A very subjective and emotional test report. First of all: all the test pilots were enthusiastic!
A brief overview
Die Zweileinertechnik gibt es mittlerweile schon einige Jahre, nicht nur im Wettkampfbereich sondern auch bei den D-Schirmen. Neu ist, dass die Hersteller ihre Zweileiner auch als EN-C Schirme bauen und homologieren dürfen. Die Konstruktion mit nur zwei Leinenebenen hat den Vorteil der Reduktion des Leinenwiderstandes und bringt, vor allem im beschleunigten Flug, mehr Leistung. Der Anstellwinkel des Flügels kann über die hintere B-Ebene, ohne das Profil zu verändern, gesteuert werden. So kann man in turbulenter Luft schneller fliegen und besser gleiten als bei einem 3-Leiner. Ozones Ziel war es, die Leistungen der Hochleister (ZENO 2 & ENZO) mit der Sicherheit der C-Klasse (DELTA & ALPINA) zu kombinieren. Unserer Meinung nach ist das in vielen Bereichen definitv gelungen!
Test setting
Strong spring conditions in the Spanish Pyrenees. Very strong thermals combined with a lot of wind provide challenging and exciting testing conditions. Later in the evening, the gentle reverse thermals show the potential in weak conditions.
Experience report
First of all, this is not going to be a classic test report. I'm not particularly interested in material mixes, nor am I a hobby designer and can write a lot about sharknose etc. I just wanted to fly the glider and have fun enjoying the great conditions in the Pyrenees. That's why this is more of an experience than a test report of a few flights in beautiful spring conditions.
The takeoff in a crosswind was familiar and easy. I think the wing will work at the launch site and will not cause any problems. Immediately after takeoff, the Photon glides into the first thermals and feels solid, stable and good. I recognize the Zeolite and the Zeno 2 in it and immediately feel at home.
The first stronger tubes turn almost by themselves, the wing does exactly what I want. Whether steep or flat, it turns smoothly and as if by itself. It can also be pushed on well and goes easily to the center. The brake pressure is pleasant, getting harder at the bottom, and it indicates the impending stall well. Even after one-sided stalls, the wing starts moving immediately and behaves very easily.
The canopy flies super stable between thermal bubbles. It also handles full throttle straight out of the tube. I have flown it many times with extra rough motor control or when taking photos without active control and there have never been any problems or rattles. When accelerating, the B-level controls finely like a Zeno 2, but it is just not quite as fast as the high-performance model. Gliding comparisons in strong thermals over several kilometers in the same class showed: The Photon is definitely top in terms of gliding performance, it is a few km/h faster and is easier to control.
A few maneuvers: The spiral is easy, with automatic recovery. Mega wingover ;-). One-sided stall is easy and after half a turn it's no problem when starting up. The stall is clearly visible, I haven't flown a full stall. I don't like that. Collapses aren't so easy because they don't want to collapse. Even if you fly badly in turbulent air, the glider doesn't want to collapse.
Disadvantages?
The ears really don't look as sexy as on the Advance paragliders. They work and keep the paraglider stable and on course when accelerating. But I'd rather fly the paraglider myself than look at it. And whether you need them in the 2-line system in the C range and see a disadvantage in it is a matter of opinion. I think it's good. SiKu's will become more complicated because the paraglider won't fold without folding lines.
Conclusion
I'm thrilled. Who wants my Zeno 2? It's available from today at a reasonable price on the Occ. market (20h, 3,000 francs).
Join the Adventure, Ueli
