Monday, February 27, 2012

New Aeros Combat 13.5 GT arrived!

Alright. Last week, a long box was delivered in Antwerp. And this weekend, I could finally unpack it. Doesn't it already look good?

Even while it still is short-packed? Lol ;-)

This is a rather nice change: the pushpins on the A-frame corners are a bit bigger. Can be handy!

This one has a keel cover. But what surprises me a little is the pushpin instead of a quick release to unlock the keel. The pushpin is something which is not as easy to use as a quick release and, more importantly, something you can lose on a rocky surface or in long grass...

Inside the right wing:

I didn't order the new winglets, but apparently they are the new standard now. They are incredibly light. I'm curious how they fly. Will need to test :-)

The pulleys for the moveable CG system which gives more comfortable high speed glides:

The fully tensioned top surface of the right wing looking clean:

And a clean center section as well:

Oooooh, look at this, the blade in full glory! I hope it flies as good as it looks!

And of course, no sail rolls nicer than a Combat sail:

I simply can't wait to fly it, but I still need longer hang straps. Forgot to mention that on the order... Anyway, let's hope we get a nice day soon. I've read too many Australian and Slovenian reports and seen too many pictures! Fingers crossed for an unstable spring :-)

10 comments:

  1. Nice glider. Sail looks wonderfully.
    Congratulations!
    If you want to change the new-style winglets to the old-style ones, just tell about it. I think "the oldies" will be delivered to the Winter Race.

    P.S. M-m-m-mmmmm.... so nice and fresh grass. I hope it's not artificial grass, is it?

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    1. Thanks Viktor! I would like to have a pair of 'oldies' as well, to be able to compare and swap as desired. I guess you'll be at the Aeros Winter Race as well?
      And no, the grass is real. We did not have a winter here...

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  2. Muhahaha, A real Rocket!
    I can´t wait to sell my old Combat and get a 13.2
    I won´t buy a new one but I think I will be as happy as you…
    A new Glider let the heart beat faster =)

    I wish you a nice first flight.

    Just one Question about the new Winglets: Do they fit in the Gliderbag, or do you have to carry it like an ATOS Pilot? ( I mean you also have to carry the Tail separate?)
    Greets from TIROL
    Matze

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    1. I can fit everything in the harness bag. But then I have to be careful with that bag. Make sure it does not get thrown around and stuff like that.
      BTW, I'm planning to fly one or two days in Austria (Zillertal?) on the way to the trofeo Montegrappa.

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    2. I hope that I can sell my Glider tomorrow. So I won´t have a Glider for the next 4 Weeks... Because this time I will sell my old one first, then I buy the new one. Made this mistake too often with bikes, cars, gliders… and this time I wound fail…
      To your Problem with losing the Quickpins: Drill small holes (1-2mm) in the big ring of the Pin and fix it with a thin Paragliderope

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  3. Hey,it's like mine,except for the keel cover and the leading edge,I chosen PX15T for that!!! When I saw your pics,I felt the same as when mine arrived,in December. It's the BEST glider I've ever flown,believe me.
    The movable CG is the future:you can slow as a paraglider,and also glide comfy at 90+ kmh with the safety of the tail...You'll see,Jochen!
    I had a Combat L 14 before,and this flies GREAT at my 107-108 kg wingload.
    Yeah,the new winglets must be carried separately,but it's no issue...
    for life's way too short to fly elliptic wings,man!!!
    Mattia

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    1. I love the moveable CG as well. I retrofitted it to my previous glider, the Combat 14.2 and I liked the system a lot.

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  4. Great looking glider, Jochen - have lots of fun with it.
    May I ask you a favour: If you find the time and opportunity, could you weigh your gilder (complete with bag, paddings, winglets etc.)? I'd like to know the weight of your particular glider (with the technora sail). Thanks a lot in advance.
    Greetings
    Carsten Zülch

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  5. Wow she is beautiful.... looking forward to hear the reveiw!

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  6. I never seen such a beautyful hang glider before. You are a lucky man.

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