After almost 4 years, the German factory has a successor for their popular perfo glider Trango, often seen on the first places of serial class results in competitions.
The Trango 2 has been introduced at the Bregenzerwald Cup (Jan. 31) as an even better performing glider with improved security.
According to UP, the Trango 2 has a trim speed of 38-39km/h and top speed up to 56km/h, with a “very low minimum speed = better climbing”.
The glider is built in new materials, chosen for performance and longevity, including new extra thin Dyneema lines from Cousin Trestec “for longevity, reduced drag and the resultant increased performance”.
At UP say it has a stable flight character with reduced pitch and roll, “better course stability, slower turning after asymmetrical collapses, longer brake travel AND a more stable canopy”.
The Trango 2 is available in 6 sizes: XS (60-75kg), S (70-85kg), SM (80-95kgs, DHV 2-3), M (90-107kg), L (105-120kg) and XL (115-135kg).
The M size has already passed the DHV tests with only one maneuver in the 2-3 category.

+Info: www.up-europe.com

This is a glider specifically designed for paramotoring, with the emphasis on stability and maximum speed, and featuring “the easy MacPara handling”.
The Spice introduces a newly developed airfoil that allow for higher speeds, and an easy behavior for use under power. According to the designers, the Spice offers immediate and precise reactions to control input, maneuverability, easy take-offs with ample lift, and easy landings.
The Spice prototype was tested at the European Microlight Championship in Portugal last year and received “high marks” from test pilots, who liked its performance and light brake pressure.
The Spice has special reinforcements and thicker lines, and has 64 cells with 6 cells closed at the wingtips on each side; the cell openings are covered with a "screen-type" material for a more efficient and stable leading edge.
It has an aspect ratio of 5,8 and the speed range goes from 26-27 k/h min., 41-44 k/h trim speed, to 57-62 k/h the max.
The Spice is available in 2 sizes, M (95-125 kg, take off weight) and L (120-150 kg).

+Info: www.macpara.com

The new beginner’s model from the German factory introduces the brand-new “Automatic Flight Stabilisation” (AFS) system developed by designer Ernst Strobl to provide improved security to inexperienced pilots. The AFS-system is based on a pre-tensioning principle: In the area of the brake attachment points the undersurface is pre-tensioned; when entering turbulent air the system adjusts immediately and even the slightest drop of internal pressure allows the system to react at the trailing edge as if the pilot pulled the brakes. The risk of collapses drop dramatically, according to U-Turn, and they assure that even without AFS the Bodyguard would be a very safe glider. “Due to the extremely pulled down winglets and the resulting spread of the canopy the Bodyguard has far more than average resistance to collapses”.
Other new features introduced in the glider are the B-Stall Help and the assistance for Big-Ears, to lower the risks associated to performing these maneuvers incorrectly. The “Big-Ears Assistant” is an extra long, thin and distinctive strap attached to the risers, for easy and safe Big-Ears. The B-stall Help makes easy to initiate a B-stall, without effort and with a well-defined reference point to make sure that pilots do not over pull the lines. The Bodyguard also comes with the “Easy-Fix” to fix the risers after packing and prevent tangled lines. Aspect ratio is 4,9 and the speed range goes from 21 k/h to 47 k/h. The glider has a reduced weight of around 5 kg and it’s available in 4 sizes (XS-L).

+Info: www.u-turn.de

The new intermediate glider from the French factory, certified Afnor/CEN Standard, is intended for experienced pilots looking for an “excellent” compromise of performance and safety, and “above all, a playful and easy-to-fly glider”.

The Pawnee replaces the Diamant (perfo) and has an aspect ratio of 5.7, 63 cells, a glide ratio around 8 and sink rate below 1, according to the manufacturer.

“Inflation is particularly easy, the wing flies itself with nice handling, good damping and is controlled by short brake travel. The Pawnee will seduce pilots eager for sensitive handling” say at ITV.

The glider is available in 3 sizes, S (70/90 kg); M (85/105 kg) and L (100/125 kg).

+Info: www.itv.fr

This is the first intermediate-advanced glider coming from the renewed Firebird factory, now settled in Switzerland and introducing their own technological solutions in paragliding design, like the "Aerodynamic Light Loops" and the Laser Cut Technology, in addition to a new 5 years guarantee for all their gliders.
The Eagle has been introduced as a sport glider, directed to experienced pilots who will find in it "first class performance" with a high reserve of security.
In its construction fewer meters of lines were used to "remarkably" reduce drag and help glide performance.
In the tips of the glider each second cell is led to make the stabilos lighter and more stable. "Thanks to this construction, in the wingtips more tension was given to the leading edge obtaining improved stability, specially against collapses" say at Firebird.
Other qualities emphasized by the manufacturer include "excellent" glide, both at trim speed and accelerated, a direct control and precise response of the glider that gives it an "extraordinary ability to climb and center even the smallest cores".
The Eagle has an aspect ratio of 5.8 and it is available in 3 sizes.

+Info: www.flyfirebird.com