Advance IOTA (PAST MODEL)

Technical data

Colours

Colours: Lime, Pacific, Bordeaux, Gold, Bronze.

Quality Lightweight Technology

There is now a new light category. Thanks to computationally modelled lightweight-structure design techniques, the IOTA weighs only 4.45kg ( 23m2 size). And yet the IOTA is a robust and durable product thanks to the material choice of Skytex 32 and 38 from Porcher Sport. The low weight of the canopy improves takeoff behaviour, considerably increases passive safety, and contributes to direct handling.

Exceptional passive safety

The IOTA features a low minimum flying speed. Approach to the stall is clearly communicated to the pilot via clearly progressive brake pressure. This is all the result of an optimal air intake design. Low IOTA canopy mass means low wing inertia, and an overall compact concept contributes to the reassuring character of the IOTA. All these factors contribute to the IOTA’s high safety level.

Maximum Performance

Detailed simulation and stress analysis enabled us to engineer the double 3D shaping and surface ballooning to the greatest advantage. The result for us; an even smoother wing surface and more shape stability – looked at from every direction. Your result: even more performance. The IOTA’s balanced compactness and a carefully-chosen pitch-stable profile mean that you can always make the most of the wing’s potential – in real-life conditions. 

"Something in the Air" Episodes

Structural Weight Optimization

A computational analysis of the interior of the glider resulted in a massive reduction of the overall weight. The topology of the lightening holes of the profiles and diagonal ribs was optimized with respect to the operational stresses and forces. The complex structure is initially reminiscient of a block of Swiss cheese. The outcome of this intensive development process is a product which is noticeably lighter and yet still durable, with an unvarying flight behaviour over time.

Advanced Air Inlet Design

The unique combination of the ADVANCE semi-circular inlets and Air Scoop Technology enables a significantly lower brake position at stall and considerably larger progressivity in brake pressure, yielding a lower spin tendency when flying curves. The inner pressure remains high even at high angles of attack thanks to the careful design of the air inlets. The overall goal of this optimization of the inner pressure is the improvement of passive safety.

100% Aramid Lines: Special Coating and Workmanship

The IOTA comes 100% equipped with low stretch, unsheathed Aramid lines manufactured by Edelrid. There are no Dyneema lines used at all. Durability and robustness have been maximized thanks to the careful assembly of inner and outer loop reinforcements as well as an elaborate yarn coating. Many years of experience using this top-quality product are evidence that the advantages of using unsheathed Edelrid lines dominate over all alternatives.

Real Tension Control

Keeping a close eye on the forces and strains in the canopy is crucial for having the least amount of wrinkles and the best performance. Our design tools and methods are capable of computing the distribution of forces and strains in the entire canopy. The optimal aeroelastic design, from 3D panel shaping through to ballooning, is achieved in an iterative, computational process. This enables the maximum conversion of theoretical performance into real performance.

Features

• Ceramic brake rings: Lighter and low-friction for easier brake application
• Optimized brake handles, with swivel
• Speed-Performance-Indicator: The SPI is not just an easy way for the pilot to decide the best speed to fly. It can also help the pilot to perfectly set up the speed system* in the ADVANCE harness hanger.
• Different sized risers: The smaller the wing the shorter the risers: smaller people with shorter arms tend to fly smaller gliders – so this idea suits their heights and ideal hand positions for braking.
• Different sized brake handles: same principle as the riser lengths – smaller brake handles for smaller wings and hands.
• Ronstan speed system pulleys: These high quality ball bearing pulleys reduce the speedbar load and make the system easier and freer to push.
• Two-geared speed system*: By moving the position of the ball the changeover position from 3:1 to 2:1 gearing can be altered. The speedbar travel and load can then be best suited to the pilot’s dimensions - leg length in particular.

*Advance now only supply speed bars with their harnesses (with exceptions) and not their wings. Check out our speed bars here and if you need help choosing the correct one for your harness then please contact Flybubble.

How is the IOTA positioned between the EPSILON and the SIGMA?
In terms of demands on the pilot, the IOTA is exactly between the EPSILON and the SIGMA. In terms of performance, the IOTA is actually quite close to the SIGMA 9. Within the ADVANCE product range the IOTA possesses the most well-balanced mix of performance and easy piloting. The sportier SIGMA is more dynamic and has a higher top speed. The entry-level to intermediate EPSILON 7 is more compact and easier to pilot.

Why are all of the lines on the IOTA unsheathed?
The unsheathed Aramid lines manufactured by Aramid which we use on the IOTA have the same strength as sheathed Dyneema lines of the same diameter. Due to its large amount of stretchabilty, Dyneema has been excluded for quality reasons from use as main lines on all ADVANCE gliders. We have had a very good experience in recent years with Edelrid Aramid lines. Countless strength measurements performed during standard paraglider checks show that Aramid retains its strength even after very intensive usage. Aramid is a very robust material with a high UV resistance and high abrasion resistance. For instance, Aramid yarn gets coated with a “Double Nanocoating” before being braided. In addition, the braiding is very compact and smooth, which has positive consequences on its aerodynamic resistance.The loops in the line forks are outfitted with internal reinforcements for a more durable contact pressure. Line loops which are attached directly on maillons are fitted with an additional outer protective cover. 

Why does the IOTA have no miniribs?
Several flight test comparisons demonstrated to us that miniribs on the IOTA presented no aerodynamic advantage over an equivalent construction without miniribs. Therefore we decided against including them in order to keep the canopy as light as possible. 

Which harness is best for flying the IOTA?
The best harness for flying the IOTA is the new ADVANCE LIGHTNESS 2. Weighing in at 2.8kg, the LIGHTNESS is also an optimized low-weight product, and with its certified protector and integrated rescue, it fully fulfills its function as a harness. The mid-sized cross-country equipment, including glider and harness, weighs less than 10 kg total with this package. Being a pod harness, the LIGHTNESS 2 is not only very comfortable for long flights, but it is also very sleak and aerodynamic.

Where does the name IOTA come from?
Following the 25 year ADVANCE tradition of naming paragliders, our new High-Level EN B also gets its name from the Greek alphabet. The ι is alphabetically located between ε (Epsilon) and Σ (Sigma). This is also the logical placement of the IOTA within the ADVANCE product range as a High-Level B glider. 

Materials

Downloads

Documents

• IOTA User manual
• Getting Started

Test reports EN/LTF

• IOTA 23 EN/LTF Flight Test Reports
• IOTA 26 EN/LTF Flight Test Reports
• IOTA 28 EN/LTF Flight Test Reports
• IOTA 30 EN/LTF Flight Test Reports

Advance IOTA reviews

The IOTA responds quickly to control inputs, it's one of the more responsive and agile wings in its class.

- Carlo Borsattino, Flybubble

The IOTA has found its own place in the ADVANCE palette. Everything about it is optimised, a great achievement!

- Cedric Nieddu, Parapente Mag

We will be seeing the IOTA again in the results of various XC competitions!

- Norbert Aprissnig, Thermik Magazine

More Advance IOTA paraglider reviews.

The IOTA is also featured in Flybubble's article and video series Choose The Right Paraglider.