APCO Play For 2 (Play 42)

The newest addition to the Apco range is this tandem glider “designed to satisfy every Tandem pilot, even the most discriminating” from professional to recreational, according to the factory.
In the design of the Play 42 Apco used an elliptical planform with classical diagonal rib structure, and their HIT Valves system for “rock-stable” accelerated flight.
The designers focused on giving the glider perfect launch characteristics with trimmers close or open in any wind condition (cross wind, back flow, or no wind); quick and responsive handling; fabulous flare; reassuring safety, and a wide speed range (risers equipped with trim tabs).
In the construction, the Israeli factory used their traditional materials, like double coated siliconised cloth for the sail and “heavy duty” SuperAramid lines.

The Play 42 has been certified ACPUL/AFNOR Tandem Class (with trim tabs on risers).

Info: www.apcoaviation.com

PARATECH P80

Just released the new “pure DHV 2” model from Paratech, the P80. According to the manufacturer, the P80 is in the centre of the DHV2 class, and the design features the PAF leading edge introduced in their P26 and P43, which offers “unproblematic, manageable take-off behaviour”.

Other characteristics of this glider are “extraordinary” stability in high speed conditions, direct handling and liveliness “combined with a very good-natured safety behavior”. But Paratech warn that this is an intermediate glider that demands active flying “and despite its high safety potential, belongs in the hands of experienced pilots”.
The P80 will be available in 4 sizes, divided in a way that any pilot can find a size in which he/she will be in the middle of the weight range or in the upper half of it.

Paractech have also introduced new colours design for all the gliders in their range, for this season.

Info: www.paratech.ch

PRO-DESIGN New JAZZ 2004

One year after the release of their intermediate model, the Jazz (DHV 1-2), Pro-Design have decided to introduce a new speed system in it, much softer to push and easier to use.

“The small shortcoming of a hard to push Speed-System has been optimized due to several customer wishes. Now it seems that no more wishes are open” say at Pro Design.
It’s not the first time that the factory improves a model once it’s already out. Last year they introduced the Titan 2, the new version of their DHV 2 model with easier inflation characteristics, since the original Titan was hard to launch.
At least you can say that the guys at Pro Design listen to the feedback from their customers…

Info: www.pro-design.at

ADVANCE BI BETA 3 38

Advance announced the launching of their new small tandem BiBeta 3, 38, directed for light pilots or those who usually fly less loaded (or in windy conditions).

The weight range of the 38 is 115 to 195 kg, whereas its bigger brother, BiBeta 3, 41, goes from 135 to 225 kg. Both tandems come with big ears kit with blocking system, trimmers, and a 200 liters bag.
The two sizes of the BiBeta 3 have the same wing load and their behaviour in flight and performances are identical, say in Advance.
The firsts small BiBeta 3 were delivered during January and they should be already available with dealers world wide.

Info: www.advance.ch

Ozone Mojo

The Mojo is a beginner’s glider, intended also for “those who want stress-free flying”, and a step ahead from the school glider (the brand will keep the Atom 2 as a training DHV 1). According to the manufacturer, it’s a very forgiving glider that offers easy inflation and high stability both in pitch and roll.
“We've maintained the feedback that is vital if you want to know what the air is doing around you”, say at Ozone. The Mojo combines long brake travel “for safety” with progressive handling “for good turning behaviour”. It is also said to have a “notably better” sink rate and a good thermalling performance that will make it a good companion to progress from the first flights to cross country adventures.
Ozone has announced that the medium size has already passed the DHV tests in category 1, and the load test with a massive weight of 155kgs at 12G. “You can be confident it can stand up to all the stresses and strains you put it through” say the manufacturer.

Info: www.flyozone.com

Skywalk Tequila

This is the suggestive name of the new DHV 1-2 model from Skywalk, a “freerider” glider that benefits from the patented Jet-Flaps Technology. The Tequila combines the qualities of the sportive Cayenne (DHV2) with the softness and fun of the Mescal (DHV1).
The Jet-Flaps are used to improve the slow flying characteristics, stability and climb performance, to ensure “lots of fun and no stress”, according to the manufacturer. The glider also features diagonal cells for improved stability; the lightweight NCV New Skytex 6.6 Nylon fabric with water repellant coating for “flawless start” and consistent flight characteristics; New Dyneema lines of small diameter for longevity of the lines and low drag; Rigid V trim tapes for a smooth, “wrinkle free canopy shape”; and Velcro openings on the wingtips for easy removal of sand or dust.
“In combination with great gliding characteristics, XC flights are a no stress, fun to fly experience! Those pilots who used to swallow tranquilizers in rough conditions, should be ready to try the freerider TEQUILA this season!”, say the enthusiastic Skywalk crew. The glider will be released this spring.

Info: www.skywalk.info

Swing Mistral 3

The new intermediate glider (DHV 1-2) from Swing has been recently seen at the last Stubai Cup.
According to the manufacturer, the big challenge was to create a glider with a higher performance level than the Mistral 2, that could still fulfil the new DHV requirements for its class. The result is a glider that combines security with “outstanding” climb and glide performance “along with lively handling”.
The Mistral 3 has 50 cells and an aspect ratio of 5.25. It also features inner V-tapes and a system of load-bearing tapes “to ensure good canopy stability”, according to the designers. The model introduces a riser system integrated with the canopy for an effective acceleration with only “the slightest drop” in performance.
It has an easy launch and flight behaviour, with a responsive and lively handling, and progressive brake pressure to keep a high passive safety level.
It's a glider aimed at advanced pilots and pilots taking a step back from higher categories.

Info: www.swing.de

UP Makalu 2

After 3 years, UP has a replacement for the Makalu in the beginner-intermediate class (DHV 1-2). The Makalu 2 is comparatively more agile than its predecessor and offers “a dream handling” to the pilot. It also features the Honeycomb cells developed by UP, an increased stability at speed and a clear canopy profile. “The Makalu 2 fulfills the new test fly criterions of the DHV and shows a homogeneous and sporty outline. It is especially the extraordinary handling that makes the Makalu 2 really nice to fly with”, say at UP. It is a glider specially recommended for pilots who want to fly as relaxed as possible, and enjoy every flight. Sizes M and L have already passed certification, and the rest will follow very soon.

Info: www.up-europe.com