The Summit XC2. Photo: UP
Announcing the launch of their new glider their sales and marketing director Ken Weiland said, “Our new research and development team has been in place for six months now, and this is the first fruit of the labours.
“A few pilots have already flown and loved the prototypes, now is the time for its first real introduction.”
The glider has an aspect ratio of 6.0 and is a three-liner. It sports the trademark sweptback wingtips which UP first introduced on its comp wings and claim reduce drag.
In common with many other gliders of its class the glider uses reinforcement throughout. The trailing edge has 30 cm long ‘mini ribs’ that, UP say, keep the trailing edge under control, “even in strong air”.
This, they claim, “is one of the secrets behind the very docile behaviour of the wing. The mini ribs help maintain the shape of the trailing edge throughout the entire speed range, keeping it clean and smooth and thus improving the glide ratio, especially when accelerated.”
All-up UP say the glider is simpler and lighter than previous Summit models, but with improved performance.
The Summit XC2 medium scored a single C in its certification test; on the full speed 75% asymmetric. All the other manoeuvres got As and Bs, UP say.
An online brochure for the Summit XC2 is on UP’s website.
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