| To
test the perfo model from the young Austrian brand Wings of Change
was not an easy task. In the first place, the demo glider we had
in our hands was a "racing" version with thin
lines, not the serial one. Secondly, it was an M size in which our
test pilot was more than 10 kilos over the maximum weight and the
reserve pilot, about 10 kilos below the minimum...
Considering the scenario, we decided to do as much as we could to
form an idea of the characteristics of this model (quite unknown
in Spain) in spite of the difficulties. Thus, we carried out a large
number of inflations and flights, some overweighed, some low weighted
and some with ballast, and we finally asked the help of a medium-sized
friend to fly the Nemeton and give us his impressions (thank you,
Nacho!). The following is, more than a test, a flying investigation.
Photos:
Ojovolador |
At
first sight
To contextualize things, we can say that Wings of Change is an
Austrian make related to an almost emblematic personality of Acro
flying, Markus Grundhammer or "Akrominator", partner
of Mike Küng in exhibitions and aerial feats, and test pilot
for some brands –like Edel, from which he obtained the inspiration
for the name of his company (an old Edel slogan). The factory
was born about 3 years ago with a tandem model and a perfo/acro
one, always looking for the maximum dynamism and performance in
their gliders, as the leader of the company likes it. At the moment,
they have 6 paragliders in their range and the Nemeton (serial)
has been certified DHV 2-3 in the M size (the rest still pending).
Design is in the hands of Michael Nesler, an experienced creator
of paragliders for various houses, with the work of a team of
pilots who share the taste for the most radical flight.
The
first thing that calls our attention from the Nemeton is the complicated
design of the outer sail, a figure that reminds of a mythological
bird but which in fact represents an "alien", and it
is also the logo of the company (soon to be introduced in all
their gliders’ color designs). The illustration is sewn
in the fabric and requires a great seam work: 164 pieces of fabric
(!) that speak well of the construction capacity of the brand.
It is available in various color schemes, all of which attract
immediate attention at any flying site.
The
construction of the glider seems traditional, with open cells,
reinforcement tapes, and simple finishes (leading edge not reinforced),
but at the factory explain that their design of the leading edge
is "unique" and has been specially developed to obtain
all the advantages of closed cells (stability when accelerating,
internal pressure and a "flat" polar curve at high speeds)
without their problems, like a technical inflation or a more violent
reopening after collapses. "WOC leading edge” has been
called. Maybe thanks to this, the serial Nemeton passed the German
certification with only one 2-3 qualification, when accelerated,
whereas in the rest of the tests it has a passive security level
of DHV2.
For
the design they use sophisticated software, in addition to intensive
flight testing. The Nemeton reminds us of some competition models
from Edel, maybe because of the Nesler "touch" in the
design. It is made in Porcher Marine NCV 9017 fabric with E77
coating, resistant to water, abrasion, and UV rays. The lines
are Edelrid dyneema for superior cascades and aramid for the inferior
ones. The "racing" version comes with unsheathed thin
lines. All the gliders are produced in Sri Lanka (Airsports Lanka)
and checked at the factory premises in Austria.
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Open leading edge specially designed for the Nemeton
("WOC leading edge") offers the benefits of closed cells
without their problems, according to the factory.
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In
action
The first flight with the 'Nemeton racing' was done
by Daniel with more than 10 kg over the top of the weight
range, and he reached amazing speeds, but the sink rate also
worsened proportionally. It was at least useful to verify
the acrobatic qualities of the glider.
Inflation is very easy thanks to the open cells and the responsive
handling of the glider. Even when launching outside the certified
weight range (way below the minimum) we did not find any problem
to inflate the glider in very light wind. It raises compact
and it is only necessary to apply small corrections once above
the head to be in the air with a touch on the brakes.
Once
in the air we discover in the Nemeton a fast machine. At trim
speed the lines (thin) whistle when cutting the air and we
reach almost 40 k/h without problems (at the higher half of
the weight range). If we step on the speedbar we can get some
extra +15k/h and reach 55k/h or more, although the sink rate
also increases. In fact, we find the best sink rate when we
apply a little brake, about 10 cm.
The
feeling of the glider is of a good internal pressure, and
it is easy to control even in some turbulence. It is a very
responsive glider that reacts well and quickly to weighshift
and braking, which makes easy to obtain flat turns, or spiral
down at full speed combining brakes and weight. The answer
comes agile and fast, with great energy retention, specially
suited for acrobatic maneuvers. The brakes have pressure and
are of rather short travel, which make the Nemeton a glider
for experienced pilots, as the certification indicates. The
Akrominator himself took care of adjusting the brakes as he
likes them.
Performance
wise, it’s competitive in its category and appears as
a versatile glider, in which you can get maximum pleasure
doing Acro, or in competition covering kilometers and hurrying
the last glide to goal.
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| Paramotor
We
had the chance to test the Nemeton with paramotor, a type
of flight in which its qualities of easy inflation and short
brake travel made it very pleasant to fly, although the extra
weight accentuated its dynamic characteristics. We had banked
turns, high reserves of energy and some whip of the tips caused
by sudden changes in the internal pressure of the glider.
Summarizing, it is not a glider to begin in powered paragliding
but if you own a Nemeton, have the required skills and choose
the conditions right, you can take advantage of its speed
and agility.
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For
whom
An experienced pilot, who enjoys dynamic flight, will surely
find in the Nemeton a good partner. Acro lovers will not find
flaws in it, unless they are beginning -in which case they’d
be better choosing a glider with less aspect ratio.
The
glider comes with inner bag, a huge rucksack in which you
can even carry your girlfriend if it’s necessary, and
the user’s manual (in English and German).
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*Demo
glider: Nemeton "Racing" (thin lines) uncertified, M
size.
Pilots: Daniel Crespo; Claudia Riquelme; Ignacio Montoro.
Instrument: Brauniguer Compeo.
More
info: www.wings-of-change.at
*
Thanks to Markus Grundhammer from Wings of Change for sending us
the demo glider for this ‘contact making’.
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