The Malibu was designed as a beginner and intermediate hang glider, but is often used as a dune soaring machine, due to its low
stall speed and maneuverability. It is made from
aluminum tubing, with its single-surface wing covered in
Dacron sailcloth.[1][2]
The Malibu2 version replaced the original Malibu in production. It incorporates many improvements to the original design, including a reinforced
trailing edge, an improved sail cut to improve stall, roll, pitch, long with its performance characteristics and a
ball bearing-mounted
wing tip to enhance the flexing of the tip.[2]
Variants
Malibu 190
Original model built in the mid-2000s. Its 10.1 m (33.1 ft) span wing is
cable braced from a single
kingpost. The nose angle is 118°, wing area is 17.7 m2 (191 sq ft) and the
aspect ratio is 5.7:1. Pilot hook-in weight range is 68 to 110 kg (150 to 243 lb).[1]
Malibu2 166
Improved model in production in 2016. Its 9.2 m (30.2 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost. The nose angle is 120.5°, wing area is 15.4 m2 (166 sq ft) and the aspect ratio is 5.5:1. Empty weight is 23 kg (51 lb). Pilot hook-in weight range is 60 to 110 kg (132 to 243 lb).[3]
Malibu2 188
Improved model in production in 2016. Its 10.1 m (33.1 ft) span wing is cable braced from a single kingpost. The nose angle is 120.5°, wing area is 17.5 m2 (188 sq ft) and the aspect ratio is 5.8:1. Empty weight is 26 kg (57 lb). Pilot hook-in weight range is 80 to 126 kg (176 to 278 lb).[3]