Hang-gliding > The Rogallo Wing

Francis Rogallo invented the Rogallo Wing and NASA considered using it an alternative to parachutes used in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo capsules re-entry. Today, the Rogallo Wing is used in hang gliding and ultra-light aircraft. It has come a long way. Hang gliders are now used for fun!

To launch the hang glider, the pilot must run down a slope or jump off a ledge. This gets air moving across the wing. This creates lift, the force that goes against gravity and keeps the glider up. Once it's flying, the hang glider and pilot's weight pulls the glider back toward Earth. It moves the glider forward, causing air to flow over the wing. The hang glider and pilot move through the air. They bump into air molecules. This is called drag. It slows the glider down. The faster the glider moves, the more drag it creates. The pilot hangs in a harness. He moves the hang glider by moving the way he wants to turn. If the pilot pulls back on the glider, the glider speeds up. If the pilot pushes forward on the glider, the glider slows down.

Rogallo probably didn't know his invention would be such a popular way to have fun. One of the best places in America for hang gliding is at Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head, North Carolina. This is near where the Wright Brothers' famous flight took place.

Courtesy of NASA