High-performance intermediate wings,though a relatively recent development in the paraglider market, now represent its most important sales sector. After flying most of the currently available models, Steve Uzochukwu complied this report on the breed.

In 1995 we saw a significant number of canopies like the Nova Xenon and Advance Omega 3 on the market that hailed a greater leap in performance than hitherto - and with it an increased requirement for experience and ability from the pilot. At the same time a crop of canopies came along that had slightly less than top performance but possessed a great deal of security, so much so that these 'high-performance intermediates' have similar glide performance to the competition canopies of two years back - but with DHV 2 or AFNOR Performance certification. Amongst the experienced leisure pilots flying maybe once a week, the high-performance intermediate is becoming a popular choice. This section of the market is expanding and depreciation rates are a lot lower than for competition machines.

What do we mean by a high performance intermediate? I take this to mean a canopy bought possibly as a first, but more likely a second, glider; one that is a logical step from up from the beginner or intermediate flown whilst still at school. It would be classified as AFNOR Performance or DHV 2 or 2/3 rated, but not all AFNOR Performance class gliders are suitable as a second canopy and some may require more experience.

The following canopies were flown for the purposes of this review: Advance Sigma 3, Airwave Samba, Apco Spectra, FreeX Frantic, ITV Agena, ITV Merak, Nova Xyon and Up Vision. In addition the following wings were also flown as a comparison between competition and intermediate gliders: Advance Omega 3, Edel Energy, Nova Xenon and Pro Design Contest.

Overview

Most of these canopies are quite straightforward in construction, although the Frantic and Xyon appear to have fewer lines than the rest. All the canopies had speed systems, pulling on A, B and sometimes C risers to speed the canopy up. The ITV Merak, FreeX Frantic and Airwave Samba have trim tabs, but with a small range of adjustment compared to competition risers offered as a noncertified extra on some wings. The tabs on the Samba had a marked effect on both the trim speed of the canopy (i.e. speed with brakes off) and the brake pressure. On the Merak the tabs did not make such a difference to the trim speed but had more effect on brake pressures. Standards of finish are good on all these canopies, however the Sigma 3 and Samba appeared to be the best finished. The Airwave rucksack also deserves a mention, being a Sup'Air sourced item. Average glide for this class is between 7 and 7.2:1 and top speed between 40 and 45 km/h. Performance figures were obtained from Vol Libre (VL), Parapente Magazine (PP) or Paragliding Magazine (PM) and Andy Bucknill's tests for Skywings.

Basic impressions

Advance Sigma 3. Very responsive, but not a first canopy. The Sigma 3 is possibly the flattest and fastest turning of this group. The handling is very similar to the Omega 3 - very responsive to brakes and weight shift. The feedback from the canopy is good enough to allow you to thermal without a vario. However, the ground handling is slightly more advanced than some of the other canopies listed here, although it requires no more than two or three attempts to master. Some may also find that the feedback is too much for their taste, although the canopy feels solid and cuts through turbulence well. Definitely a canopy for the ambitious pilot, with better glide than the class average and a very flat polar which gives very good glide at speed (VL figures), but it will need the speed system connected to make the most of it. Unusually for a canopy at this level, big ears stay in and require brakes be used to get them out again. A very distinctive canopy, very well made with winglets on the top surface.

Airwave Samba. A good benchmark second canopy. Very easy to ground handle and stable in the air but with good feedback to the pilot and response to weight shift. Trim tabs had a marked effect on top speed. Brake pressures are moderate with the tabs set slow, increasing as the tabs come off. The tabs have about 2` of travel. As soon as they are taken off the slow setting the canopy certification changes from AFNOR Standard to Performance. Alpine launching is best done with tabs set about 1" off the slow position and thermalling is best with them all the way to slow. The fast position makes launching easier in a bit of wind. However with tabs full fast and speed bar full on the canopy feels as though care must be exercised. Top speed is above average for the class, with independent tests varying between 45 and 48 km/h (VIL, Skywings). In strong thermals the tips sometimes sound as if they are going to fold but never do, and big ears come out, encouragingly, on their own.

Apco Spectra. A solid wing. It pulls up in reverse very well and handling is good on the brakes. It doesn't appear to turn as flat as the Samba with weight shift but goes very nicely nonetheless. Along with the Merak this canopy has a very low pilot workload when in flight and is thus a very good recreational canopy.

FreeX Frantic. FreeX (pronounced Freaks) are a new German manufacturer run by Christophe Kirsche and Rasso von Schlichtegroll, and their offering in this market is the Frantic. I was offered a flight on this canopy after I had finished my initial testing, but felt it very worthy of comment. The canopy has ears like the Custom Sail Alien but a good deal smaller. Reduced line layout with 3 A's, B's and C's each side is apparent. The glider is AFNOR Performance and DW 2 rated (without trims). The trims allow just over an inch of movement. Target pilot is at CP level, straight outof school. Ground handling is very easy and the canopy comes up with a very light pull. It has no tendency to sit back and requires the very lightest dab of brake as it comes overhead in the reverse launch situation. With the trims off the canopy will build up a good speed on the take-off run. Weight shift response is very good, brake pressures are light to moderate and handling is excellent. Feedback is close to ideal, allowing thermalling without a vario. The speed system is not the standard bar with a rope each side, but I didn't have one and the handling on the speed system was not tested. This canopy had a rare combination: security and simplicity consistent with a new pilot, yet handling that gave pleasure to very experienced pilots with 100+ hours.

ITV Agena. This could be a first canopy for a good student; also an excellent choice as second. AFNOR Standard certification. Brake pressures are moderate, and the wing 360s well without the need for weight shift, and in fact it doesn't respond very well to weight shift. Solid and easy to thermal. It has potential beyond the level that 95% of its owners will ever fly it to. Also ideal for the recreational pilot, but definitely cross-country capable. Solid feel with 100% speed bar, with speed appropriate to a first canopy.

ITV Meralk. Solid, very easy to fly canopy. The trim tabs did not have a marked effect on trim speed but made a difference to handling in 360s. It thermals best with the tabs set all the way to slow but requires them set neutral or fast for good ground handling. On the 31 size in the middle of the weight range the canopy was solid all the way to 100% speed bar with the tabs full off, but top speed is only average (VL/PM). Some people find the feel a bit 'dead' but this canopy is very good in strong thermic conditions. Brake pressure is moderate to heavy and efficient, tight turns require aggressive weight shift. Certification is AFNOR Performance, but the Merak I flew has just been superseded by the Merak 96 with similar performance and Standard certification.

Nova Xyon. The Xenon, the Xyon's big brother is documented as having the best glide and top speed of any canopy Vol Libre have ever tested. The Xenon is not suitable for the average pilot and Nova have worked hard to transfer the technology that made the Xenon so good to a glider that the club pilot with 20+ hours can fly safely, but the Xyon is not a first canopy. The Xyon has a similar line layout to the Xenon with very few lines; it has only three risers and no trim tabs. The sail has the Xenon's diagonal ribs, allowing the reduced number of lines. Ground handling is very simple; the glider doesn't seem to go off to one side and is easy to keep overhead. Weight shift appears to work very well, giving just about the right amount of feedback. Handling is good and brake pressures are moderate, the glider is quick to turn but not quite as quick as the Sigma 3. Big ears stay in and require a pump on the brakes to get them out. Straight line speed felt good and the glider feels stable right up to the end of the travel on the speed bar. I didn't do enough flying to be able to make detailed comparisons with other canopies of the glide at speed and the min sink. The Xyon has AFNOR Performance certification or DHV 2/3, with the speed system and without harness restrictions.

Up Vision. A very easy to fly canopy. Launching is straightforward, and the wing is stable even when on the speed bar. Not the same speed range as the Samba; more of a first canopy for the gifted student. Certification is AFNOR Standard. The wing responds to weight shift but without the level of feedback that would frighten a low airtime pilot. It has a slight glide disadvantage compared to the class norm (VL).

Conclusions