Good things take time…
Long story short: Forget everything you know about the RIDE 3. The only things in common are the name “RIDE” and the Kombi Van in the logo 😉 For over 20 years, every new tandem arriving to market has promised the same trio: lighter brake pressure, easier launches, better flare authority. 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: deliver a true professional tool with AirDesign DNA — a wing you trust from the first inflation to 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 both pilot and passenger. Tiny tweaks that looked minor at first often took two or three more months to achieve the desired goal. The RIDE 4 was developed in the Zillertal Valley, where tandems are a full-on tourist machine, in demanding conditions: snowy winter launches with tailwind, strong spring thermals, windy take-offs, nil-wind landings in tight small places, wide variations in wing loading, and multiple landing techniques.
RIDE 4 – A time for change
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 right across the sizing range.


















Main Design Concepts – RIDE 4
| Short Line Concept (SLC) | • 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 |
| New Arc | • More pronounced arc improves turn initiation and increases structural cohesion in strong conditions
• Combined with the SLC, this gives the Ride 4 impressive agility |
| 4-Liner Concept | • Allows the new, more stable profile to accelerate more effectively
• Reduces brake pressure in combination with the new profile |
| Sizing | • 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 |
| Inboard Winglets | In combination with the SLC, our inboard winglet technology offers: • Roll stabilization • Easier spiral exits • Reduced G-force in spiralAll while preserving the wing’s dynamic feel (crisp turns, easy, controlled wingovers) |
| New Profile | • 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 • Increased stability margin |
| Durability | • 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 |
| Riser Technology | 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• Trims: Magnetic Keepers |
Performance Characteristics
Inflation
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.
Take-off Lift
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.
Handling & Turning
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 rangeWhen you want more energy for wingovers or tight turns near terrain—pull deeper: authority increases while the brake force stays linearThroughout development, our priority was a smooth, progressive brake curve across the entire travel.
Brake Pressure
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 travelDesigned as a professional tool, the RIDE 4 prioritizes safety and smooth handling at both take-off and landingThe 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.
Flare Performance
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.)
Wing-over Performance
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 send it high and play with energy, this tandem will follow your lead.
Compactness & Stability
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.
Wind in your hair?
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.
Durability & Internal Structure
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.









Colours and Technical Data
| Size | Medium / 40 | Large / 43 |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Flat (m²) | 39,98 | 42,55 |
| Area | Projected (m²) | 33,18 | 35,12 |
| Span | Flat (m) | 14,63 | 15,05 |
| Span | Projected (m) | 11,19 | 11,515 |
| Aspect ratio | Flat | 5,35 | 5,35 |
| Aspect ratio | Projected | 3,77 | 3,77 |
| Cells | 48 | 48 |
| Chord-length (m) | 3,42 | 3,52 |
| Weight (kg) | 7,62 | 7,92 |
| Take-off weight (kg)* | 110-220 | 120-235 |
| EN category | B | B |
*Take-off weight refers to the flight mass which includes weights of the pilot, passenger, glider, harnesses, reserve, and any respective additional equipment.
Technical Features
Vortex Holes
S-Nose
Joncs Nitinol
3D-Cut
Razor Edge Trailing Edge
Inboard Winglet Technology
SLC
More on AD Glider Tech
Materials
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
What comes in the box?
- Glider + the option of Hard or Soft Spreaders
- AirPack L Concertina Bag
- 2 pcs. spare line AR3 (big ear line)
- Replacement trimmers
- Repair materials, & AirDesign stickers
- Goodies from your friends at AirDesign
- Rucksack is not included in your pack. Please let us know when placing your order if you wish to have your glider delivered with a suitable AD Rucksack or Fastpack!














