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Welcome to the Paragliding Headquarters Latest News page!
18.05.12
Gradient has introduced a new high end EN-B paraglider, Nevada. This glider is utilizing some of the latest features first introduced in Aspen 4. The most important is the reduction of number of lines (DD system) allowing for less parasitic drag. The result is a EN-B glider with efficiency close to current EN-C class with notably more docile behaviour. Nevada is not aiming at the “first glider” market as its general concept may not be suitable for a total beginner. For pilots in this category Gradient will keep producing the popular Golden 3 that keep to be one of the best-selling EN-B gliders. Nevada will suit to more experienced pilots who don’t fly often enough to justify stepping in the more demanding EN-C category. Nevada is a typical Gradient glider with its renowned precise handling and feedback characteristics.
19.04.12
New range of instruments from Compas Instruments
C-PILOT pro is the flagship of the Compass instruments family. The basic concept is completely unique and the instrument is closer to a PC than your average vario or flight computer. The screen displayed on the photo above is only a sample of many variations you can design (or choose from redesigned ones) to suit perfectly to your individual needs. A huge selection of maps including a comprehensive controlled airspace display is available for downloads.
One of the most important new features of C-Pilot Pro is its connectivity with a completely redesigned airspeed probe that replaces the obsolete (and generally useless) impeller type used with other brands of instruments. The new probe is a state of the art piece of engineering utilizing pitot tube (used in fixed wings aircraft) modified for measuring even the lowest airspeeds in paragliders. The airspeed data is complemented by reading from 2 accelerometers. C-Pilot Pro software processes the data and delivers the most accurate results to the pilot in unmatcheably short time. This revolutionary system makes possible to measure wind speed and direction continuously without relaying on the pilot completing a few 360 dg turns as with other instruments. The accelerometer readings can be also displayed separately if you need this data for evaluating your acro maneuvers.
The accuracy of the pitot tube reading is much less dependent on the position of the sensor than in the impeller probe. This eliminates the need of (virtually impossible anyway) accurate alignment with the airflow and the new probe can be placed in more convenient positions where it doesn't interfere with the operation of the aircraft. No more hanging a cumbersome contraption under the pilot! The C-Probe is the most significant improvement of PG and HG flight instruments in many years and finally gives some features like best glide or wind data a real practical use.
28.05.08
From the Paragliding Forum:
 Forum: Wings Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 7:36 am Subject: Record flight |
| http://no.flightlog.org/fl.html?l=2&a=34&user_id=854&trip_id=166866 I just flew 230km with the AvaxXC2 on sunday. The old Swedish record is ca 150km. I flew together with my Friend Fredrik Lindholm (axis compglider), and we wll share the record if it's approved. I have only 4 flights in th glider, but as you must understanf, I really love it. Since I'm also Gradient importer of Norway i will not write a long story of what I think of the glider, exept that it was easey to fly the glider if you are allready used to Gradient gliders. For the last 4 years my glider have been the Gradient Seven, (different sizes), and this is my first XC since 2003, exept some small ones in Annecy with my acro glider Seven. |
15.09.07
New glider - AVAX XC 2
The long awaited performance glider AVAX XC 2 is here. It took a while, possibly because Gradient was careful not to repeat the mistake with AVAX XC which didn’t pass DHV 2-3 certification in the end. So, AVAX XC 2 has been tested more extensively over a long period of time before being presented to the jury. Sizes 26 and 28 passed EN (European Norm) as C rated gliders what is rating corresponding to DHV 2-3. Sizes 24 and 30 will follow soon. My own glider size 28 has been just cleared by customs and it will be available for test flights from Tuesday. AVAX XC 2 is a typical representative of the latest performance gliders with parameters close to comp machines. It has a formidable aspect ratio 6.38 and a high number of cells (73) to assure a clean shape of the airfoil. Its weight has been kept very low: size 28 weights only 5.8 kg. As usual, Gradient is not trying to dazzle the market by amazing performance data, but anybody experienced with Gradient gliders knows what to expect. Just making sure there is no misunderstanding: The AVAX part of the name is no indication this glider is a down-tuned comp machine. AVAX XC 2 has been developed independently from the scratch as a performance glider and there are no compromises. This should be another “pilot’s” glider for demanding recreational XC pilots and aspiring comp enthusiasts.
A word about certifications: the EN standard is replacing DHV in all European countries (more info here http://www.cen.li/ ) except of Germany that still requires DHV certification – it is a German organization after all - but it is obvious this situation can’t last too long. At this stage this is an expensive problem for manufacturers competing for the large German market as they have to pay for 2 certifications. In case of AVAX XC 2 Gradient decided not to go for DHV certification as the number of glider expected to be sold in Germany doesn’t justify the expense. However, Gradient is confident the glider would pass in DHV 2-3 category with flying colors and if there is enough demand, AVAX XC 2 will be put thru the DHV torture later on.
Flying overseas
Antoine Montant won Acro Vertigo 07 flying a special acro glider Gradient Seven 18. Vertigo is the highest rated acro competition in the world. To add to the value of this success, in the First Swiss Acro Championship held together with the international Acro Vertigo all three first places were taken by pilots flying Gradient Seven.
20.08.07
New radios
A 5W UHF 2 way radio is available now for less than $120. It comes with a rechargeable battery pack, drop in charger and a headset with added finger-mounted PTT button for installation in a full-face helmet. More info and photo here: http://www.paraglidingheadquarters.com/radios/html . The radios are in stock for immediate delivery.
Digifly instruments
There is a new firmware available for the whole range of Instruments http://www.paraglidingheadquarters.com/instruments/html available now. A significant improvement has been made in the area of data available and the screen layout in the Leonardo and Cartesio II flight computers. The changes are too numerous to be listed here. Please, visit the Digifly website http://www.digifly.com/ and download the upgrades and amendments to instruction manuals. My British counterpart has published and excellent set of FAQ, in case you want to know more, on his website http://www.digifly.co.uk/kbase/11/ . Also: Digifly flight computer are now approved for use in PWC competitions.
The owners of the basic vario Flyer II are getting a nice present as well: the new firmware version communicates with the latest Vltool software creating a cool electronic flightlog in an Excel format. All can be downloaded for free. The good news don’t end here. The only complain I was ever getting on the Flyer was, the acoustic wasn’t loud enough – it was mostly from HG pilots who are getting more wind noise. Digifly is aware of the problem and developed a retrofit amplifier that rectifies this shortcoming. The modification is free of charge (postage is at the owner expense) and I received permission to do the modification in Australia saving local owners a lot of time and money. So, if you don’t find your Flyer II loud enough, please contact me for a prompt service. The part should be here early September and the turnover will be just a few days. All new Flyers are coming with this modification as standard now. With the electronic logbook, graphic altimeter (besides of a host of other features) and 3 years warranty Flyer II stands out in the entry level class for only $435.
“Flying today” page
Due to a atrocious weather and a bit of travelling I was rather slack at updating this page http://www.paraglidingheadquarters.com/flyingtoday/html . It seems like the weather is improving – we had 2 flyable days in as many weeks ;-) at the coast so all is getting back to normal and this page will be updated 2 times a day as before.
08.05.07
Good news from Gradient
Gradient gliders (and other product) have built an outstanding reputation of a smart design and immaculate quality over a period of more than 10 years. The results achieved in competitions and a reasonable pricing also contributed to the marketing success. As from 1st of May 07 Gradient is adding a new feature to its excellent service: gliders damaged (even if by the owner’s fault) during the first year since purchase will be repaired for no cost to the owner (some conditions apply). Gradient guarantees the glider won’t stay in the factory longer than 2 weeks. I may be able to negotiate having this type of repairs done by the Gradient authorised Repair Centre in WA later, but at this stage only Prague is the place.
Gradient Golden II (DHV 1-2)
Golden II http://www.paraglidingheadquarters.com/golden.html glider is live and kicking. Production of all 5 sizes is in a full swing and the demand is beyond expectation. With more than 200 Goldens II made monthly over the last 3 months this glider is a good candidate for becoming the best selling glider to date. The only downside is you have to wait for a new Gradient glider at least 6 weeks now. In Australia I received interest high enough to justify ordering demo even for the normally little required size 24. The glider has arrived last week and is doing its rounds already together with sizes 26 and 28. It is pleasing to see some lady pilots considering the purchases of Golden II. The first female making the plunge is guaranteed a special price Sorry, gone now...
New acro glider – Aspen II Freestyle
With the growing popularity of acro Gradient has introduced a freestyle version of the already popular DHV 2 Aspen II http://www.paraglidingheadquarters.com/aspen.html . The new glider is trimmed and reinforced for acro use. Tested to 12gs Aspen II Freestyle will suit to pilots becoming to experiment with serious acro manoeuvrers while it can be used for “everyday” flying as well. I don’t expect a big market for this glider in Australia, but one never knows ;-).