The EN B class is crowded with wings, and it takes something remarkable to mark one out.
In the latest issue of Cross Country magazine Marcus King takes Icaro’s Instinct TE out into the summer thermals of southern France. And as he explains, one of the things that makes this wing different from its brothers and sisters is the unique Trim Speed Optimiser.
But what is the TSO and how does it work? He explains:
What is TSO?
The trim speed of a glider varies by 3km/h across the weight range of a particular size, with the wing flying faster at the top end of the weight range. The speed of a wing can also change over time as lines stretch and shrink with age. Icaro’s TSO allows you to maintain the best trim speed taking these various factors into account.
How does it work?
There are two metal bars on the rear riser that lock into each other in six different positions allowing different amounts of acceleration to be applied. The system can only be moved on the ground and should be set for your weight before taking off. Once locked in place a plastic slider is pushed down over the bars so they can’t slip. The whole system is hidden behind a neoprene cover. The manual contains a table to help you select the correct setting for your weight and glider age combination.
What if it breaks?
While this is extremely unlikely as the system is made from metal with very positive position tabs, if the system were to fail there is a back up riser loop which would then take the weight on the rear risers. Of course this would mean you have maximum trim speed applied but the system has been certified with the trimmers open you will be able to land safely.
Why not just set in on the fastest setting?
Icaro don’t recommend setting the TSO to full fast as it can make the wing more dynamic, affecting its behaviour following collapses. The system is aimed at getting the perfect trim for your weight and glider age.
Does it work?
I first flew the wing with it set at the slowest setting. While it flew nicely I did feel that it sat back a little in thermals. After adjusting the TSO to the correct setting for my weight I found it bit into the thermal nicely and has less tendency to be pushed back by lift and turbulence. I didn’t notice any particular problems after applying it and even taking some hits in some lee side turbulence the glider showed good recovery despite being trimmed faster than standard.
The full review is in Cross Country issue 154, July/August 2014.
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