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The second tandem glider of the Metis
series launched in 2004, introduces improvements in performance
and materials for a wing with low weight and focused in offering
maximum ease of use, especially through its enjoyable handling -
very close to the feeling of a solo glider. The Czech brand Sky
display in this model their successful evolution through more than
20 years of history that place them today as a strong manufacturer,
offering high quality of construction and competitive paragliders.
The Metis 2 looks like an intermediate glider with a moderate aspect
ratio (3.9 projected) and cell openings throughout the span (54
cells, 8 closed in the ends). It is not a big glider for the weight
range, 40 m2 of surface for 120 - 220 kg in free flight and up to
290 kg with paramotor. We test-flew the Metis 2 in free flight with
loads between 170 and 200Kg, and here we will try to describe our
sensations with it.
Light inflation and quick launch
This
glider does not require any special routine to start; when the air
enters the cells the glider builds up from the center to the tips,
asking just for a slight pressure on the risers for the canopy to
rise to the vertical, where with a few quick steps we notice how
the lift arrives quickly. It has very good sink rate and takes off
almost as soon as a solo glider.
The
Metis 2 has a light inflation, therefore in windy takeoffs we will
have to be gentle with the risers and be ready to hold the candle
so that it does not shoot forward.
Flying
In
the air the glider cruises firmly and solid, although far from the
typical “ship” feeling of bigger tandem gliders. The
Metis2 munches the most annoying movements of the air offering both
pilot and passenger pleasant in-flight sensations.
The
first impressions were really good; the handling is almost like
that of a solo wing and it moves well at trim speed, 38-39 Km/h,
with an approximated glide ratio of 8.5 points.
This
glider has short, robust risers that feature "extras"
like a big-ears system to keep them in, and trimmers of 5cm for
increasing the speed to 45-46 Km/h (no speed system), a somewhat
limited speed but totally usable
Natural turns and dolphins
From
the first flight we noticed that the Metis 2 turns wonderfully.
This glider turns and moves like a solo and like one that, in addition,
does it well. It is not difficult to achieve good bank angles or
an advantageous sink rate. The brakes are nothing hard, on the opposite;
they are surprisingly smooth and progressive. With the Metis you
can forget about sore shoulders or wrists after a day of tandem
flights.
I
tried some wingovers and the typical spirals of a couple of 360s
and I was amazed at how easy was to enter and invert the turn. This
glider draws up clear and easily adjustable trajectories; wingovers
come out "naturally” and do not demand many corrections,
while spirals also enter and leave progressively.
We
have the minimum speed at 28 km/h, it is necessary a lot of brake
and the pressure increases noticeably until becoming very physical.
When we let go, the Metis 2 dives and gains speed, if we apply brake
then we produce steep and round Dolphins.
I think that its type of handling would make it a perfect glider
for educational flights of piloting and maneuvers.
The risers are well thought; they are short enough
so the lines can be reached easily, and come with big-ears system
and short trimmers that give some extra 6 Km/h of speed to go up
to +-45 km/h. The brake handles are comfortable and come with magnets
to stick to the risers.
Paramotor
We
flew the Metis 2 a few times with the Paratrike Airfer C2, with
total weights that ranged between 250 and 280 kg (depending on the
passenger).
The
inflation is perfect for the motor; the Metis 2 does not require
any special preparation and the risers are easy to hold in the hands.
As it is a relatively small wing it is easy to inflate and control
with winds up to 20 Km/h. Once it is over the head it stays stable,
and if it goes a little to one side a slight touch on the brake
will be enough to put it overhead.
The
best quality of the Metis 2 for paramotor flying is a good sink
rate that allows it to take off in a short run and fly at low revolutions
of the motor. This is specially interesting if your local airfield
is small; with a similar size you will be able to launch in half
the distance than a reflex wing. The short trimmer is totally usable;
if we open it all we reach about 50 Km/h, a somewhat low speed compared
to the tandem gliders with reflex that exceed 60Km/h, but in return
the Metis 2 has a good glide rate and will ask for less gas to cruise
at 50 km/h. Although without a doubt the best comes when we make
turns and play a little, because the Metis 2 accumulates the energy
very well. This glider feels smooth and solid in the turns and you
can take it wherever you want.
 
+Info:
Sky-cz.com
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The
Metis 2 is a light tandem wing (7,7 Kg), with a weight range of
120 to 200Kg. It is certified EN-B and offers uncomplicated inflation
and takeoff, with a light handling that feels close to a solo glider.
The
speed range goes from the minimum of 26 k/h, 39 k/h trim speed,
to 45 km/h with trimmers open.
The
brake line of the Metis 2 is faultless; perhaps this explains its
smooth and direct handling.
Construction
and materials.
In
the last years Sky Paragliders have given giant steps in the section
of materials and construction, getting a place in the list of
the neatest and most careful manufacturers.
The
cloths used are made by Porcher Marine; the leading edge is made
with Skytex 45 Evolution (double side coated). The rest of the
glider is made of Skytex 40, except for the diagonals that are
of Skytex 40 “hard finish”. The lines of the Metis
2 are made by Edelrid and Liros, very strong and resistant to
abrasion. The higher cascade is of Dynema Edelrid 7850-080 of
1mm of diameter with polyester cover. The lines of the main cascade
are 6843-200 and 6843-340 and the brake lines are Edelrid 7850-130
and 7850-200. The 25mm risers are short and have 5cm long trimmers
with a particular mechanism to close or open that works well.
The big ears system has a sort of clam cleat to hold the ears
firmly in. The brake handles are soft and have magnetic clips.
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Conclusion
The
second generation of the Metis, with 40m2 and 7kg of weight,
is a tandem glider of modern design, constructed with high
end materials. At Sky have focused on making a maneuverable
glider, easy and fun to fly and comfortable for the pilot.
For that, they have worked on a light inflation, good handling
and pitch stability. With the Metis 2, the Czech manufacturer
covers many of the needs for tandem flight: It is a great
glider for tourist or commercial flights for which its trouble-free
inflation and smooth handling will not leave you exhausted
after several flights. Nevertheless, its vast potential comes
to shine if we venture in cross country and performance flights,
as the Metis 2 turns and climbs very well with little effort,
has a good glide and a useful range of speeds. This tandem
glider is certified EN B, which is practically the level for
beginners wings. Besides, it passed the structural load test
to be used with a weight of up to 292 kg, which makes it a
glider suitable for Paramotor or Paratrike use – type
of flights that benefit from the Metis 2 qualities mentioned
above (see Paramotor section below).
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The
+ Feel and handling
The
– Limited top speed
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Thecnical
Info from Sky Paragliders
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| Layout
surface (m2) |
40,24 |
| Layout
span (m) |
14,33 |
| Layout
aspect ratio |
5,1 |
| Projected
surface (m2) |
34,98 |
| projected
span (m) |
11,63 |
| Number
of cells |
54 |
| Weight
of the glider (Kg) |
7,7 |
| Take
off load (Kg) |
120
- 220 |
| Max
load paramotor (Kg) |
292 |
| Trim
speed |
39
Km/h |
| Maximum
speed |
45
Km/h |
| minimum
speed |
26
Km/h |
| Glide
ratio |
+8.5 |
| Min.
sink rate |
-
1,2 |
| LFT |
EN
B |
Colors: Sky Paragliders
offers as serial the color schemes you see in these pictures, but
it is also possible to order your own combination of colors using
the tool available on their website.
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Flying
test done by Daniel Crespo
Tandem harnesses: Sol Bilord.
Paratrike: Airfer C2, engine Rotax 503
Measures: Brauniguer Compeo+
+info: elpana.net
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