APCO Viva EN-A paraglider

Meet the Viva, a wing with a personality of its own. A solid, safe, confidence-inspiring wing which delivers the best of what this sport has to offer! Designed for training all the way up to cross-country flights, it is the best option to learn the basics and build skills under a canopy with the highest safety level possible. APCO describes it as a next-generation, totally new EN A design.

The addition of the APCO Mohawk allowed us to tune the wing to be even more agile and efficient in sharp maneuvers. The Mohawk serves as a rudder which improves both roll stability and safety in spirals with a faster, smoother autonomous exit.

Incorporated into the Viva are our Flow Aligned Ribs (FAR): morphing direction from center to tip, they align the ribs with the natural direction of the flow, increasing both performance and stability throughout the speed range. The canopy incorporates two functional 3D cuts for the best possible leading edge shape definition, and its sail tension has been optimized to be a homogeneous unit, solid and reassuring in flight.

The clean 3-leg riser (A / A1 / B / C) dramatically simplifies inflation for the beginner and makes Big Ears straightforward. Three individually designed sizes are optimized for best performance; FLEXON® battens, LDT, Butt Holes 2 and APCO's legendary double siliconized cloth on the top surface make the Viva light where it can be and durable where it counts.

Take-off: effortless and intuitive. The Mohawk-based platform combined with Viva's clean and simple 3-leg riser dramatically simplifies inflation for the beginner. Front launch or reverse is always easy with the APP profile (shark nose) – the wing rises slowly and controllably overhead, giving you time to glance up and take off safely. Nil wind forward launches have never been easier.

Landing: a breeze. The Viva is incredibly stall resistant and flaring will slow you down almost to a standstill – perfect for building confidence from day one.

Thermalling: the glider banks into a coordinated turn and pulls itself into the core almost automatically. APCO calls it “by far our best thermalling EN A wing ever” – behaviour that encourages students to attempt their first cross-country flights and progress to the next level.

Performance: glide at trim speed is among the best in class, but the real advantage is when applying the speed system. Through its entire acceleration range, the Viva efficiently cuts through the air with minimal sink rate – adding both performance and an additional layer of safety for EN A wings.

Pilot feedback: simple to understand. The Viva is both reassuring and precise. It is forgiving for beginners and, when directed correctly, responds immediately without hesitation – building trust and skill simultaneously.

Construction: light cloth is used intelligently on internal construction and the bottom surface, while the top surface retains APCO's legendary durable cloth – weight saving without sacrificing the lifespan of the glider. A specially developed APP type profile (Sharknose) is used throughout; it increases and retains internal pressure across the entire speed range, delivering a flight experience with zero deflations or momentary pressure drops inside the canopy – confidence-inspiring from the very first flight.

Supplied with a dedicated set of risers including trimmers, the Viva is also thoroughly tested with paramotor; for countries requiring EN A certification, it is an excellent choice as a beginner paramotor wing. The paramotor version is available as its own product “APCO Viva EN-A paramotor wing”.

The Viva is fun to fly and will mentor pilots long after they leave school. It is the best glider for instructors to teach on – and for pilots to grow with: a wing with enough personality to carry you from your first flights all the way to cross country adventures.

Who it is for: the Viva is an EN-A paraglider designed for beginner to intermediate pilots. APCO's wing suitability chart rates it fully for school and beginner use, with a share for intermediate and cross-country flying; it is not intended for competition or tandem. There is no specific minimum number of flying hours – the appropriate level of experience depends on the pilot, their training progress and the requirements of their instructor and local flying regulations.

Details: “Crown Stitch” reinforced stabiliser line attachment points, clutter-free risers in paraglider and paramotor versions, strong and durable line sewing, UV-resistant O-rings and stainless steel maillons. Cloth: tear-resistant ripstop nylon, PU coated to zero porosity and siliconized; lines of superaramid with a polyester sheath, the bottom section of the brake lines of polyester. Warranty: 3 years / 250 hours (APCO).

Colours: three standard colours – Winter #9, Zest #12 and Forest #18; custom colours and logos are available on request.