It’s an EN D two-liner hybrid with R10.2 performance but less speed: only for the best comp pilots
Ozone's new EnZo, an EN D comp paraglider. Photo: Ozone
Ozone have released the EnZo, an EN D certified paraglider for competitions.
However, they warn that it is “not suitable for pilots who would normally choose to fly EN D category wings” and say they would prefer it to be in a separate certification category altogether.
The move comes as the first in an expected flurry of announcements about ‘certified comp wings’ from manufacturers within the sport.
In the wake of the CIVL decision to ban Open Class paragliders from competition following the 2011 Paragliding World Championships, the race is now on to develop the best performing certified comp wing possible.
Ozone say the new EnZo is only for elite pilots – that means Paragliding World Cup pilots – and has performance “almost equal to” the R10.2. Top speed however has been reduced in order to get the wing through certification.
Ozone also said that although the Medium EnZo – “a hybrid two liner” – has EN D certification, the company is not all that happy calling it an EN D. They say they’d rather have a separate class for the new breed of certified comp wings.
This is what Ozone said today in a press release:
“The EnZo represents a new class of paraglider. It is an open class competition wing that has been certified to the EN standard.
“This wing has the flight characteristics, behaviour, safety and performance normally associated with the open class, and although EN certified it can still only be safely flown by skilled ‘Open Class’ pilots.
“We feel this wing should be in a separate class, as it does not really offer the ease of use and levels of passive safety that we would normally expect from an EN D level wing. It is designed for racing and made to fit the requirements of the top level pilots who were flying open class wings before the 2012 season.
“The EnZo uses the same planform as our latest research wings, the R10.2/R11; we want to be absolutely clear about the fact that the EnZo is a certified version of our Research program. The high aspect ratio design ensures excellent sink rate, glide performance, and an uncompromising open class feel. It uses the profile that was developed from the bbHPP, which provides high levels of stability throughout the speed range.
“As a hybrid 2 liner, with A and B risers only, it needs to be flown with the same active B riser control and must be flown with the respect that the latest generation 2 liners demand.
“The performance of this wing is almost equal to the R10.2; we calculate a 0.1 l/d reduction in maximum glide and a top speed that has been compromised to meet the requirements of certification.
“To clarify its place in the Ozone range of wings: Despite certified status, the EnZo is still very much a competition wing and is not a replacement of the M4.
“Do not be fooled by test reports, if you are considering this wing it is more important to listen to our description than it is to add up test results.
“The EnZo is not suitable for pilots who would normally choose to fly EN D category wings.
“To be flown safely, it requires the same standard of pilot and the same piloting skills as the R10.2 / R11.
“It is only suitable for PWC level pilots who have a very high standard of canopy control, an in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of SIV and the necessary skills to fly a 2 liner without it collapsing.
“Pilots unfamiliar with these cutting edge techniques may lose control of this high aspect wing and find themselves in an unrecoverable configuration. If you have any doubts, then this wing is not for you.
“Our mission for the development of the EnZo was a difficult one: Performance equal to the R10/R11 but with a certification to meet the recent rule changes.
“We are satisfied with the result and hope that the competitive Ozone pilots around the world will experience the same success with the EnZo as they have with the R10 and R11.
“However, we must stress the fact that we believe this type of wing should be in a separate class which requires a higher level of piloting skills than those previously required to safely fly a certified wing.
“The M size has been certified and will begin limited production in 2011. We plan to release other sizes (if their certification is possible) in 2012.
“To enquire about this wing, please contact your Ozone Dealer/Distributor.”
We asked about a colour photo but Ozone say this is all they have to release just now.
Since the Paragliding World Championships in Piedrahita in July manufacturers have been working towards developing the best EN D glider possible in time for the Paragliding World Cup Superfinal in Mexico in early 2012, and the European Championships later in the year.
Ozone are the first to release details of what they’ve been working on, Others will no doubt follow in the weeks ahead.
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