Nova’s Ibex 3 is an ultralight wing “made by mountaineers for mountaineers”. The smallest size is just 2.5kg, and it’s certified EN A or EN C depending on size.
This third generation continues a line of mountain wings that started in 2007. The original Ibex was based on a wing that could be used for instruction, but made with a small surface area and intended to be flown heavily loaded. The Ibex 3 is too, but is even lighter with higher performance than its predecessors.
It’s a simple wing, say Nova, a three-riser design with few, fully-sheathed lines so it’s easy to sort on mountain launches. The risers are made from 12 mm Kevlar webbing, rather than Dyneema strings which will twist easily. Chief designer Philipp Medicus says:
One pinch of the A-lines and the wing is above your head. Of all our paragliders, the Ibex 3 is the easiest glider to launch. Easy take-off characteristics are essential in mountain flying, where the conditions can be difficult.
Just two A-lines on each side mean if you need to get down quickly, big Big Ears can be easily pulled in giving a 3m/s sink rate, “and easily released again”, add Nova.
It’s available in three sizes, summarised below, and suitable for different purposes depending on the wing loading.
XXS: 15m2 – EN/LTF C – 2.5kg – 50-98 kg all-up
XS: 19m2 – EN/LTF A – 3.0kg – 58-95 kg all-up
S: 23m2 – EN/LTF A – 3.5kg – 75–110 kg all-up
1. Pleasure – Wing loading comparable to standard paragliders, suitable for beginners. Good climb-ability and passive safety
2. Hybrid – More speed and agility, climbs well in thermals. Not suitable for new pilots.
3. Fast – Fast and agile, for experienced pilots only.
The Ibex 3 is delivered in Nova’s innovative waterproof compression bag, which has a roll-top closure and a bleed valve. The bag protects the wing from rain and also sweat, which can damage the coating of the cloth. Nova warn that the wing should NOT be stored in the compression bag as there is no ventilation, and they also supply a conventional stuffsack with the Ibex 3.
XS and S sizes will be available by the end of May 2015, with the XXS following in August.
Cross Country is a reader-supported international publication and is available through subscription only. We publish 10 issues a year in print and digital. Subscribe to Cross Country.
