Nova BION 3

Technical data

Colours

Standard colours: Gold, Green, Red.

Custom colours: Choose your colours and email us the colour reference with your order. Include a screenshot if you can. Full payment required upfront to confirm your order after which it cannot be cancelled.

Package

• Wing
• Manual
• Windsock
• Repair kit

Optional extras

• Tandem Spreaders
• Paragliding Backpacks
• Concertina Packing Bags
• Fast Packing Bags
• Speed Systems
• Clothing

BION 3: Twice the Fun

Takeoff and Landing – Easy and Safe

Reliable launch behavior is the foundation for a smooth and relaxed tandem flight. The BION 3 rises precisely and dependably overhead in a variety of terrains and wind conditions, impressing with its low lift-off speed. At the end of the flight, its excellent flare potential ensures a safe and gentle landing, even in calm conditions.

Outstanding Flight Characteristics.

A tandem wing must perform flawlessly across a wide weight range - more than any other glider. With low loading, the BION 3 is agile and offers a significant speed increase while maintaining high stability. Under high wing loading, brake pressure remains moderate, and both takeoff and landing speeds stay pleasantly low. The BION 3 delivers uncompromising performance across the entire weight spectrum.

Intelligent Lightweight: Light, durable, suitable for everyday use.

Designed according to the principle "as light as possible, as strong as necessary," we rely on intelligent construction and carefully selected materials. Wherever possible, we use lightweight fabrics, while more durable materials reinforce high-stress areas. This ensures long-lasting durability, high performance, and easy handling - all at a low weight. The BION 3 is lightweight, fully suitable for everyday use, and built to last.

Who is the BION 3 for?

The BION 3 is designed for a wide range of pilots. On one hand, it caters to professional tandem pilots who value easy handling, reliable takeoff and landing behavior, and long durability. On the other hand, it appeals to leisure pilots seeking a high-performance wing that allows them to enjoy safe and relaxed extended thermal flights.

Both pilot groups will appreciate the BION 3’s balanced handling, speed, and glide performance. The new profile excels with outstanding thermal handling when the trimmers are closed. When the trimmers are open, the BION 3 offers exceptionally high speed while maintaining impressive glide performance.

Quote from...

In my opinion, the BION 3 is a fantastic tandem glider for professional use. Takeoffs and landings are super easy, just like they should be with a tandem wing. And in the air, the brake pressure is light and comfortable, even when you're circling in thermals.

— Aaron Durogati, Nova team pilot

Easy. Ergonomic. Efficient.

The 20 mm wide BION 3 riser features Fidlock magnetic buckles, allowing quick and practical fixation of the brake handle and trimmer strap. A clamp for seamless adjustment of the A3 main line ensures effortless holding of Big Ears.

Its lightweight design and compact packing size significantly ease the workload of commercial tandem pilots. Speaking of convenience—the BION 3 comes in a spacious, minimalist pack sack, providing plenty of room for quick and hassle-free packing.

Materials

FAQ

Can I shorten the brake lines on a NOVA wing?

The brakes are components relevant to certification - modification can affect the flying characteristics and extreme flight behaviour. Because of this, we strongly advise against any modification of the brake system. It is important that the brake has sufficient travel before it engages. This is also important so that the wing does not brake automatically when the speed bar is used. Furthermore a brake that engages too early affects performance and influences the recovery during incidents, for example during a collapse or when the canopy goes parachutal.

How do I hold the brake line correctly?

The way a pilot holds the brake handles is a matter of personal preference - but it does have significant influence on the handling and flying characteristics of the wing. We recommend a half-wrap. You hold the brake handle in your palm and twist it half way around your hand so that the brake line lies between your thumb and forefinger. This shortens the brake travel by approximately 20 centimetres and this has a positive effect on feedback - firstly you directly feel the travel of the brake line and secondly, with the arms positioned higher, it is easier to feel the wing. The exception is of course when gliding or during other phases of the flight when steering with the brake is not necessary. Please note: when changing from no-wrap to half-wrap, the shortened brake travel must be taken into consideration.

Does NOVA test the materials used?

Sail cloth, lines and all other components are subjected to rigorous testing before they are used in serial production. We not only test the sail cloth for durability (high porosity or reduced tear resistance through UV damage or wear) but also for mechanical robustness, for example stretching. For quality control purposes we regularly take samples during serial production.

How should NOVA wings be stored?

Dry, not packed too tightly and if possible in a space without wide temperature variations - these are the conditions that make our paragliders feel well. You should never store a wing when it is moist. You should also avoid excessive heat, like you would have, for example, in the car. Never remove dirt using chemical detergents and/or brushes.

What is the performance of my NOVA wing? How fast will it fly?

Performance data depends heavily on the drag created by the pilot and this is linked to their seating position and harness type. An aerodynamic harness or seating position can make the difference of one glide ratio point. We at NOVA never determine absolute performance data, instead we make comparisons with reference gliders. For this reason we do not publish performance data.

How should I pack my wing?

Simplicity is our motto. Our wings can be packed using a concertina bag, but it is not essential. You can fold this wing using your preferred method and pack it in our stuff sack. Be careful not to bend the leading edge rods unnecessarily. This is particularly true if the wing is to be stored for longer periods or if it is packed tightly.

When should I send my wing for its first NOVA Trim Tuning (NTT)?

During the initial flights the lines are first subjected to load. This load induces a small degree of stretching and shrinking. These are not associated with the line manufacturers or the quality of workmanship - in the factory all NOVA paragliders are trimmed and pre-stretched to within a very low tolerance. To adjust this stretching or shrinking, we recommend that the wing is taken for NTT (NOVA Trim Tuning) after ten to twenty flights - after one year at the very latest. Generally, the line lengths remain constant after the first ten to twenty hours. To make full use of the NTT, NOVA encourages all pilots to have their wing checked after ten to twenty flying hours.

Nova service info

Read Nova service info here.

Nova product registration

Register your Nova product here.

Downloads

• Manual: English+German