US Air National Guard to buy powered paragliders for silent infiltration missions

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North Carolina Air National Guard Seeks Stealthy Powered Paragliders for Covert Infiltration

The North Carolina Air National Guard is seeking to acquire two backpack-mounted powered paragliding flight systems, a capability that allows troops to infiltrate areas silently without the need for runways, helicopters, or parachute drops.

The solicitation, issued under number W50S87-26-Q-5004, was published this month by the North Carolina National Guard’s procurement office. The equipment is intended for the 145th Airlift Wing at Charlotte Air National Guard Base.

Key Details

• Bid Deadline: Extended to July 31, 2026 (originally July 24, 2026). The extension allows the government to add specifications for a parachute component omitted from the original paperwork.
• Delivery Location: New London, North Carolina.
• Funding: Subject to the availability of government funds.

Tactical Advantages

Powered paragliders—also known as paramotors or PPGs—have become a serious tool for global militaries due to their low observability. They generate minimal radar and heat signatures, and produce engine noise comparable to a lawn mower. This makes them highly effective for slipping into contested territory undetected.

The U.S. Marine Corps special operations forces publicly demonstrated this capability in 2024 during a showcase in Tampa, Florida, using paragliders in a scenario involving the pursuit of enemy drones.

However, the technology is not exclusive to friendly forces. Hamas militants used powered paragliders during their October 2023 attack on southern Israel, demonstrating how effectively the systems can cross defended borders. This event has accelerated Western military interest in fielding similar capabilities.

Technical Specifications

The solicitation outlines detailed requirements that reflect real-world mission experience. Each system must include:

• Two distinct paraglider wings:
• A smaller wing (23–25 m² / 248–269 ft²) for solo flight without heavy gear.
• A larger wing (26–28 m² / 280–301 ft²) certified to lift a pilot carrying a minimum 80 lb (36 kg) rucksack.
• Visual discipline: All visible components (canopy, harness, motor frame) must be in muted tactical colors (gray, olive drab, or coyote brown) with no large commercial logos. The reserve parachute is exempt from this requirement.
• Engine: Must deliver power equivalent to at least a 185cc motor and maintain safe climb rates at altitudes between 8,000 and 10,000 feet (2,438–3,048 meters).
• Controls & Harness: Integrated engine shutoff, right-hand throttle, propeller sized around 140 cm (55 inches), and an adjustable harness (minimum size Large) with integrated spine protection (airbag system).
• Fuel & Range: Extended fuel tank supporting cross-country flights of 30 to 100 miles (48–161 km).
• Safety Equipment:
• Steerable reserve parachute rated for a combined weight of at least 170 kg (375 lbs).
• Automatic water flotation device that deploys upon water impact, suggesting potential use in maritime or over-water infiltration scenarios.

Training Requirements

The solicitation also includes a substantial training component, though specific details were not fully outlined in the initial notice.