Aspen 4 nears completion

Gradient make public news about the likely release date of the New Aspen 4.

Gradient is now in the  last stage of testing the new Aspen4. Size 28 has already successfully finished its flight tests and is now ready for EN-C certification with the design team very pleased with the finished result. They are now hard at work preparing the other Aspen4 sizes now. We expect sizes 28, 26 and 24 to be available to market around  November- December 2011. We are really excited by this new wing, as it will meet the needs of a large population of pilots and will easily rival the best of rest within the category.

The aim  to continue with the great Aspen line by developing a wing with exceptional performance, yet to not be a difficult EN-C glider or lose the typical Gradient handling and predictable behaviour Gradient owners enjoy. Through the optimisation of the line layout Gradient have managed to reduce the line consumption by more than 35% compared to the same size Aspen 3(28). This in large is due to a  new and unique development which they are calling the 'DDsystem'. An internal load distribution system which makes it possible to use only 48 hanging loops on the canopy. This thoughtful and clever optimisation has significantly reduced line drag without losing any of the feel, which Gradient are renowned for creating in all their wings.
It was rumoured that this may have come at the expense of added weight but Gradient designer Ondej has  used his considerable design 'magic' to balance the added complexity of the internal structure with the reduction of less weight with the reduced line set with the careful use of the nylon wire in the leading edge construction while adding  two more cells for the Aspen 4  to maintain a respectable overall weight of  5.8kg for the size 28.