Intended as a safer alternative to conventional hang gliders,[1] it resembled an early ram-air parachute, but instead was an inflatable structure, that could be filled with air for gliding, or with helium to act as a gas balloon.

[2] The aspect ratio of the Bede Wing was low, in the area of 1.8.

Fitted with unusually long suspension lines, the Bede Wing had almost no dihedral.

[3] It was also reported to have a lower sink rate than conventional hang gliders of the time.

However, it foreshadowed the introduction of ram-air inflated paragliders in the mid-1980s.