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.

AvaSport New patented rescue opening system!

After 2 years of development  and testing  AVA Sport have a new patented rescue opening system. They are now developing it so that it can be fiitted for all harnesses and of course they would like to make it with cerification before it finally goes to market.  It will be finished about end of January beginning of February next year.

 

Yet more great camera work from Team Freestyle.
The Freestyle2 has to be one of the most eyecatching gliders out at the moment. And so fun to fly as well!

New products from Gradient

Gradient have been busy while we have been enjoying this record British summer.

They have recently released the fantastically fun  freestyle 2 which aims to offer the expressive pilot, with its sensitive feedback the opportunity to show off your skill level, while providing you with that little extra  security when you want to hone your new moves. 

Training with the Freestyle2 will help take your flying to the next level !

The Gradient  rucksack for the 2012 season features  a new design and materials. Special attention has been given to the design of the main load bearing areas; where the shoulder straps join the base of the bag for example. This improved design and clever use of material geometry gives a far stronger bag without having to use extra reinforcements that add weight. The zips are reassuringly by YKK and they are further protected by 3 compression straps each side and one on the top, that take the strain off the zippers. the compression straps also allow effective compression of the load for the longer walk-ins. The hip belt has a zippered and lined pocket for mobile phone, wallet etc. the belt is well padded but can be removed to facilitate airline transport etc.. The rucksack is very comfortable and carries higher for improved ergonomics and better freedom of movement. The top pocket is a useful size and there is  a clear plastic information pocket next to the haulage strap located between the shoulder strap attachment points. The Rucksack is supplied with all new season models and is available individually in sizes M L XL for £80.00

Gradient have also produced a very functional protective concertina bag . with an extra padded leading edge protection as well as mesh ventilation and a two way YKK zipper. This is a simple yet essential accessory to help you look after your gliders leading edge.

  There are two packing straps within and a compression strap on the outside to secure the folded glider. Each strap is attached to the bag so they can't get lost. The main cover material is lightweight and of superior quality. The Gradient logo is printed on the outside. Available now as an optional  extra £50 or free when you buy your new glider from us.

Gradient Freestyle 2

We know a picture speaks a thousand words so this seems the best way to introduce you to Gradient's new Freesyle 2 glider. Enjoy!

For technical info click on Freestyle 2

X-Alps 2011

Five Pilots in this years Red Bull X-alps  have chosen  to fly  the special X-Alps - Avax XC3, which is equipped with trimmers, has a much lighter canopy and a thinner line set.
We wish them the best of luck  and also all the best to our two British Team pilots Jon Chambers and Steve Nash!

Gradient Pilots

- Thomas De Dorlodot BEL

- Jan Skrabalek CZE

- Jouni Makkonen FIN

- Michael Gebert GER

- Pierre Carter RSA

Photo : Red Bull 2011 - Jan Skrabalek (CZE) flying

Gradient makes claim to longest single flight in the Himalaya

Congratulations to Thomas De Dorlodot who onboard his X-Alps XC3 has just completed a fantastic flight which surpassses Brad Sanders epic flight. Thomas completes his flight by a different route.
He writes

"The flight starts well as Hernan Pitocco opens the game followed by Horacio Llorens and I. Somehow it feels funny to fly XC with those 2 great acro pilot. Usually they start tumbling around when they arrive at cloudbase. But today we play a different game and those guys also now how it works. We fly as a team but at some point we take different options. Pitocco is agressive and flys fast but looses some height in a difficult transition. He will make it back easy and raise the rythem. We all have different styles and I like it. We have 8 hours to get to know each other and make the best out of this day together… The spirit is good and I have to say that without them this flight may not have been possible.

I do not have much oxygen in my bottle so I go easy. Anyway, cloudbase is low today. We can  (only) climb to 5500m this morning. After, it is like usual; from one thermal to another, one cloud to another.. east face, south face, west face… I think I reached the state of hypoxia a few time as I usually do not sing in turbulent conditions…

Time is running fast and cloudbase getting higher. We climb together with Horacio in a very turbulent thermal at 6300m. The thermal is in the lee side and that’s when acro skills really help… Just high enough to freeze our hands. We can feel the tension, no one is talking on the radio for the 3 hotest hours of the day… Concentrated guys… The motivations is high. 189 km from Booni means Gilgit and a hot shower… The view is breathtaking. We can see Nanga Parbat, K2 and some huge thunderstorm. I have some Belgian chocolate with me as a secret weapon but no water. I am talking to my Gradient XC3 when it is rough, to the mountain and to the birds when the thermal comes nice and smooth… It will be funny on our film as we are actually filming a documentary with Belgian director Olivier Vanashen. I have a microphone on me and a camera…

We make some distance and we start to believe that Gilgit is a realistic goal. But, as we fly above Gilgit, I start to see the possibility to break this record flight. It is a one time opportunity. I eat some Belgian chocolate and engage the fight… I say  God if you exist let me know now… and the vario starts beeping… I reconsider my point of view about religions and start turning around…

It feels like my dear Belgium flatlands flying. 0.5m/s. I get the last 30 km like that and land with the wind in the back just to make the best out of my glide. I think I am alone in the midle of nowhere and I scream  (thank you to the sky). A minute later, as usual, an army of kids are runing around. I land near a town called Pari… I wish I could be in the french capital and enjoy ( la cuisine française) and a fresh beer. But it is most likely not going to happen.My legs cannot hold me and I am exhausted. I hitch hike and go back to town to meet my friends. I do not know yet if I flew more than Brad or not. It does not matter. What matters here is to have fun and to enjoy."

A great flight on a great glider well done Thomas 
 
http://www.xcontest.org/world/en/flights/detail:Tomdedor/6.6.2011/05:42