- New profile for ultra high pitch stability and enhanced glide performance.
- New triangle cell openings at leading edge and mini ribs at trailing edge.
- Clean, light weight sail planform for agility and ease of launch.
- 12% Reduction in line drag over the Buzz Z.
- Perfectly balanced sail tension for stability in active air and moderated glider feedback.
- 6 sizes enable you to choose the section of the weight range you want to fly in, and ensures you have a wing that is tailored to your size.
- LTF 1-2 / EN B Certification
The Buzz Series has set a new standard for versatility in the 1-2 / B class of wings.With passive safety and comfort suitable for newer pilots, and handling and glide performance for long XC flights, the new Z3 is a highly capable tool in the hands of a Beginner-Intermediate pilot.
Balance
Finding the ideal balance between sail weight, aspect ratio, and profile is the crucial quest for any wing, but in the 1-2 / B category the result must come together with all of the factors aligned equally, and with no sacrifice. The Z3 is the perfect balance between safety and performance for many pilots. Talented beginners will find a wing with which they can progress for several years, and higher airtime pilots will experience the full usability of the Z3 in active air and real XC conditions.
Feeling
Flying the Z3, comfort is the first word that comes to mind. The compact, pitch stable feel is ‘natural’ and relaxing. Feedback to the pilot is perfectly moderated through progressive brake pressure, providing information that you will use to climb easily in thermals. The pitch stability of the Z3 means that it carves gently into the core of the thermal, without sliding out or resisting the perfect roll angle, which is all too common in other 1-2 / B wings with less handling. The Buzz Z3 has a highly compact and coordinated feel which pilots of all abilities will appreciate.
Performance
Extremely solid in active air, you will instantly appreciate the Z3’s stability in turbulence and in accelerated flight. A carefully refined profile and perfectly balanced sail tension are its key ingredients for performance in active air. New mini-ribs make the trailing edge smooth and free of unnecessary parasitic drag, and a new line plan has reduced the overall line drag by 12% over its predecessor.
The Buzz Z3 is an ideal choice for pilots who fly approximately 30-50 hours per year, or for more experienced pilots who are searching for a wing with passive safety and comfort in the middle of the 1-2 / B class.
We have poured a great deal of time and energy into the design and testing of this wing, as with all of our wings, with the knowledge that the Buzz series has become the best-selling choice for thousands of leisure pilots around the world.
Designer's Notes
The Concept
The Z3 is an evolution of the Buzz Z
Defining factors: Ease, Comfort, Maximum Pleasure in the 1-2 / B Class
New Features
New airfoil: A lot of research and testing was completed in order to achieve better pitch stability and a smoother variation of lift across the entire range of the wing’s angle of attack.
This translates into a wing with one of the highest levels of comfort imaginable.
Another benefit of this new profile was increased efficiency, and therefore better glide performance in turbulent air.
The aspect ratio remained very close to the Buzz Z, at 5.15. Safety, comfort, a forgiving feel, and fun were the main criteria.
New mini-ribs on the trailing edge reduce drag. This is a free performance boost, without no sacrifice of safety.
Same amount of cells and the same internal structure with the same diagonal and compression strap layout as the Buzz Z. This construction has proven to be the best compromise for this category of wing; we get the necessary complexity to achieve a very clean sail, compactness, precise and smooth handling, and a high level of performance, all without overloading the sail.
Our latest research in light wings has helped us to keep the weight down. The Z3 is about 400g lighter than the Buzz Z. This reduction in weight is beneficial at every level : from carrying your wing to the inflation characteristics and the flying behaviour, and especially the handling and safety. In every category, lighter is better.
Line optimisation has reduced overall line drag by 12%, another ‘free’ performance boost.
New Cell Openings: The size and shape has been changed in order to optimise airflow in this crucial area, yielding smoother handling and a perfect feel at trim speed.
To achieve a higher level of stability and cohesion in the sail and to create a smooth and highly assuring feeling, we have also reorganized the cell’s width and adjusted the amount and positioning of the cell shaping.
Specifications
|
XS |
S |
MS |
ML |
L |
XL |
Number of cells |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
Projected area (m2) |
19.12 |
20.75 |
22.22 |
23.5 |
25.23 |
27.4 |
Flat area (m2) |
22.2 |
24.1 |
25.8 |
27.3 |
29.3 |
31.8 |
Projected span (m) |
8.47 |
8.82 |
9.13 |
9.39 |
9.73 |
10.13 |
Flat span (m) |
10.69 |
11.14 |
11.52 |
11.85 |
12.28 |
12.79 |
Projected Aspect Ratio |
3.75 |
3.75 |
3.75 |
3.75 |
3.75 |
3.75 |
Flat aspect ratio |
5.15 |
5.15 |
5.15 |
5.15 |
5.15 |
5.15 |
Root Chord (m) |
2.63 |
2.74 |
2.83 |
2.92 |
3.02 |
3.15 |
Glider Weight (kg) |
4.8* |
5.0* |
5.2* |
5.4* |
5.6* |
5.8* |
In-flight weight range (kg) |
55-70 |
65-85 |
75-95 |
85-105 |
95-115 |
110-130 |
LTF / EN |
1-2/B |
1-2/B |
1-2/B |
1-2/B |
1-2/B |
1-2/B |
Sizes
* estimated
Ozone thinks that most pilots will enjoy this wing in the bottom half to middle of the weight range. If you are at a weight offering a choice between two weight range sizes then we would normally recommend you choose the bigger sized wing
Materials
- Top Surface Cloth = Porcher 9017 E77
- Bottom Surface Cloth = Dominico 30D MF (WR)
- Rib cloth = Porcher 9017 E29
- Upper lines = Edelri
- d 8000U-090/070
- Mid lines = Liros DSL140/70
- Lower Lines = Edelrid 6843-200/160
Colours
- Orange/White/Maroon
- Light Blue/White/Dark Blue
- Dark Blue/White/Red
Download Colour Chart
Downloads
Manual
Certification Test Reports: