Performance for All. The Ion 3 is a big leap forward: it outperforms the Ion 2 by more than half a glide ratio point and even performs better than the Mentor 2, which set the standard for cross country wings in the high-end EN-B class up to the end of 2012. How is this possible? Using increasingly sophisticated and comprehensive simulation software we are able to use the computer to make very detailed predictions as to how the wing will perform in the air. This allows us to manufacture simple wings with ever increasing performance. No other wing combines the characteristics of low aspect ratio, easy flight behaviour, performance and safety like the Ion 3. The Ion 3 offers unimaginable possibilities but at the same time it is remarkably gentle in its reaction to collapses. This is the reason we feel the Ion 3 is our most efficient paraglider so far: beginners, old hands, recreational pilots and cross country hounds can equally take advantage of this revolutionary concept. Simply, performance for all. 

Enjoy flight. Paragliders with a low aspect ratio are not only safer – they are more fun too. Why? Because of the greater turning moment and the large span, high aspect ratio can mean more demanding handling. And with a higher aspect ratio the chord is smaller and therefore the brake travel to the stall point is reduced. It is a fine art to match wing geometry to brake adjustment in such a way that safety and fun are in perfect harmony. With the Ion 3 we have achieved exactly that: long brake travel, but simultaneously it is agile and willing to turn when applying a small amount of brake, without being too demanding for the pilot. In comparison to the Ion 2, which set a number of standards in its class, the Ion 3 is the logical next step in our aim to combine performance with fun. Brakes that stay efficient even in lively thermic air were particularly important to our test pilots. The Ion 3 carves a smooth turn. It greedily bites into the turn even in the roughest thermal; at the same time it is even more stable in roll than its predecessor. 

Simplicity and Innovation. From our foundation it has been our mission to produce paragliders which are as simple, but also as powerful, as possible. In many ways simple ideas are an advantage, especially in the air. The reactions of the wing are more predictable. The pilot knows what to expect. The Ion 3 follows this tradition of innovative simplicity. It gains its advantages not primarily from increasing complexity, but from increased knowledge – in other words, real innovation. This includes our know-how in analysis and simulation processes, which permits us to better develop paragliders as a whole. One visible result of this analytical work is SmartCells, a new innovation in paragliding. The cells are of variable width, depending on their load. This has a positive impact on performance and handling. As already featured on the Mentor 3, the Ion 3 has double 3D-Shaping. Air Scoop was included in the Rookie and has been further developed to increase the internal pressure during accelerated flight – this increases performance and resistance to collapses. Therefore the Ion 3 is a big leap in progress. 

Target group

The ION 3 is a paraglider suitable for a wide range of pilots. It offers a high degree of passive safety and is suitable for use in schools (so long as your country sanctions the use of EN B wings for training). On the other hand, its performance is impressive which makes the ION 3 a wing for all occasions: it is a fun wing which turns like a dream; a cross-country machine, tutor and gentle acrobat all in one. It is suitable for gifted beginners as well as experienced pilots with cross-country ambitions.

The ION 3 is a wing with high passive safety and at the same time it has a lot of performance. Simply, performance for all. Your Nova dealer will be delighted to advise on the correct wing!

The Ion experience (photos)

Wings for flyweights

As with its predecessor, the Ion 2, we wanted to produce an Ion 3 in the XXS size, with a weight range beginning at 55kg. It was important to us not just to scale down a large wing, but to take into consideration the technical peculiarities of small wings. For example, our designers and test pilots modified the curvature of the wing and paid particular attention to ensuring that the XXS had a balanced and suitable brake configuration which matches the size of the canopy. Therefore the Ion 3 XXS is more than just a scaled-down large wing. It is a wing with its own, fully-fledged specification. This allows women and lightweight men to enjoy a performance all-rounder. Even at the lower end of the weight range the Ion 3 XXS shows its impressive agility. This is our contribution to equal opportunities in flying. Simply, performance for all.

Discover the Ion 3

Details and Quality (photos)

Technology

Optimised cell widths.

Smart Cells counteract the variable force distribution within the wing that are caused by the line attachments. In NOVA paragliders constructed using Smart Cells, the cell widths have been adapted to the load - basically, intelligent cells. Wings with Smart Cells fly more calmly, are more compact 
and glide better.

Less is more.

Our idea of a three-liner with a reduced amount of line length allows us to construct wings with very good performance and a high degree of passive safety. The way we have conceptualised the lines has made it possible to manufacture wings which are collapse resistant; but when they do collapse, the collapsed area is generally less extensive. This significantly improves the wing‘s extreme flight behaviour.

Under pressure.

NOVA Air Scoop is an optimised air intake, which in-creases the internal wing pressure. Nova‘s Air Scoop principle is similar to the ram-air inlet duct on a sports car: increased airflow produces higher pressure. Higher internal pressure in a paraglider means improved performance through increased 
structural stability and collapse resistance.

Comfort on the ground.

All NOVA paragliders are made to be easy to use. For packing you can use a concertina bag, but it is not essential. Our extensive experience with rods has taught us that the packing method has little influence on the durability of the wing. Bent rods quickly spring back into their original shape.

Flat profile nose.

Anyone who tries to fold a piece of paper around a ball will notice that there are always creases. 
The nose profile of a paraglider is the same - the sail cloth has to adjust to both the profile and ballooning effect (cells are round, not straight). Double 3D Shaping uses additional seams to reduce creasing and therefore increases the performance of the wing.

Light and durable.

Paragliders in the weight-optimised category are lighter than conventional paragliders - but offer the same mechanical stability and durability. These wings are lighter to carry, easier to launch and 
are therefore suitable for hike & fly. Weight-optimised is aimed at pilots who appreciate light weight without compromising on durability.

Technical Data

Size	-	XXS	XS	S	M	L
No of cells	-	49	49	49	49	49
Projected wingspan	m	8.17	8.62	8.99	9.39	9.8
Projected surface area	m²	18.56	20.65	22.58	24.63	26.82
Projected aspect ratio	-	3.58	3.58	3.58	3.58	3.58
Flat wingspan	m	10.61	11.19	11.73	12.25	12.78
Flat surface area	m²	22.1	24.59	26.99	29.44	32.06
Flat aspect ratio	-	5.09	5.09	5.09	5.09	5.09
Line diameter	mm	0,6 / 0,7 / 0,8 / 1,3
Line length	m	6.22	6.56	6.89	7.18	7.49
Total line length	m	219	232	243	254	265
max. chord	cm	256	270	283	295	308
min. chord	cm	74	78	82	86	89
Weight	kg	4.9	5.3	5.7	6.1	6.5
Recommended take-off weight	kg	55-80	70-90	80-100	90-110	100-130
Certification (EN/LTF)	-	B	B	B	B	B

Materials

Leading edge:	DOKDO 30 DMF WR, 41 g/m2
Top surface:	DOKDO 30 DMF WR, 41 g/m2
Bottom surface:	DOKDO 30 DMF WR, 41 g/m2
Profile ribs (with line suspension point):	DOKDO 30 DMF RIB, 41 g/m2
Profile ribs (without line suspension point):	DOKDO 30 DMF WR, 41 g/m2
Main lines:	Liros PPSL 160 (Dyneema)
Gallery lines:	Edelrid A8000-U90 (Armaid); Edelrid A8000-U130 (Armaid);
Brake lines:	Edelrid 7850-240 (Dyneema); Cousine 85 (Dyneema)
Risers:	Güth & Wolf Gurtband 20 mm

Designer's comments

Service

Every NOVA paraglider comes with a big package of extra services and guarantees. When you buy the wing you get more than just the product(1).

Optimise your wing. During the initial flights the lines are subjected to real loads for the first time. This leads to stretching and shrinking - regardless of which line material is used. During NOVA Trim Tuning (2) our software analyses how out of trim the glider has become and then calculates the required correction values. Trim Tuning aids safety and increases your flying fun.

Fully comprehensive insurance. After purchasing the wing and successfully registering it at myNOVA, you are provided with one year fully comprehensive insurance (60 euro excess(3)). You do the damage, we carry the cost. NOVA Protect means that you can concentrate on the important thing: the flying! If you break it, we fix it!

More than a check. The NOVA Full Service is more than just a check. Just like the Trim Tuning, we analyse the line lengths and ensure that the wing is restored to the optimal profile alignment across the whole of the span. Additionally we give the wing a full health check. Our NOVA Full Service gives you confidence in your wing.

Three years without worry. If your wing has undergone NOVA Trim Tuning, the date to the next check is extended from two years to three years. The two-year check becomes a three-year check. This allows you to have an extra year of carefree flying. Please note the maximum permitted flying hours in the manual.

Full four year warranty. As standard, NOVA provides a three year, rather than a two year, guarantee on its paragliders. If your wing has undergone NOVA Trim Tuning and a NOVA Full Service, then we will extend the guarantee for a further year to four years. You get a good feeling flying a NOVA wing.

Everything available, anytime. If you register your wing at myNOVA, it is added to our Quality Assurance Database. In the database - accessed through myNOVA - you can download all the key data about your wing. The database will also assist the person servicing your glider by getting information about your glider at the click of a button. Your glider will be more comprehensively checked.

1 The guarantee and service provision is limited, subject to conditions and not offered to the same extent in all countries. Detailed information is available in our guarantee conditions.
2 This service is included in the purchase price in selected countries. Please contact your dealer for more information.
3 This service covers damage incurred because of an accident while flying. Damage in other circumstances, personal injury, theft or other loss are excluded from this policy.

Colours

Standard Colours: Brown; Gold; Blue

Custom Colours: Choose your colours here then email us the NOVA colour code with your order.

Motor

According to the DGAC (France), the ION 3 has been certified for powered flight. It is suitable for both free flying and paramotoring. You can find the certification documents in the Downloads section.

Scope of delivery

• NOVA Rucksack. The wing and harness will determine the size of the rucksack. We are offering our high quality and comfortable to carry models in size S (110 litres), M (130 litres) and L (150 litres).
• Repair kit. Everyone hopes it will never happen: a hole or tear in the paraglider. We have included a minor damage repair kit in the right colour for such an eventuality.
• NOVA windsock. So you know where the wind is coming from, we have added a NOVA windsock. With a length of approximately 80cm it is large enough for a take-off site.
• Speed system. Your paraglider is fitted with a high quality speed system. Thanks to three holes in the cord attachment point, it will flexibly and simply adapt to your harness and leg length.
• Manual. We have enclosed a very detailed manual which contains everything you need to know about your paraglider. Please study it before flying your wing for the first time.

Downloads

• Manual (PDF)
• Motor: DGAC (PDF)