This is the first glider from the Brazilian factory certified by the DHV (1-2 in its 4 sizes), and intended for beginner and leisure pilots, offering them the “possibility of first thermals to XC flights”. Tested during the “Nordeste Expetition 2003” (where the tandem world record was broken) on all kind of conditions, the Ellus appeared as a good choice for a big range of pilots, offering a high passive safety, good performance, better handling and safety, according to Sol.
Its characteristics include a new profile design that gives the Ellus maximum stability in rough air;
optimized line layout to reduce the overall line length and ease line checking; Split 'A' riser for big "ears"; and profile reinforcement in Carbon/Mylar composite. According to the manufacturer, it has a very easy inflation and ground handling, “excellent” takeoff characteristic, long and tolerating brake length, precise handling, low stall speed, High internal pressure, light reactions in extreme conditions and good passive safety, and high stability in full speed. SOL offers a 300 flight-hours/ three years warranty with all their gliders.

+Info: www.solsport.com.br

A new model for intermediate pilots from the Korean factory, the Mercury “is designed for and guarantees safe performance, cross-country flying, due to its excellent handling in thermals”, according to Edel.
Features include a new diagonal system and safety cell line to ensure a stable flight, especially in turbulent air, and a special shape of the cells openings that taper off from the centre of the wing towards the wingtips “to give the wing its optimum and appealing aerodynamic shape”.
The Mercury is said to offer ample speed (from 22 to 50 k/h) to penetrate into headwind and an excellent glide ratio, “whilst the new diagonal security lines ensure that the leading edge stays open in the most turbulent of conditions”. Certified DHV 2, it’s available in sizes XS to L.

+Info: www.edelworld.com

This new tandem glider is the one that carried Andre Fleury and Claudia Ribeiro to the world distance record last year and it’s promoted as “a glider made for pleasure”.
It’s a versatile model oriented to offer performance and handling for recreational pilots or professional pilots and those who want to fly for records.
The Kangaroo 2 uses a new profile developed from computer simulated models and in-depth testing. It has 51 cells, 8 closed and diagonal A, B, C and D bands for “a really clean and precise glider”.
Compared with the previous Kangaroo, this has a higher aspect ratio and the cell openings get smaller from the center to the wing tip, for increased performance. Other construction features include V-ribs, Profile reinforcement in Diax 120 P Mylar/Carbon Composite, 4 risers with split As for big ears, reinforced leading and trailing edges with Dacron tape, and reinforced brake handles with magnetic clip.
It has been certified with 5 cm trimmers.

+Info: www.solsport.com.br

Ozone have finally released a special glider developed for Acro flying, the 69. For a long time their intermediate gliders have been used for aerobatics even in competitions, but a specific wing for playing with Gs and fast tricks was still pendant, as their proto Mutant was never ready for the big market. Now with the 69, the guys at Ozone feel this is the “ultimate Acro wing”, combining pure dynamics with extra reinforcements “and Ozone handling to create a safe wing to perform all those tricks, combinations and wagas”, according to the company.
In its development, they kept the best side of the Vulcan for Acro, it's Sat and Tumbling ability, and they have improved the Helicopter stability and reduced the brake range and pressure “for easier Mac-Twist and Misty-Flip”. In brief, everything an Acro pilot would want in a glider. At Ozone claim that the 69 even has enough performance to glide from launch without losing “much precious height” or climb efficiently in a thermal to regain height after each session.
The Sixty-Nine is being certified DHV 2-3 and it is available in one size covering a weight range of 70-100kg.

+Info: www.flyozone.com.

The last glider for the Wings of Change range is the DHV 1-2 Nemesis, to replace the Taifun. The most relevant feature in its design is the introduction of a flap system, quite similar to Skywalk’s jet-flaps, which improves the glider's behaviour during full stalls and in slow flight. The system was developed by Michael Nesler, who already experimented with flaps and openings in the 90s and used them in gliders like the Freestyle or the Experience. Now, the technology has been perfected and incorporated into the Nemesis, to “slow the backward movement of the canopy during a full stall, thus allowing for easy, smooth entry and exit of the manoeuvre”, according to the company. During normal flight the flaps in the top sail are closed, but when the pilot applies “loads” of brake and the glider approaches its stall speed the flaps start to open. “Through round openings underneath the flaps air flows at comparably high speed to the surface of the top sail and mixes with the turbulent air flowing over the top of the profile, thus smoothing the air flow there. Hence, the stall will be delayed and the pilot has enough time to avoid an unintentional full stall” explain at W-O-C. Aanother special feature in the Nemesis is that all sizes are built exactly the same, except for their area. The effect of this is that all sizes behave “exactly the same” under identical wing loading, showing no differences in performance or reactions. The Nemesis is available in 3 sizes.
+Info: www.wings-of-change.at

This new lightweight glider recently released by the German manufacturer Swing is intended both for use as a mountain glider and also for everyday flying. The Everest has a low weight and volume, “and uncomplicated launch and flight characteristics” according to Swing. The company used a 35gm/m² siliconised fabric developed specifically for this model according to their specifications, and they succeeded to reduce the weight in a 30% “compared to gliders with similar construction”. The design was based in their beginners glider Axis 3, and the factory also used a special light kevlar webbing for the risers and placed some special Nylon bands on the top surface to stop the fabric slipping in the snow. In flight, its behaviour is similar to the Axis 3’s: High passive safety, low tendency to shoot forward, easy inflation and launching, and a “particularly forgiving behaviour in connection with the brakes, without creating a sluggish feeling”. The Everest is available in 5 sizes and comes with a special light backpack adapted to suit the needs of a mountaineer-pilot.

+ Info: www.swing.de

The new tandem glider from Swing is said to combine direct and energy-saving handling with simple launch and flight behavior, to guarantee “both high safety and much enjoyment when flying tandem on good thermal days” according to the manufacturer.
The glider has a similar design to that of the Mistral 3, with 50 cells, an aspect ratio of 5.05, and V-tapes system. “The sweepback and the elliptical form give the wing a lean, sporty appearance and this is an indication of its performance” say at Swing. According to them, this tandem glider offers “outstanding” low take-off speed and very easy launch behavior even in unfavorable conditions. In flight it has a low, progressive brake pressure, good dampening and high stability in turbulence. The Mistral Twin has a large weight range from 135 to 230 kg, and is said to be “particularly suitable for professional use”.

+ Info: www.swing.de