise handling in flight

• Better flare at landing – easier timing and more effective energy restitution

• More pronounced arc improves turn initiation and increases structural cohesion in strong conditions

• Combined with the SLC, this gives the Ride 4 impressive agility

• Allows the new, more stable profile to accelerate more effectively

• Reduces brake pressure in combination with the new profile

• The 40 m² and 43 m² sizes have been tested across their full certified ranges, both are truly usable for professional work, from a child in the morning to a rugby player in the afternoon.

40 m²: Take Off Weight (TOW) 110-220 kg
43 m²: TOW 120-235 kg

In combination with the SLC, our winglets offer:
• Roll stabilization
• Easier spiral exits
• Reduced G-force in spiral

All while preserving the wing’s dynamic feel (crisp turns, easy, controlled wingovers).

• The new profile prioritizes early lift at take-off and energy for the flare, delivering short launches and soft landing

• We tested multiple profile and intake variants until we met our specs for early lift and flare authority in high-volume professional use

• Double-sided coated cloth (Dominico) for maximum lifespan

• Nose guard patches to protect the leading edge

• Nitinol rods: unbreakable, unbendable, shape-keeping

• Fully sheathed lines: enhanced longevity and easier untangling between flights

• Optimized internal structure: resists deformation and preserves performance over time.

• Ears kit – two options:
New cam-cleat lock on the risers
Our SKS (Spreaderbar Keeper System) on the spreader bars

• Brake handles: standard press-stud fixation

What you feel when flying the Ride 4

Surprisingly easy. The rise is continuous and even; on the risers it almost feels like a lightweight tandem. At the end of the rise, the wing settles cleanly overhead and stays centered. We spent a lot of time optimizing this in winter conditions (snow + light tailwind); back in “normal” conditions, it inflates cleanly in a single pull.

With the new profile and structure, the Ride 4 lifts off in just a few steps, even in no wind: a real advantage for short take-offs or less dynamic passengers.

Ride 4 delivers precise, confidence-building handling. Most turns happen within the first 20 cm of brake travel, with comfortable, moderate pressure even at the top of the Take-Off Weight range

When you want more energy for wingovers or tight turns near terrain—pull deeper: authority increases while the brake force stays linear

Throughout development, our priority was a smooth, progressive brake curve across the entire travel.

On a tandem, brake pressure is a matter of balance. Throughout development, we realised that the best landing performance came from a tuning that combined light pressure with a clear progression across the entire travel

Designed as a professional tool, the Ride 4 prioritizes safety and smooth handling at both take-off and landing

The controls deliver reduced pressure and, above all, a linear force build from start to finish. The result: total control and full usability across the whole range, more precise handling, and a final push-through that preserves energy for a clean, lifting flare.

Landing the Ride 4 is on a different level. We know every pro has a personal landing style, so the wing is forgiving and adaptable.
Our recommendation: open trims ~2 cm, build a touch of speed, then do a real pull-through. You’ll feel a satisfying “pop” of lift and a short float before touching down, like stepping off a small stair. And if you do it a bit differently, the wing still converts energy cleanly to a full stop. (Yes, that’s the “Where is my passenger?” moment.)

Beyond certification points, joy matters – even and especially at work. Thanks to the new arc and compact feel, the Ride 4 has serious dynamic headroom. If you want to throw it high and play with energy, this tandem will follow your lead.

In flight, the Ride 4 feels compact and solid above your head. The more progressive arc, refined ballooning, and SLC balance internal tensions so the wing flies as one piece. Even in active or bumpy conditions.

Speed is one of the Ride 4’s main strengths. Open the trims and you gain about +9–10 km/h, with a broad, usable top-end.

The internal structure is optimized with reinforcement only where needed, preserving structural integrity after hundreds of flights. Certain zones are intentionally flexible to reduce brake effort and allow smooth deformation during the flare—for better energy conversion

All lines are fully sheathed, for quick, easy untangling and durability that meets the demands of daily professional use.

The Ride 4 has 4 lines instead of 3. It offers a broader usable speed reserve, more progressive brake feel, and a larger safety margin (calmer with trims open). Purpose-built for professional flying. What about the extra drag from 4 lines? It’s there, but what you gain matters more: a real usable speed reserve and a tangible safety buffer: exactly what pros want.

We genuinely believe this wing will satisfy a wide range of pilots, from professionals to leisure flyers. For us, it brings together the essentials of a great tandem tool: enjoyable handling, smoother brake pressure, a huge speed range, and flawless behavior during take-off and landing. It’s the kind of tool we wish we’d had when learning tandem… and the kind you’ll be happy to fly eight times a day. Built to last. Built to work. Last but not least, built to make you smile.

Ride 4 tandem glider by AirDesign: one-pull inflation, short take-offs, precise handling & smooth flare. Pro tool built for safety, fun & durability.

Take Off Weight is considered as the flight-mass (including Pilot, Glider, Passenger, Harness, Reserve, Gear…)

Sail
· Top Sail: Dominico Dokdo-30 DMF 43 g/m²
· Bottom Sail: Dominico N20 DMF / 2044 32 PS 32g/m²
· Ribs, V-ribs, Straps: Dominico 30 DFM / 2044 32 FM 32g/m²

Lines
· Top lines:  Liros DSL / Liros PPSL
· Middle lines: Liros PPSL
· Main lines: Edelrid 2 7343

Riser
• 19mm / 12mm Cousin trestec Aramid PES