Tuesday, 9 March 2010

More Gradient Golden 3 information

The Gradient website has more information on the Golden 3 and a great video



The G3 manual http://www.gradient.cx/res/files/golden3_en.pdf is also out on the Gradient website:

• The Golden3 has a new elliptical shape that includes a slightly positive
contortion of the leading edge. This means that the "ears“ (stabilo) of the
canopy are slightly swept back in flight.

• The Golden3 has a new aerofoil section to achieve the optimal balance
between performance and stability. The aerofoil’s characteristics deliver
maximum stability over as wide a speed range as possible.

• Special attention has been paid to the position, area and shaping of the cell
openings to ensure high stability over a very wide speed range (ie angle
of attack). Graduated-sized cell-openings help to increase stability and aid
pressure distribution within the glider.

• For better distribution of the forces within the canopy, diagonal segmentedrib
technology is used. The forces in the wing are carefully calculated and
balanced to give a flawless sail presentation and an intuitive feel to the flying.

• A special three-level line concept with progressively differing diameters means
the top-level lines are made from very strong Dyneema Liros DC. All lines have
the advantage of spliced loops giving maximum overall strength, durability and
the lowest possible drag.

• Four sets of lines (A, B, C, D) are used for the upper suspension system. The
upper C and D lines then combine lower down, so the glider has only three
risers. This helps to reduce drag and gives a simple line layout, which pilots
will appreciate during pre-flight checks and on launch.

• The main C-lines are connected to the karabiners through loops, allowing for
easier adjustment when your glider is serviced.

Monday, 8 March 2010

Where are the Vultures?

I had one of my top 10 flights of all time a few years ago with legend, Walter Neser at Thabazimbi. Here's why...

Sunday, 28 February 2010

XC 3 Photo


Brad Nicholas reports that Gradient expect the XC3 to be entered for certification in March. It will be a 3 liner with plastic arc reinforcements, leading edge reinforcements and special diagonal ribs too. AR is 6.8. Five certified sizes are planned........ Can't wait!

Friday, 12 February 2010

2010 UK XC League now live


John Stevenson has done an amazing job with the new UK XC League.


New features include


Automatic flight entry
International league
Payment can be made with PayPal
Flights displayed in XC Player
Flight statistics
View flights for All Years
and you can add a story about your flight.


David Thomson is once again winning the Winter XC League on his Gradient XC 2




Thursday, 11 February 2010

Crazy Water Landing

This has just come to my attention! Cris Miles at Annecy with Flyeo. Very funny. Thanks to Judith Mole's blog for the link.

Sunday, 10 January 2010

Wednesday, 6 January 2010

De Aar triangle


De Aar isn't just a windy, open distance site. Great 156.3km triangle on 20/01 and 110km triangle on 05/01 from Joost Visschedijk.