Our R&D team provided Jiri Rieger, a professional tandem pilot from Czechia, with one of the first K2 5 tandems. His conclusion from the test flights confirms what we wanted to achieve.
His feedback: "On Schwarzberg in Riesengebirge, we usually offer our guests half-hour flights. But sometimes, when thermals are weak and the weather less than ideal, staying aloft for the full duration can be a challenge. At the end of summer 2025, I had the exciting opportunity to put the prototype UP K2 5 tandem glider (size 41) to the test on one of those very days. The skies were still veiled in clouds from the previous day’s rain, and only a gentle headwind was present at take-off. Yet the glider rose swiftly above our heads during the reverse launch, and within just a few steps we were airborn safely with a passenger of about sixty-five kilograms. From the very first moments, I was struck by how much the control felt like a solo wing. Precise, responsive to every input, and with a clear increase in speed when releasing the trims, or a slowdown when pulling them in, just as you need in weak climbs. Several other tandem pilots launched at about the same time, yet we were the only ones who managed to stay aloft for the full half hour, despite the weak thermals and shaded terrain. Toward the end of the flight, I tried a few wingovers and even a spiral, and once again I was surprised at how closely the handling resembled that of a solo wing. Later that day, I repeated the flight a couple more times with similar results. While other tandems were low and then landing early, we stayed confidently in the air every time — and the smile of my passenger said it all."
We have summarized more about the K2 5 and its practical features here. Pre-orders are already possible, with planned delivery in spring 2026.