Gin have released the Explorer 3, “a completely new high-performance EN-B wing for ambitious cross-country pilots”.
Built around a new aerofoil, Gin say it “delivers more glide, more speed and greater efficiency while retaining the intuitive handling and comfort that have always defined the Explorer series”. It is aimed squarely at pilots who want to convert flying hours into kilometres.
Gin say the modifications are considerable. “The aerofoil, planform, internal structure, wingtips and line layout have all been redesigned to create a new generation of Explorer.
“It remains intuitive, communicative and easy to place in the air, while delivering more glide and speed from a more stable, solid and collapse-resistant platform.”
In their design notes, Gin explain: “Its geometry moves further towards the stable end of the aerofoil spectrum, shifting the pitching moment towards a more nose-up tendency. In practical terms, the profile has a stronger natural tendency to maintain its attitude without relying as heavily on pilot input.
“For the pilot, this translates into a wing that feels calmer in turbulent air, maintains its pitch more naturally and behaves more progressively when disturbed.”
The Explorer 3 also features Gin’s signature wave leading edge technology, which is inspired by the bumps on the leading edge of the fins of humpback whales. “It improves efficiency at high angles of attack, reduces sink at lower speeds and makes stall behaviour more progressive,” they say.
“It also contributes to pitch stability and spanwise solidity, helping the wing remain efficient in thermals and more composed in active air.”
The Explorer 3 features a rear-riser control system. It has an aspect ratio of 5.9 and weighs 3.55kg in the size small. It is available in five sizes from 60kg to 115kg.
