The new tandem glider from Wings of Change has been introduced as an easy, rock-solid glider, with good abilities for cross country flying. The design of the Druid includes ram-air controlled cell openings that give “exceptional stability” to the wing in all conditions, making it very resistant to collapses. The manufacturer remarks its “top-notch finish and easiest launch characteristics” as the main qualities of the Druid. It has an aspect ratio of 5,44 and offers a max. speed of around 44 k/h. It is made in NCV 9017 E77A sail cloth. The weight range goes from 140 to 210 kg.o va de 140 a 210 kg.

+Info: www.wings-of-change.at

Designed for adventurous pilots whose aim is to explore new landscapes, this new lightweight glider is based on the successful 1-2 model from Gradient, the Golden. According to the manufacturer, the Delite offers performance and security to go “where no man has gone before". Design features include partial V-rib technology, line concept with progressive diameters and a new water-repellent fabric for the upper and bottom sail. The Delite also offers the “renowned” handling and XC potential of the Golden, with high passive safety, a weight of around 4 kg (depending on the size) and very small packing. Available in 5 sizes.

+Info: www.gradient.cx

Experienced XC and competition pilots are the main target of this performance class glider, which incorporates the patented Jet Flaps of the house for high efficiency in thermals. The design of the Poison has benefited from profile simulations, wind tunnel and practical tests, and at Skywalk say it is not only a high-end 2-3 glider, but also “a technology carrier” that will help develop new wings. The Poison has an aspect ratio of 6,05 and a speed range of 21 km/h the min., 39 k/h trim speed and 55 km/h fully accelerated (manufacturer’s data). At Skywalk say it has “endless thermalling power” and handles “like a dream” providing high stability. Its high trim speed and above-average top speed make the Poison interesting for competition pilots. The Poison has been seen in Acro comps as well. It’s available in 3 sizes..

+Info: www.skywalk.info

A glider aimed primarily at pilots “with a preference for thermal flights”, this new easy intermediate model will be also certified for Paramotor use (DULV). At Advance say it’s a glider in the middle of the DHV1-2 category, offering “excellent” handling in thermal conditions, high passive safety and “outstanding performance figures” plus high stability in all speeds. The Epsilon 5 incorporates some interesting design features, like an improved big ears system (“quick-snap system”) with split A risers that are kept together on the ground for easy take-offs, or a new “refined” line geometry with only two levels. It also comes with risers of different length depending on the canopy size –so that small pilots can always reach them- and different sizes of brake handles. The speed system helps to keep high stability in accelerated flight thanks to the pretension ratio of the A, B and C levels “precisely tailored to the profile”. The Epsilon 5 will be available in October in 4 sizes.

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+Info: www.advance.ch

fotos © www.thomasulrich.com

For the Czech factory it was a challenge to replace their successful Eden 2 in the intermediate category DHV 1-2. The new Eden incorporates a new design in which special attention was given to the brake pressure, now lighter, and to retain good behavior and security of the glider in all conditions. The Eden 3 has 52 cells that get thinner closer to the wing tip, an aspect ratio of 5,26 and, according to the factory, offers a glide ratio of more than 8 points with a minimum sink of 1.15 and a top speed of 50 km/h. The line configuration used is from the Intox (its big brother, DHV 2), and helps maintain a clean canopy. It also features diagonal V-tapes and a system of load-bearing tapes for higher stability and easy in-flight behavior. At MacPara assure they have no need to advertise the easy launch and landing characteristics of their gliders, well-known to MAC pilots, which make the Eden 3 also suitable for uncomplicated paramotor flying. With a high performance and agile handling, the Eden 3 has still a good dampening in all axes. Its light brake pressure allows "pleasant turns during long thermal flights", with a pressure that increases progressively to offer a high safety margin. The Eden 3 is available in 6 sizes and 6 combinations of colors.

+Info: www.macpara.com

En España: www.airproductos.com

More and more people choose lightweight gliders that allow them to combine two beautiful mountain activities, hiking and flying. For them, Sky has released the Cima, introduced as “a new glider in a class of its own”.
Built with standard materials used in the current Sky range, durability is one of the strong points of this glider. The sail is Porcher Marine Skytex 9017 and has normal sheathed lines. With 3,8 kg in the small size and 4 kg in M size the Cima is, according to the manufacturer, the lightest standard material glider in the market.
It is a multi-purpose glider “suitable for every pilot's needs” and offering good performance to rival “any Standard class paraglider”.
They also say it is easy to fly, and offers a nice handling. But best of all, the Cima is light and compact enough to take comfortably anywhere, “even skiing!”
Available in 3 sizes.

+Info: www.sky-cz.com

Made for professionals and amateurs alike, the Cherokee is said to offer simple and effective launching with and without wind; the maneuverability of a solo wing and an “effortless handling”.
The Cherokee is built with Nylon ripstop - 45g/m² on upper surface, 35g/m² on lower surface, and Edelrid lines. It is equipped with trimmers for efficient use of the speed range.
Other advantages mentioned by the manufacturer include light break pressure, “super turning, the best landing, super speed contrast, very easy to use”.
The glider is delivered in a large capacity backpack with rigid spreader bars comprising two fastening positions. It is available in one size with a weight range of 130-220kg, and 3 color schemes.

+Info: www.aerodyne.fr

This is the new performance-intermediate glider from Pro-Design, certified DHV 2 (1-2 not accelerated). Actually, the manufacturer claims that it’s a wing “in the DHV 1-2 class upper performance range with all balanced features, best in-flight stability and outstanding wide speed range”.
The Thema incorporates Pro-Design technical features, like TETS, ram-air-pockets; span tape, alongside with V-rib technology all over the wing span.
The glider was built with the NCV 9017 40gr fabric for a lightweight canopy with small packing.
The Thema is aimed at intermediate pilots, who fly regularly and seeking for most pleasure in flight, who will appreciate its “nice handling”, performance, and an effective speed system.
Available in 4 sizes and your own choice of colors (at no extra cost!).

+Info: www.pro-design.at

The new entry-level model developed by Wings of Change has been introduced as a “great fun to fly” glider.
The Isis features the manufacturer’s SRV System for a “very low and extremely smooth fall speed and very impressive stalling flight” characteristics.
It is also said to have a smooth, direct and precise handling.
“In thermals the ISIS is sleekly and flexible turnable, it reliably raises both at smooth and rough conditions securely protected by the quality standards of DHV 1 gliders” say at Wings of Change.
The Isis is available in 3 sizes; the smallest (starting from 55kg) suitable for lightweight/lady pilots.

+Info: www.wings-of-change.at

This new intermediate glider is the replacement of the Jumbe (DHV1-2) in the CEN Standard category, as the company decided not to certify their gliders with the DHV anymore (following some problems related to the DHV certification of the Dune last year).
The Shaolin was designed for pilots “in search of serenity, pure sensations as well as great handling precision”, according to the manufacturer. Compared to the Jumbe, it offers better inflation, handling and turn, light pressure on brakes, and a better glide.
“The Shaolin is a turning point in this category of gliders; the pleasure of a precise trajectory, and accessible performance”, say at Aerodyne.
The glider is constructed using Nylon ripstop for the sail, 45g/m² on the upper surface and 35g/m² on the lower surface, and Edelrid lines. It is an “ideal” glider for use under power. Available in 3 sizes.


+Info: www.aerodyne.fr

The new beginners-intermediate glider from Swing, certified DHV1/1-2 (1-2 only accelerated) is introduced as a versatile all-rounder that exceeds “all current DHV 1 gliders in performance and speed”, with much better-natured flight behavior than “pure DHV 1-2” gliders. Inflation and launch are suitable for novice pilots, very easy with no tendency to overshoot. In flight, the Arcus 4 offers a very calm feeling, and at Swing say it is great fun in thermals and cross-country flying but it is not too demanding for inexperienced pilots and beginners. In its design, Swing used the profile of their Mistral 3 (DHV1-2) and modified it to obtain a glider with uncompromising good-natured flight behavior. “The main difficulties lay in optimizing the way it turns after an asymmetric tuck. We went through a few prototypes before we had fine-tuned the profile and the trim. The end result, the Arcus 4, exceeded our expectations”, explains Michael Hartmann from SWING’s development team. The Arcus 4 offers a max speed of 50 km/h, and a min. sink rate of 1.05 m/s.
The Arcus 4 is available in 5 sizes and a wide range of colors, and it is also certified for use with risers suitable for paramotor.

+Info: www.swing.de

Following the successes of Paramania’s powerwing, the Action, the team has been working on a new wing aimed at beginner and intermediate paramotor pilots called the Revolution.
With over a year of development & testing this wing is said to be the ‘easiest wing to launch’. “So easy, it can even be done without holding the risers, simply by moving forward!” say at Paramania.
Designer Mike Campbell-Jones wants to give paramotor pilots the advantage of Reflex Technology (previously used in the Reflex and Action wings), with proven resistance to collapses and a huge speed range, all in one easy-to-use wing.
The team believes the Revolution will have an even bigger impact on paramotoring than any glider currently available for powered flight.
“A perfect first powerwing for the beginners and a good fun all rounder for the intermediate paramotorists!”, according to the manufacturer.
The Revolution will be available at the end of July.

+Info: www.flyparamania.com

The new intermediate glider to replace the Oasis has been introduced as an "off-road" wing that concentrates “the essential know-how of Gin Gliders”.
The main distinctive feature of the Zulu is the keel on the centre of the leading edge, a system developed to enhance directional stability by using a keel pocket with centralized line attachment points, according to the designers. As the Zulu uses a new, thinner profile the keel acts as reinforcement and prevents any deformation in the sail when brake is applied. The keel system is also said to offer a more precise piloting with weight shift, increased sensations in thermalling, easy handling without yaw movement, increased pitch stability and comfort in flight.
The Zulu offers improved glide and safety, and is intended for pilots “with modest experience, or the old thermal hunters who never tire of flight”.
It will be available soon in 4 sizes, all certified DHV 1-2. Sizes M and L will be DULV certified for paramotor use with special trim risers delivered as an option.

+Info: www.gingliders.com

The Twix is the tandem model of the new generation of Firebird paragliders. It replaces the Choice maintaining the strong points of this wing, like the variable surface system. With this ingenious system the surface of the wing can be modified for a better adaptation to the conditions and the total weight, to always be in the optimal range of weight.
According to Firebird, the Twix, certified DHV 1-2, is "a multipurpose and easy" tandem glider. The profile of the wing has been modified and the line layout was optimized. It has an aspect ratio of nearly 5 points, a minimum speed of 22 km/h and a maximum of 50 km/h accelerated. The Twix also incorporates the "Aerodynamic Light Loops" system in the line attachment points that can hold 30% more of load than normal attachments, providing aerodynamic advantages and less drag. The Twix has Mylar reinforcements in the leading edge "to improve its rigidity and stability". In order to cut the fabric panels, Firebird has introduced the "Laser Cut" technology and the materials used for its construction guarantee a good longevity for the glider, according to the manufacturer. The Twix incorporates the color scheme of the new Firebird range 2005, and it is available in two sizes (120-180 kg and 140-220 kg).

+Info: www.flyfirebird.com

The new tandem glider from U-Turn introduces the brand’s AFS (Automatic Flight Stabilization) system to offer agility and benefits "with a level of passive security unknown until now", according to the manufacturer.
This, allowed designer Ernst Strobl to choose a profile with a more ambitious aspect ratio and shape, that offers good performance in thermals and high reserves of speed. The U2 has been certified with trimmers, to adapt the speed of the glider to the wind conditions of every moment, as the speed can be changed by up to 7 km/h.
“A slow set-up of the trimmers allows an extreme slow lift-off speed making it possible to have a take off with old or disabled people”, say at U-Turn. The U2 also incorporates some design characteristics seen in other paragliders of the make, like the dynamic cell-width reduction and the geometric setting of the profiles.
The debut of this tandem glider was in the hands of Andi Siebenhofer during his record breaking flight across the Mediterranean from Greece to Egypt with a paramotor trike, in which he reached a top speed of 62 k/h and an "extraordinary stability" in stormy conditions.

+Info: www.u-turn.de

The design of the new entry level glider of Airwave had as main objectives to be easy to fly, long lasting and very safe. According to the manufacturer, all this has been achieved with the Flite.
Its simple handling hides a great design complexity, with a new very pitch-stable profile that offers smooth and progressive takeoffs.
The glider was constructed with an hybrid outersail, i.e., using two types of fabric to give it greater durability and reduced weight.
The line layout is clean and incorporates horizontal tension straps on the A, B and C lines that take the horizontal forces from the line layout into the sail without pulling or creases.
"The design of this wing has been more complex and time consuming than a top competition glider", say at Airwave "but as a result, the Flite is light, durable and a true please to fly".
It is available in 3 sizes: S (50-75), M (75-100) and L (100-130).

+Info: www.airwave-gliders.com

The glider that last year carried the winning disguise of the Coupe Icare (St Hilaire’s Festival) was this Air Light, the new mountain "feather-weight" glider of the Polish manufacturer Dudek.
With a maximum weight of 4.1 kg for the largest size, an aspect ratio of 4.55 and 42 cells, is an Afnor/Cen Standard glider that offers a good compromise between weight and performance.
In addition to the Air Light, Dudek proposes a special ultra light chair that can also be used as a transport bag, making the total weight of the gear only 4.4 kg.
In the construction of the Air Light, the company used the new Sofly cloth (4018/RD and 4015/RD) from Sofileta for the outer and inner sail. The lines are made of Dyneema and the "light" risers are made by Bainbridge International. The diagonal ribs of this new glider have a V-structure.
According to Dudek, the Air Light is "a safe glider, made for pleasure". It is available in 3 sizes: S (55/75 kg), M (70/90 kg) and L (85/105 kg).

+Info: www.dudek.com.pl

See Paragliders in our previous Archive (until May 2005): Sky Fides 2, Nova Mamboo, Apco Lambada, Ozone Mantra, Ozone Buzz, Ozone Rush, Pro-Design Thesis.

*See an index of all the published news in this (and other) section(s), and links to our Archive pages in READ!