Nova SuSi Q (PAST MODEL)

The simple design of SuSi offers ideal characteristics for a lightweight wing: there are only 28 profile ribs (which means less fabric and materials) and no diagonals or bands. The weight that we save with this type of construction is invested elsewhere in the wing design, resulting robustness and convenient, easy handling. 

SuSi Q is constructed using the ultra-light 10D fabric (weighting 25g/m²), but only on the bottom sail. Conversely, the top sail, the primary lines as well as the 12mm wide Kevlar risers are built to last. This makes SuSi Q a very lightweight wing, but leaving her longevity almost uncompromised. 

Flying the SuSi Q 

Due to the many different sizes (from 14 to 20sqm) and wide range of wing loading, the spectrum of SuSi Q’s behaviour varies vastly. 

The larger wings with "normal" loading are appropriate for beginning to advanced pilots who want comfort and mellow behaviour both in calm linear flow as well as turbulent, thermal conditions. 

On the other end of the spectrum are the smallest SuSi Q sizes with more wing loading, resulting in the fast, dynamic feel of a speedflying wing appropriate for only the most experienced pilots.

Safety

Naturally, SuSi Q’s safety characteristics depend on the size and loading of the glider. A SuSi Q 20 within the recommended weight range of 60 to   80kg provides excellent passive safety as a beginner or student wing, while the SuSi Q 14 at almost any loading is a very dynamic wing (say in the case of a collapse) and will be appropriate for very experienced pilots only.

As always, NOVA has completed extensive testing for all sizes in turbulent air. The larger SuSi Q sizes were rated for their recommended sizes as full EN A wings in all senses of the description.

With the very small sizes, it is challenging to achieve a fully compliant EN-/LTF flight behaviour and rating. But we are convinced, based on the data collected and outcome of testing, that our research and development have brought significant improvement in safety and predictable behaviour for these mini or speedflying wings.  Furthermore we believe that the insights we have gained are also of great benefit for the larger SuSi Q sizes as well with respect to furthering flying safety.

Information Regarding Appropriate Wing Loading

The optimal size SuSi Q for YOU depends on the range of application intended for the pilot, as well as a realistic assessment of the pilot skill level.

For example, if you are an occasional pilot and intend to use the wing primarily in weak fall thermals, the SuSi Q 14 would not be appropriate due to its dynamic behaviour and faster descent rate. Conversely, experienced pilots who intend to fly mostly high-wind coastal soaring sites (say at 45 km/hr winds), should not choose a SuSi Q 20 for obvious reasons!

Generally speaking, for all the student or beginning pilots or those who have very little experience with these mini, dynamic speedflying wings, we recommend that you select one of the larger EN A rated wings with standard sizing and loading for your personal flying growth and safety.

If you are not sure about the right size, feel free to contact us via email. Please also consider the following information about the pilot's profile:

Pilot's demands

The big sizes of SuSi Q are rated as EN A or EN B. (with a normal wing loading)

For these gliders we refer to the corresponding statements for the SuSi.

For the smaller sizes the requirements regarding the piloting skills increase.

Some manufacturers publish tables to represent the demands on the pilots skills in relation to the wing loading. For the SuSi Q 14 we might recommend a very experienced pilot for an overall weight of more than 80kg. The problem of such a definition is the lack of clarity about just how this is to be understood.

That's why we try a different approach by pointing out the general dangers of flying small wings in an open way:

1.) Little tolerance for wrong steering inputs

You sometimes see pilots who misjudge their landing and then quickly fly a turn or a full circle without really thinking ahead.

Such a poorly executed and sudden change of directions usually doesn't lead to an accident with a normal paraglider. With a highly-loaded SuSi14 the sink speed during turns is way bigger. This increases the chance of a bad outcome in such a situation.

Similar considerations can be made in the case of unintended motion around longitudinal axis. (rolling). With a big paraglider such a slow rolling motion is rather non-critical. But with a highly-loaded mini-wing an uncontrolled rolling-motion may end in very quick turns with huge loss of height in each turn. The pilot has to be perfectly able to stop any rolling-motion (e.g. caused by turbulences) immediately and intuitively.

After a collapse an immediate and proper reaction is needed as well to prevent a huge loss of altitude.

2.) Braking Effect in an out-of-control-situation:

The outcome of many paragliding accidents is comparatively harmless, even if the pilot has no control at all. 25sqm of cloth help to reduce the energy of impact to a level which is often low enough to prevent the pilot from severe injuries. If you halve the size of a wing, you double the energy of impact in case of a crash. It is self-explanatory that the chance of injuries increases as well.

3.) Higher Speed

You need to run faster at launch and the wing losses more altitude immediately after launch during picking up speed. This increases the demand on the pilot and it requires a proper assessment of the launch conditions.

At landing the speed is higher as well and in connection with the big altitude loss in turns you have to know exactly how to perform your landing approach.

If you screw up your landing and for example hit a fence at the end of the landing field, it's better to hit it with a big glider, than with a very small one.

4.) The temptation to fly in turbulent and windy conditions

It's quite easy to launch a small glider in strong winds. This might tempt one to fly in conditions, in which one wouldn't even consider to launch with a big paraglider.

Of course you can fly in stronger laminar winds than with a big paraglider.

But especially in the mountains strong wind usually happens in conjunction with strong turbulence. We do not believe in the widely-held view, that it's safer to fly a very small wing in strong turbulence than a big paraglider.

5.) The temptation to fly close to the terrain (mainly with the sizes 10 & 12)

Sizes 10 an 12 glider considerably better, than similar sized speedflying wings. But the handling characteristics are quite similar: In tight turns you lose a lot of height, which allows to fly down mountains close to the ground.

Any misjudgement or an unexpected turbulence can lead to a serious accident.

Of course these five issues become more important with increasing wing-loading.

As mentioned in the beginning we deliberately avoid to do the weighting of these issues for the pilots, by saying we recommend a certain wing-loading only for "very experienced" pilots.

Instead we are appealing to carefully read these five issues. If you are in doubt of the best size, it's better to go for the bigger, than for the smaller size.

We are of course at your disposal to answer any questions by email or phone.

Technical Data 

Colours

Standard Colours: Green Wave; Blue Lagoon.

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

Scope of delivery

• 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.
• 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.
• Manual. We have enclosed a very detailed manual which contains everything you need to know about your flying equipment. Please study it before flying your gear for the first time.

Service Info & FAQs

Read Nova Paragliders service information and answers to frequently asked questions here.

Downloads 

Check-Documents: 

• SuSi Q list of materials (118.77 KB)

Line Plans:

SuSi Q 14 - 16 - 18 - 20