Last week I got a chance to put a few hours on this new glider in free flight and on the motor. Advance are claiming this is the first wing they've produced that the centre of pressure does not go backwards when accelerated. They seem to have managed this without using reflex which is pretty unusual as far as I can see (although the Ozone designer hinted at this in the interview in the last Paramotoring mag). I absolutely loved flying this wing and can confirm as usual, the Swiss guys are not bullshitting.
L/D is quoted at 8.3 which is bloody amazing considering this wing has DHV1 AND EN catB. I can confirm it is as solid as a rock on full speed bar and this is with the confidence to fly hands off which I've only ever done on reflexed gliders before. It also seemed much faster than a lot of gliders I've flown on full bar and MUCH faster than any other DHV1 (but this maybe because of the increased confidence to use full bar so often) Sink rate was as good as any of the other gliders on Hay Bluff that day, handling is fairly light and all aspects of flying were simple. Spiralling was a joy due to the lower G forces, probably a result of shorter lines than found on higher category gliders.
On power with my 125Ros it was beautiful. Still fast, still with light controls and responsive; not really like any paraglider I've flown on power before. Launching was again simple with no sticky point usually found on non power paragliders. Max speed on full bar is quoted for paragliding at close to 50kph which is very fast for a DHV1 glider. I would expect a little more with the added weight of the motor which is more than fast enough for most. The wing is also certified for power use under DULV. Advance went to the trouble and cost to get this wing triple certified and should be commended for this; DHV - DHLV - EN.
Personally I don't think I've ever flown a wing that does both jobs so well before. I'm even considering moving from my beloved Sigma 6 to free fly this instead. Maybe I'm getting old but with DHV1's this good, why do we need more? I have never flown such a confidence inspiring wing; its giving me a lot to think about and we don't have to worry about the Mickey Mouse certification problems found with the current reflex testing systems.
Regards Paul
(and yes, they are available from me...)
