Dear All,
November 2008
(for online version, click here)
The 2008 season is winding down - I believe the fast approaching bad Winter weather will allow you time to read my mail.
After a very busy season, now its time to sum up this year (which was good) and share with you news and developments in our place.The last 3 months have been especially turbulent with sudden currency fluctuations, worldwide financial turmoil and recession looming on the horizon.
Following the market unrest we are making an effort not to raise the prices
(despite frequent cost increases), keeping them steady, giving a helping hand to our dealers and pilots.
We have been busy most of the year trying to catch up with bookings and keeping our delivery times reasonable - I hope we were able to satisfy your expectations most of the time and a few hiccups here and there will be forgiven.To guarantee our future success we always bear in mind that our R&D team should work relentlessly preparing new stuff, improving the existing range, paying attention to details, listening to pilot feedback and putting you first.
Over the next days we will be sending a number of dealer letters devoted to different aspects and products which will be new for next season.
This first dealer letter is devoted to the imminent release of our new beginner / intermediate wing - KARMA SPORT (KARMA SP) - it belongs to the Karma family, but is designed to satisfy pilots who desire top notch, sharp handling, lightweight, pilot friendly, easy launching, safe, fun wing.
:: KARMA SPORT (KARMA SP) ::
EN Tested
Karma, - APCO's backbone wing for the last 2 years has proven to be the wing of choice for many freeflying novice pilots, as well as an excellent, fun paramotor wing - it is fully certified DHV1 for all 4 sizes and will continue serving pilots for years to come.
Side by side with Karma, we felt that now is the time to launch an additional beginner / intermediate wing which has a lot in common with Karma's philosophy, but is aimed at pilots looking for something different - a glider with sharp, immediate response (handling inspired by Vista), a glider in line with the recent trend for a light, low weight, low pack volume wing - the result is KARMA SP.
With performance better than Karma, weight lighter by almost a kilo, equipped with all new FLEXON battens on L/E across the span, significantly lower line drag, made from new lightweight Gelvenor cloth - KARMA SP feels fresh, fun and reassuring.
We made sure many pilots and dealers tested the glider before launching, making sure it is what you want and expect The first 2 main sizes of KARMA SP - S and M are now finished and have received certification approval from EN, successfully completing all test flights (load test pending)
XS and L will follow covering the entire range from 60-130 kg. all up.
main design features
- Sophisticated profile for improved performance
- Split A riser for perfect launch and big ears
- FLEXON® battens for wider speed range, constant launch behaviour,
improved performance and extended longevity of the wing - Trailing edge butthole with velcro closure for ease of maintenance
- Stainless Steel hardware
- Anti-twist swivel and neodynium magnet brake handle
- Distinctive top and bottom color design
- Famous APCO long lasting double coated cloth - ensures high resale value
flight charasteristics:
- Easiest in the Class - ground handling and launch
- Wide speed range - smooth acceleration
- Very low stall speed - almost stall resistant
- Performance - among the best in the Class
- Safety - truly reassuring
- Handling - exciting !
- Direct, precise, effortless
- Flying - awesome
- Landing - with a big smile !!
technical data
performance
KARMA SP was extensively tested for freeflying as well as paramotor and its equally well suited to both - making it a great wing for paramotor lovers too.
Those of you who love Karma will love the SP even more.
The KARMA SP's overall behavior is perfectly tuned for motorised flight.
From easy nil wind inflation and launching to ultra-safe stability, the KARMA SP offers the ideal solution for paramotor schools and pilots - comes on request with purpose built risers with trimmers.KARMA SP tested by EN and passed all test flights with flying colors -
attached please find test resultsThe KARMA SP S sizewas awarded 153 A ratings and only 3 B ratings.
The KARMA SP M size was awarded 162 A ratings and only 2 B ratings.
For a glider of this performance and handling it is a remarkable result, especially when analysing the points which were B rated.
Both gliders received B rating at maximum weight for acheiving sink rate more than 14 m./sec. in 2 turns - a result which is a must for a glider with good handling and all beginner class good handling gliders are on the market rated B on this point.
The M size also was rated B for assymetric accelerated flight at maximum weight - due to extended speed range on the glider at top speed on assymetric collapse it may change the direction just over 90 degrees, but has very mild dumped out response behaviour, easy to handle for every novice pilot.
The S was awarded B ratings for Big Ear opening at minimum weight on trim and accelerated flight - reopening of Big Ears is spontaneous and even in just over 3 seconds which in our opinion is the way it should be as it allows for smooth, even hands free reopening of Big Ears and is to the pilot's advantage, even if formally rated B.
Color design
dressing up the KARMA SP - design continues the Karma motif, but offers a fresh, distinctive look.
Delivery - glider in production now. Deliveries starting December 2008
Pricing - same as Karma until new pricelist 2009 issued (the price will be slightly higher for the SP, reflecting differences in performance, quality and costs)
As always we offer our exclusive 30 day money back guarantee (for the first glider delivered). You are invited to take advantage of this limited time exclusive offer and place your order today.
apco@apcoaviation.com
Tel: +972 4 627 3727
Fax: +972 4 627 3728
www.apcoaviation.com
