Fly For Fun is SWING - Testcenter
Testcenter
Across Germany, the german paragliding company SWING is cooperating with specialty partners.
Fly For Fun is SWING test-center.
One of the several advantages we can offer as a test-center is the permanent availability of the latest SWING products like gliders and harnesses that can also be tested on agreement. Test reports, Swing Paraglidersnew models: | | 
| Arcus 4, category 1/1-2 ARCUS 4 – The Definitive!
With the ARCUS 4, the SWING development team has again succeeded in developing a glider which allows great fun in thermals and cross-country flying, but which is not too demanding for inexperienced pilots and beginners. The ARCUS 4 is a versatile
all-rounder, with DHV 1/1-2 (accelerated) classification. It far exceeds all current DHV 1 gliders in performance and speed, but nevertheless it demonstrates much more good-natured flight behaviour than pure DHV 1-2 gliders.
Target market
The ARCUS 4 has excellent ascent behaviour and good damping, making it a first-rate glider for thermal flying. Its excellent glide and good speed range mean that the ARCUS 4 is also suitable for cross-country flying but, at the same time, it
has a good safety margin which makes it suitable for learners without any restrictions. The ARCUS 4 is thus the ideal glider for a very wide range of pilots, from beginners and social pilots to cross-country pilots.
Flight behaviour
The launch behaviour of the ARCUS 4 is perfectly tuned particularly for beginners: clear and simple with no tendency to overshoot. The canopy rises quickly and evenly above the pilot with low momentum. The glider conveys a very calm feeling during
flight, so it is ideal for pilots for whom calmness in the air is important. Despite its excellent performance (Vmax 50 km/h) the development team has placed great importance on good-natured behaviour in extreme flight. |
Design and workmanship
Michael Hartmann from SWING’s develogment team explains:
“Our aim was
to create a glider with DHV 1 certification in trimmed flight. We achieved this in the end after much expenditure on development. We drew on the profile of the successful MISTRAL 3 for the ARCUS 4. The challenge then was to modify the profile of a high-performance intermediate glider in such a way that the glider had uncompromising good-natured flight behaviour. The main difficulties lay in optimising the way it turns after an asymmetric tuck. We went through a few prototypes before we had
fine-tuned the profile and the trim. The end result, the ARCUS 4, exceeded our expectations. I believe that the ARCUS 4 is the best glider available for beginners and occasional pilots.”
The exclusive and functional choice of materials guarantees that the glider will have a long life. The predecessors to the ARCUS 4 have already distinguished themselves on the used glider market by their high resale value, and we are sure that the ARCUS 4 will be in no way inferior to them.
colours available
optional colours (not on stock)
Technical data:
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DHV test reports: | | 
| Axis 3, category 1 General
The origins of the Axis 3 go back to the time when SWING was developing the Arcus 3, a glider which has already been successfully released.
Years of experience in developing paragliders mean that, when realising new designs, the SWING development team relies on a proven backup design system.
So with the Arcus 3, when interpreting the parameters, the team worked simultaneously on various concepts which were either performance or safety-oriented.
Along with the design known today as
the Arcus 3, a second prototype proved to be particularly promising.
SWING spent a lot of time perfecting the Axis 3 and with this new beginner glider it is presenting a mature product in the DHV 1 category.
Target market
The Axis 3 is the ideal glider for pilots who have just discovered their passion for the sport of paragliding.
But the finely tuned handling of the Axis 3 will also appeal to the experienced safety-conscious pilot who wants to enjoy relaxed flying.
The low canopy weight and the small packing size mean that the Axis 3 is also well suited for long mountain trips which will be finished off with an unforgettable flying experience. |
Design
Simplicity is of prime importance when it comes both to launch behaviour and handling and also to flight behaviour.
The “classic” construction of the Axis 3 means that its canopy is light and it has a small pack size.
With the riser too, complicated systems are avoided as much as possible.
The 4 point riser system is retained because of the more even change in the angle of attack on acceleration.
Even an inexperienced pilot will have no problem in carrying out rapid descent methods such as “big ears” and B-stalls.
Workmanship
Rigorous development of the computer programmes used
allows images to be more and more exact and this ensures high profile accuracy and precisely defined tension distribution.
By using good quality materials in combination with the best workmanship possible, we have created a glider which is of the highest quality, and this ensures durability.
The Axis 3 is finished off with details such as the Ergo Grip – brake handle and the stabiliser openings (which can be closed) which allow dirt and debris to be cleaned from the inside of the glider.
Flight behaviour
Pilots have already found that the Arcus 3 is a very good-natured glider and for the Axis 3 we used a slightly modified form of the Arcus 3 profile.
The distinctive features of the profile are its very low tendency to shoot forward, its particularly balanced launch behaviour as well as its excellent thermal characteristics.
As for the DHV recommendation on the choice of glider for beginners (use only a category 1 glider for at least the first 100
flights after training) much development time for the Axis 3 was spent on optimising turn behaviour.
The long control travel and the progressive control pressure give the Axis 3 particularly forgiving behaviour when the brakes are used (which makes it suitable for beginners) but without creating a sluggish feeling.
The Axis 3 guarantees flying enjoyment for beginners well beyond their training and it offers those returning to the sport the opportunity to rediscover the simplicity of
paragliding.
| | DHV test reports: | | 
| Cirrus 4 - classification 2-3 General
For years the winning gliders in national and international cross-country competitions have come from SWING's STRATUS range. SWING's development team has made use of the knowledge it has gained from this in its newest DHV 2-3 cross-country
glider, the CIRRUS 4. SWING's intention was to create a dynamic high-end glider with excellent performance and precise handling and, with this glider, it has achieved this grand goal. | Target market
The CIRRUS 4 is intended for ambitious cross-country and competition pilots who can fly and get the most out of high-performance
gliders thanks to their skill and “feeling”.
Design
The distinctive features of the CIRRUS 4 are its elongated shape and its profile, which is a modified version of the STRATUS 5 profile. The CIRRUS 4 fulfils the requirements for DHV 2-3 certification, given the many elaborate design features which increase its safety, whilst maintaining the high-performance profile of the STRATUS family of gliders.
Flight behaviour
The CIRRUS 4 has a very flat polar curve,
even at high speed, which creates the best conditions for long and demanding glides.We have of course given the CIRRUS 4 unsurpassed climb behaviour in thermals, as well as enough “bite”.The CIRRUS 4 has smooth and reactive handling, which makes it very agile, so pilots can still enjoy themselves when using the glider to play around.The glider has a high level of safety because it gives the pilot accurate and timelyfeedback in all flight conditions, and this allows sufficient time to react to
any difficulties.
With the CIRRUS 4, we are offering the top distance glider for all types of flying to pilots who can operate it sensitively and to the limits of its performance.
Colors available
Technical Data
| | DHV test reports: | | | 
| Astral 4, classification 2 General
The Astral 4 is already the third coup for Swing's highly successful development and test team made up of Michael Hartmann, Manuel Croci and Christian Amon. The successful concept of the Mistral 3 was further developed and optimised for a DHV-2 glider. The Astral 4 is clear proof that performance, agility and safety can all be found in the one glider...
Target market
The Astral 4
will appeal in particular to pilots who enjoy flying a dynamic glider, but at the same time place importance on relaxed flying. The glider is suitable for experienced social pilots and also for ambitious cross-country pilots.
Flight behaviour
The Astral 4's high canopy stability, even in accelerated flight, is outstanding. The glider can be stabilised very easily in turbulent conditions, it has almost no tendency to shoot forward and can be precisely centred in thermals.
After it has begun to turn, it follows the desired path with precision which is unsurpassed. Banked turns are just as enjoyable as flat turns in weak thermals.
On launch, the glider can be steered very well and it rises evenly above the pilot even in difficult conditions, and there is little tendency to overshoot. |
Design and workmanship
As with all new Swing
gliders, the top surface of the Astral 4 is made from a highly UV resistant double-layer siliconised fabric which guarantees that the glider will have a long life.
The Astral 4 has very elaborate design features: cell construction from diagonal segments, which originates in the high performance area, and a system of load-bearing tapes in the bottom surface help the wing to maintain its profile. The load-bearing tapes allow ideal energy transfer from the lines to the wing, so as to avoid
unnecessary hesitation and wrinkling in the bottom surface.
The canopy has 57 cells and an aspect ratio of 5.55. The design allows the lines to be reduced to two levels, i.e. main lines and top lines which reduces the overall resistance of the wing and increases glide performance.
| | DHV test reports: | | 
| Everest, dhv-certification General
The SWING development team has been working for a number of years on the concept of a lightweight paraglider, which is suitable both for use as a mountain glider and also for everyday flying thanks to its sound and intelligent design. It was important in making this concept a reality for the glider to have a low weight and volume, and uncomplicated launch
and flight characteristics. A 35gm/m² siliconised fabric was developed specifically for the EVEREST according to SWING specifications. Intensive work on all aspects of the glider resulted in a weight reduction of 30% compared to gliders with similar construction.
Target market
The EVEREST is ideal for pilots for whom a glider with reduced weight and bulk and simple launch and flight characteristics are important. The EVEREST backpack supplied with the glider has also been
reduced in weight and it has been adapted to suit the needs of a mountaineer-pilot. The finely tuned handling of the EVEREST will also appeal to the experienced, safety-conscious pilot who wishes to enjoy relaxed flying away from crowded flying sites. |
Design
The cells of the EVEREST are individually suspended. This classic design along with the ultra-light fabric
material ensures that the canopy is lightweight and that the pack volume is low. A weight-optimised, Kevlar-strengthened 12mm wide webbing with high load capacity is incorporated for the risers. A 4-point riser system is used so that changes in the angle of attack on acceleration are even. This complex distribution means that the pilot is not under any disadvantage when using descent methods such as “big ears” or B-stall. The main lines of the Everest are made from sheathed Tecnora to protect
them from chafing and damage on uneven surfaces. Unsheathed Dyneema lines are used for the top lines to keep the glider's weight down.
Workmanship
The silicon fabric used for the EVEREST has high UV-resistance and abrasion resistance even though it is light-weight. These features are very important, particularly for a paraglider used in the mountains. Nylon bands are sewn into the top surface to stop the fabric slipping in the snow. Other design features are consistent with
the fact that the glider can be used for various purposes. For example, it has sealable DIRT.EX openings on the stabilo lines so that dirt and debris can be removed from inside the paraglider.
Flight behaviour
The EVEREST has the same good-natured profile as the AXIS 3. It is notable for its very low tendency to shoot forward and its easy launch procedure. The long control travel and the progressively increasing control pressure give the EVEREST particularly forgiving
behaviour in connection with the brakes, without creating a sluggish feeling. The paraglider has a particularly high degree of safety and is thus excellent for use on rough launch sites and in challenging flying areas. These features, combined with its low weight, will let pilots get off the beaten track.
| | DHV test reports: | | 
| Mistral 3, category 1-2 General
The challenge we faced in developing the new DHV 1-2 glider was to create a glider with better performance than the Mistral 2 despite the more stringent DHV regulations. Numerous new designs with
differences in the basic form and profile variations underwent computer simulation before the decision on the first prototype of the MISTRAL 3 was made. The best product from this series of tests was worked on over a long period of time before being ready for production and was released as the MISTRAL 3.
The MISTRAL 3 combines new safety requirements in the DHV 1-2 category with outstanding climb and glide performance along with lively handling.
The dynamic design of the MISTRAL 3 emphasises this requirement.
Target market
With its agile handling and performance-oriented design, the MISTRAL 3 is aimed at advanced pilots and pilots taking a step back from higher categories.
Anyone looking for a glider for cross-country flying with good passive safety will find the MISTRAL 3 the ideal choice.
Flight behaviour
Despite being performance-oriented, the MISTRAL 3 is very easy to launch.
The
sedate flight behaviour of the MISTRAL 3 allows a wide range of pilots to exploit the full performance potential of this glider.
The MISTRAL 3 responds directly to small control inputs which gives the glider very lively handling.
The light brake pressure allows pleasant turns in long thermal flights, but then increases progressively to offer high safety reserves.
Despite high steering agility, the Mistral 3 has good dampening and very high stability in turbulence. | Design
The MISTRAL 3 has 50 cells and an aspect ratio of 5.25.
The sweepback and elliptical form give the MISTRAL 3 a slim, sporty look which gives an indication of its performance potential. The elaborate interior of V-tapes and a system of load-bearing tapes ensure good canopy stability.
The riser system of the MISTRAL 3 was integrated with the canopy to allow
effective acceleration with only the slightest drop in performance.
A line configuration suited for the canopy design with reduced overall line use reduces the overall drag and increases the agility and performance of this SWING product.
Workmanship
Consistent development of the computer programmes used allows precise manufacturing guidelines which ensure high profile accuracy and exactly defined tension in the canopy. Use of high-quality materials and strictly
controlled manufacturing creates a product of the highest quality. Practical detail solutions such as the ERGO.GRIP – brake handles and DIRT.EX openings to remove dirt from the inside of the glider complete a very positive overall picture of the Mistral 3.
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DHV test reports: | | 
| DHV test reports,
Arcus 3, categrory 1-2 | | 
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Mistral Twin, classification 1-2 General
The SWING development team wanted to design a high-performance tandem glider with good-natured flight characteristics, so it returned to the design principles of the successful Mistral 3. The result is the Mistral Twin, which combines direct and energy-saving handling with simple launch and flight behaviour. This
guarantees both high safety and much enjoyment when flying tandem on good thermal days.
Target Market
The particularly simple launch characteristics and excellent thermal properties of the Mistral Twin make it suitable both for professional use with inexperienced passengers and also for tandem cross-country flights. |
Flight behaviour
The
Mistral Twin's low take-off speed is outstanding. Even with a high load, three steps are generally needed for the pilot and passenger to take off. This helps with safety, particularly if passengers are inexperienced or if launch conditions are unfavourable. The control pressure of the Mistral Twin is very low compared to other tandem gliders in the upper range and increases progressively. The glider has good dampening and high ground stability in turbulence and at the same time gives the
pilot sensitive feedback on air movement and canopy response. It also has very good climb and glide features. With its unusually large weight range from 135 to 230 kg, the Mistral Twin is particularly suitable for professional use.
Design and workmanship
The glider has a similar design to that of the successful Mistral 3 with 50 cells and an aspect ratio of 5.05. The sweepback and the elliptical form give the wing a lean, sporty appearance and this is an indication of its
performance. The elaborate interior of V-tapes and a system of load-bearing tapes ensures high canopy stability. The glider is equipped with an adjuster which enables a speed increase of approx. 5-6 km/h.
The results from the Mistral Twin's load test showed that the glider would withstand 8g with a take-off weight of 304 kg. The wing was even subjected to top loads of 2.9 tonnes, without it being damaged. This excellent result is evidence of the robust manufacture of the glider and the
excellent quality of the materials used. The top surface of the Mistral Twin is siliconised, which gives it high UV-resistance and ensures that the glider will have a long life.
| | DHV test reports: | | 
| DHV test reports,
Cirrus 3, categrory 2-3 | | 
| DHV test reports,
Arcus, categrory 1-2 | | 
| DHV test reports,
Mistral, category 1-2 | | 
| DHV test reports,
Astral 3, category 2 | | 
| DHV test reports,
Astral, categrory 2 | | 
| DHV test reports,
Cirrus, categrory 2-3 | | 
| DHV test report,
Astral Twin Tandem, classification 1-2 |
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