Phi SCALA X-alps

Technical data

Colours

Standard colours: CC01 (White-Red); CC02 Red-White

Package

Glider, backpack, compression strap, inner bag.

The included backpack is simple, basic, light, compact, and robust.

Optional extras

• Phi ExAct backpack

SCALA X-alps: revolutionary 2x2 liner

The revolutionary 2x2 liner from PHI! Superlight and top performing, the SCALA X-alps has outstanding climbing abilities! The ultimate ultralight racing machine for ambitious and discerning pilots.

Pilots who've flown the SCALA X-alps report that the pilot demands are low D, with the performance of a standard weight high D! The graphic below illustrates where the SCALA X-alps and SCALA (standard weight version, in development) fit within the current PHI range of wings.

Designer's notes

Over three years ago we began with the A class wing SYMPHONIA. Then we stepped up class by class and finished 68 wings so far! Now we are reaching the D class.

Here is our first EN D wing: the SCALA X-alps. It is a radical 2x2 liner. Nothing else than a radical and very efficient design has always been expected of us.

Thanks to our test pilots, Mike Kueng and Benjamin Horburger, Chris Gossner on the sewing machine, and of course the very fast team at Aerodynamics Sri Lanka, we managed to certify our "dream machine" in time for the 2021 X-Alps competition!

SCALA X-alps is super light and super performing.

Climbing and racing are her strengths.

And of course, she is a beauty!

- Hannes Papesh

FAQ

Why "2x2 liner"?

The SCALA X-alps "2x2liner" because it has only 4 main lines per side (2x2, 2A and 2B), where standard "2 liners" have 6 main lines per side (2x3, 3A and 3B). As per other wings, plus the stabilo and brake lines, of course.

Count the lines of the SCALA X-alps in the photo below.

The SCALA X-alps has only 6 lower gallery lines in total:

• 4 main lines (2x2);
• 1 stabilo line; and
• 1 brake line.

Standard "2 liners" have 8 lower gallery lines in total:

• 6 main lines (2x3); 
• 1 stabilo line; and
• 1 brake line.

Having a third fewer main lines than standard 2-liners, the SCALA X-alps lines are thicker, to allow for the extra load, but overall there is still a significant saving in parasitic drag!

Why revolutionary?

The SCALA is the first certified 2x2 liner, hence why it's a truly revolutionary wing.

Materials

Porcher Skytex 27 double coated.

Pilot feedback

"[The] Scala has proper risers [not spaghetti] with latches and very comfortable, large B control bars. Just perfect risers for this type of wing. Similarly, [the lines are] not the lightest and thinnest, just reliable, super-easy to manage on take off, and obvious to find a stabilo or whatever you need in an emergency. Compact and easily manageable, [the canopy has] short flexible rods which make packing super-easy, and the whole glider very compact.

This thing is so easy to launch! It stays on the ground if you want it to, even in strong winds, and rises at the slightest touch when you say so. It rises like a dream, literally self centring and with very intuitive brake input timing. It's incredibly straightforward... just a super-smooth and even rise. Simply perfect for tricky take offs.

In flight, the handling is very straightforward. [The] canopy transfers air movements precisely to the brakes. When in dynamic air, it's a talkative canopy with quite a soft feeling, which I personally love. It's easy to recognize what is happening in the air and catch potential pressure loss before it becomes a problem.

It turns flat but at the same time it's very agile; it immediately reacts to weight shift and you can wingover easily on it. I've never flown a wing which would combine these two elements so nicely (how did you do it, Hannes?)

Brakes are linear and soft with a precise feel, with short brake travel typical for the class. Less physical than OXA or Zeolite, more subtle. I often compare it to talking, I like wings to whom I can whisper my commands, and don't have to yell at them. Just a personal preference, and there are pilots who prefer harder brakes.

On speedbar, ahh, this is where Scala shows what she's made of, a true X-Alps machine. Nice to finally out-glide even bigger wings. What's more, all speed range is very usable, the feeling on the bar is very clear, with precise control with Bs.

[The] obvious stalling point and relatively low minimum speed make for a wing which can be easily put anywhere. [The] flexibility of this canopy is amazing, heaps of speed but then I can flap the hell out of her and she gracefully responds and goes down vertically.

So yeah, a sweet high-end lightweight mountain all-rounder with straightforward handling and beautiful balance between performance and agility in a user-friendly package.

I absolutely love the Scala, it's without doubt the best wing I've ever flown. Of course it's just my personal opinion, but if you're thinking about a wing in this category, definitely give it a try."

- Kinga Masztalerz, Girl Gone Wild

Mike and Norbi flew the pre-series SCALA X-alps in strong thermic conditions in the Austrian Alps... their feedback is... AWESOME!

"Massive... from Mayerhofen via Achensee to Juifen. Cold, extreme climbing... strong lift under cloud... sensational wing: SCALA X-alps"

- Mike Kueng, PHI test pilot

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