Nova Prion 2 

Idea and Development

After the big success of the Ion 2 in the "low-level B segment" we continued our path and developed an EN-A glider with similar qualities: This means a very high level of easily usable performance, high stability in turbulent conditions, and pleasant handling characteristics.

We could use a lot of the knowledge which we had gathered during the development of the Ion 2 and also of the Mentor 2. For instance the aerofoil is the same on all three wings, which leads to high performance, high stability, though with a very soft collapse behaviour.

The design of the Prion 2 is significantly more complex than the design of the Prion 1. This is why we are still offering the Prion 1 as a well proved and tested wing for schooling and beginners. 

The Prion 2 is a High-Level EN-A glider with superior performance, which is also suited for more experienced pilots. 

Flying the Prion2

The take-off behaviour is the easiest in the history of Nova: Due to the short lines, a few steps are enough to launch the glider. The lift-off speed is very low.

During flight, one might forget, that the Prion 2 is an EN-A glider: The brake pressure is low and the feedback is precise.

The responsive handling characteristics lead to a lot of fun, and also to very efficient climbing in thermals.

Like on the Mentor 2, and on the Ion2, the high level of stability doesn't decrease when flying accelerated. Because of the high damping around the roll axis, the Prion 2 offers a lot of comfort when flying on full bar.

Safety

The Prion2 provides more brake travel, more stability and less projected aspect ratio than the Prion1 which leads to an even higher level of safety.

The high damping and the soft collapse and reopening behaviour stays the same.

During the final stages of development our test pilots flew many hours in very rough conditions. The pilots tested the stability at trim speed, as well as accelerated.

The Prion 2 is very stable, and - which is just as important - tends to small and soft collapses.

Performance

The Prion 2 offers a similar level of performance as the Mentor1 which was good enough for many 200km FAI triangles.

So a Prion 2 pilot can enjoy the same performance, just with a better handling behaviour, more stability and a much higher level of safety!

The only downside to this performance is that you do lose the excuse to say that "you're only on an EN-A glider", if other pilots fly longer or considerably further with their higher rated gliders!

Technical changes compared to Prion 1

• New aerofoil: because of the three line levels we needed a new aerofoil. It stands out for its pitch stability, the big brake travel and a high collapse resistance. 
• More cells, less lines: The Prion 2 has 39 cells (Prion 1: 35) but significantly less line consumption. This leads to higher dimensional stability and less parasitic drag.
• New accelerator: We've adapted the riser geometry of the Mentor 2 for the Prion 2, which leads to high stability, excellent glide performance and a soft collapse behaviour.
• Reefing system at the trailing edge: We're using this reefing system already on the Factor 2 and on the Ion 2, and it works on the Prion 2 as well: Despite the small number of brake lines, the trailing edge looks very clean when applying brakes. The reefing system reduces brake pressure and improves the turning behaviour.
• Integrated polyamide rods: These very sturdy rods replace the Mylar reinforcements and lead to less weight and more stability. The rods don’t need any more care than the Mylar reinforcements did!

Technical Data

Colours

Standard Colours: Tropical Red (Red); Orange Flux; Green Fizz; Blue Wave

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

Downloads

LTF/EN test reports: Prion 2 XS, Prion 2 S, Prion 2 M, Prion 2 L

Nova Prion 2 - User Manual - English (1.04 MB)