How far can you throw?

Don't download this its horribly addictive!

Gradient XC2 test results look good!

The Gradient XC2 Test Results are out and they look amazing for a wing with this performance. Have a look at the CEN site here, and para2000 performance predictions here.

Keep an eye on the South African weather

With an La Nina in force, the weather is South Africa is likely to be changeable. One of the best forecasts come from the South African Weather Service which has its own aerosport section

Have a look at the latest Satellite and Rainfall overlay, Thunderstorm probability, spot graphs showing expected Convective Cloud Base and Thermal Strength. The De Aar 5 day forecast is here. Wind guru provides usefull weathermaps.

Look out for 20,000ft ft cloud base, with zero thunderstorm probability and a strong WNW airflow and the record will be on!

The race is on for 500km in South Africa

Greg Hamerton reports that two teams - South African and Swiss - will now be in De Aar this winter. You can follow the South African's progress at http://www.x-sa.co.za/. Greg promises regular photographs and written updates and you'll get a chance to see a lot of behind-the-scenes action and learn about cross country flying in South Africa.

Good Luck to everybody involved

Paragliding Open Distance World Record Smashed

The SOL paragliding team flying SOL Tracer gliders have just set a new Open Distance record of 461.5km from Quixada, Brazil during the 12th XCeara competition.

Many congratulations go to Frank Brown, Rafael Salladini and Marcelo 'Ceceu' Prieto who landed within 10m of each other after a flight over 10 hours.

The Tracklogs can be found here. Also look at the XCNordeste and Sol web sites.

Meanwhile the push for the first 500km flight continues with the Swiss Team of Alfredo Studer and André Bussmann travelling out to South Africa at the end of the month. The Gradient Factory Team are already there filming for their new catalogue. Have a look at FlyGirl's web site here and Ojovolador here.

Skywings Golden (2) Review

Here it is, the Gradient Golden 2 review from October 2007 Skywings!

http://www.gradient-wings.com/images/stories/reviews/golden-2-review-skywings.pdf

Steve Uzochukwu writes 'If I were able to choose any new DHV1-2 or EN B glider that I have test flown for my personal flying, this would be the one. I can't give a higher recommendation than that.'

and no, we didn't bribe him!

First Gradient XC2 arrives in the UK

The first XC2 28's have arrived in the UK. The 26 and 28 have been certified and are ready for order. The 24 and 30 should be ready by the end of November. Photos and flight test to come!