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The first concept of a Bat-Glider was a variation of the Batsuit which resembled a wingsuit. The second variation of a Bat-Glider was designed as giant bat accessory created as a way to terrorize some criminals in order to make them surrender to the police. Batman would strap to the giant bat mo

The Bat-Glider is a modified hang glider used by Batman. Over the years, he has used a number of variations, some built into his suit.

History

The first concept of a Bat-Glider was a variation of the Batsuit which resembled a wingsuit.[1] The second variation of a Bat-Glider was designed as giant bat accessory created as a way to terrorize some criminals in order to make them surrender to the police. Batman would strap to the giant bat model, which allowed him to glide across the air.[2]

The Bat-Glider made its official debut on a time-travel adventure, when Batman and Robin were stuck on Italy in the year 1497. In order to break into a fortress, they stitched together the black silk trappings from some horses and placed it over a frame of wooden branches, in the shape of a bat wing. Using the horses to gain air, the Dynamic Duo were able to glide towards the inner side of the fortress and rescue their friend Superman, before returning to the present day.[3]

When Kite-Man reappeared in Gotham, Batman designed a special Bat-Glider to confront the criminal on mid-air. Although the Bat-Glider was destroyed in the confrontation, Batman captured Kite-Man, proving that his new vehicle worked perfectly.[4]

Ever since, the Bat-Glider has become one of dozens of personal conveyance tools that Batman incorporates into his ever-growing arsenal. In function, the Bat-Glider operates similarly to a traditional hang glider, except that the wing fabric is sewn into the weave of Batman's cape. Batman navigates the glider by angling his body towards the direction he wishes to move and by shifting his weight.

Modern Variations

Batman eventually upgraded the gliders an developed motorized versions, which includes handheld controls and a short-range rocket booster.[5]

There is a variant model of the Bat-Glider used by Nightwing. This version resembles more to Nightwing's symbol and features retractable wings to fit in narrow places.[6] This glider has a propeller that allows faster travels over long distances. It also features a remote signal that allows Nightwing to summon the glider to his location and it also has an auto-pilot feature. One of this gliders was destroyed after Nightwing's mission to save Carol Bermingham. However, Nightwing kept a spare glider at the Cloisters in New York.[7]

Using the Bat-Glider, Nightwing rescued Damian Wayne from Killer Croc and Poison Ivy. However, after reaching a safe distance, they were reached by a projectile that damaged the glider, causing them to crash against an abandoned building.[8]

Notes

  • The first mention of the Bat-Gider was in World's Finest #86.
  • There's a version of the Bat-Glider that doesn't have any metal parts on its structure.[9]
  • Different iterations of the Bat-Glider have appeared throughout the various Batman-related media projects. In the Dark Knight film, Batman employs a Bat-Glider constructed of "memory cloth" in order to extradite a criminal from China. In the animated television series Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Batman often uses a rocket-powered glider in order to fly throughout the city.

Trivia

  • The Bat-Glider is also a common accessory included with Batman action figures.


See Also

Links and References

  • None.
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