After one year of development we are happy to introduce our new biplace. The wing, which we called BION was built to attract a big group of pilots. On the one side we were aiming at commercial tandem pilots who are mainly interested in maximum durability and a very reliable flight- and launch behaviour. But the group of recreational pilots will like the BION for its agile and smooth handling characteristics. Furthermore the BION glides very well and offers outstanding stability, no matter if trimmers opened or closed. This makes it the perfect wing to enjoy extensive thermal flights together.
The huge weight range of the Bion allows almost any pilot to stay within the certified weight range. The Bion 37 has a weight range of 115-230kg, and is certified EN B. The smaller version, Bion 33, is also certified EN B and has a weight range from 90kg to 200kg.
The small Bion has a very pleasant handling behaviour with little pressure on the brakes. This allows enjoying long thermal flights without tiring the pilot. The speed range is even bigger than on the Bion 37.
The small Bion has (like the Bion 37) a fixation to block the outer A-lines for performing big ears.
Development:
Before we started the actual development of the BION, we talked to many commercial and recreational tandem pilots. The group of professionals mentioned an easy take-off behavior and maximum longivety as the most important properties of an tandem glider. The recreational pilots were mainly interested in a smooth handling, a high safety-level and a pleasant performance.
It took us about one year to develop a tandem glider, which united all those properties to our satisfaction.
The design of the BION is characterized by a rather low aspect ratio, which leads to a very gentle collapse- and launch behavior. The short line length improves the launch behavior even more and also leads to a well balanced handling characteristic.
To ensure, that all those properties can be enjoyed for a long time, the BION doesn’t only have a very strong line setup, but we also chose a canopy design with many suspension points, to keep the load and the deformation of the ribs low.
Flying the BION:
The BION stands out for its very steady and reliable launch behavior. Due to the short lines, the BION doesn’t tend to „dive“ after take off.
When airborne, the pilot will notice the smooth and agile handling characteristics of the BION. Even with a low wing loading, the glider will precisely follow the pilots steering inputs. The new trimmer system allows increasing the speed by about 10km/h. The high stability and the comfortable amount of damping stay the same.
This combination of well balanced handling behavior and high stability allows enjoying long thermal flights without tiring the pilot.
The very comfortable behavior continues at the landing: The right timing for flaring is easy to find and the low minimum speed allows a smooth landing.
Safety:
From the beginning of the development process it was obvious, that the design of the BION offers a big safety potential in almost every flight attitude. So it was rather easy to stay within the limits fort he EN B certification. The high safety level enabled to get the certification for a very big weight range.
The BION can be legally flown from 115 to 230kg! So pilots don't have to worry any longer, if a passanger might be too light or too heavy.
Performance:
In best tradition of Nova, the BION offers a very good glide ratio. Due to the high stability the glide performance can be comfortably used also in rough conditions. When thermalling, the smooth handling makes it easy to climb efficiently. Even with a high wing loading, the BION doesn’t tend to „dive“ in sharp turns.
We have also thought about a way to comfortably reduce the glide ratio: The BION has a fixation to block the outer A-lines to perform „Big-Ears“ for a long time without effort.
Changes and new features compared to the JAMBOO:
- Less aspect ratio: For easy take-off and handling and for a high safety level
- Shorter lines: For better take-off and for an improved turning behavior
- Split A-risers with a magnet fixation and a fixation to hold „Big Ears“
- Dirt holes on the stabilo
- New position and fixation of the brake pulley for better ergonomics
- Vector band at the cell openings for increased stability
- New carbon spreader bar for maximum strength and low weight
Colours
Standard Colours: Orange Flux; Green Fizz.
Custom Colours: Choose your colours here then email us the NOVA colour code with your order.
TECHNICAL DATA
Service Info & FAQs
Read Nova Paragliders service information and answers to frequently asked questions here.
