|
|
Firebird
Sub-One
The
new school glider from the German manufacturer has just
been certified DHV 1 (S). The Sub-One is aimed at schools
and training, so it has a low aspect ratio but a pleasant
handling that “will make training a joy, not just
for the pilot but for the instructor as well”,
according to Firebird. The designers say it is a precise
and predictable glider, and the best choice to begin
in our sport. The brand has 2 other beginners’
models, the Z-One, and the Trainer, a mini-glider designed
for groundhandling practise.
Firebird
has also announced the release of new gliders for the
range 2004: The Tandem “Torrid” and the
Tribute II, for competition.
Info:
www.flyfirebird.com
|
|
ICARO2000
Ice
The
new paraglider from the well-known hanglider manufacturer
Icaro2000 is an “ultra-high calibre DHV 2 aimed
at serial and open class competitors, cross country
enthusiasts”. The Ice has an aspect ratio of 6
and one of its qualities is an “exceptional”
handling that allows the pilot to turn flat if required
but also to “bank the glider right up for following
very tight, meandering, thermal cores”, according
to Icaro2000. The result is a glider more pleasurable
to fly, with a very low spin tendency. “This perhaps
is the single greatest accomplishment”, say at
the brand. They also remark that the glider passed certification
in DHV 2 with a high level of passive safety (many 1s
and 1-2s).
The North American distributor has a sponsorship program
for pilots who want to fly the Ice and be part of the
Icaro Team; contact through the site www.iparaglide.com.
info:
www.icaro2000.com
|
|
Airwave
Sport 2
“The
rate of design understanding and development is as fast
as ever” say Airwave’s designers. And
the proof is the Sport 2, featuring some interesting
improvements in design and construction from the first
and popular Sport. The biggest change is the new complex
internal structure of the wing, lighter and more structurally
rigid. It’s composed of 224 internal pieces of
cloth that have been carefully designed to support the
wing, giving a clean profile whilst minimising the weight
of material used to create the structure. The profile
has “enhanced pitch stability so as to make the
glider easier to fly”, according to Airwave. It
also has a new line layout, to reduce drag and risk
of cravattes, whilst keeping “excellent”
launch characteristics. At Airwave claim that glide
performance at trim speed is “significantly better”
than the Sport1 and although it’s not faster the
speed range is easier to use, as the glider is more
stable and also gives better glide at speed. “If
the best glide of the Sport1 is 8.2, then the Sport2
glides at 8.5. On top of that the difference in glide
performance increases as you accelerate”, according
to the designers. Certified DHV 1-2, just like its older
brother.
|
info:
http://www.airwave-gliders.com/
|
PEGAS
Avis 3
The
new Standard model from this Czech company has been
designed both for novice pilots and the experienced
ones who are concerned about their security in flight.
Compared to its predecessors, the Avis 3 shows new construction
and features, like an increased number of cells, a higher
aspect ratio, and a new leading edge profile, more resistant
to stall, with a more prominent angle of attack. The
geometry of the lines has been specially tuned to give
the pilot more control in turns “and spiral progression
in accord with pilot's commands”, according to
Pegas. The glider also features diagonal segments to
keep the profile rigidity, Skytex 9017 on upper surface,
Cousin lines structure in two levels with different
diameters of the lines, and standard three rows of risers.
The result is a more performant glider but with no compromise
on safety. At Pegas they say the Avis 3 has easy and
predictable starts, responsive control in all speed
ranges, excellent stability, glide of 8,3 and a speed
range from 22 to 50 k/h. It is also suitable for paramotoring.
Info:
www.pegas2000.com
|
|
|
