Nova ION 5 LIGHT
$4,800.00
ION 5 Light – little weight, big performance
The ION 5 Light combines a low weight, with the stunning characteristics of its heavier brother: outstanding glide, precise and agile handling and an exceptional climbing performance. Its light weight and forthcoming launch behaviour make the ION 5 Light an excellent companion both in the air and on the ground.
A light, high-tech wing. Structurally optimised slots in the wing's interior, high-quality lightweight materials and slim risers allowed a weight reduction of 800 g compared to the ION 5.
The canopy construction uses mainly the latest generation of the Porcher Skytex 27 light cloth. The double-sided coating of this cloth provides the same proven UV resistance as current standard cloths that are significantly heavier.
Performance included. On launch the lightweight wing impresses with its good-natured take off behaviour. In flight, the precise and agile handling allows an easy entry into thermals and facilitates an intuitive flying style. The canopy provides clear feedback that is easy to understand, making it a pleasant companion for beginner and experienced pilots alike. The performance in glide across the entire speed-range is well above its predecessor the ION 4. It is the combination of these features that make the ION 5 Light a good choice for long but relaxed cross-country flights.
One wing for all occasions. The ION 5 Light is a glider for all occasions: whether it is a long thermal flight, a hike & fly adventure or simply soaring with friends. The ION 5 Light supports you in achieving your goals whilst giving you the peace of mind of a wing with a high degree of passive safety.
Target Group
The ION 5 Light is suitable for a wide spectrum of pilots. On the one hand, it offers a high degree of passive safety and is therefore suitable for the use in most flying schools. On the other hand, the glider has impressive performance, which makes the ION 5 Light a wing for every occasion: fun to fly but with inspiring climbing capabilities and an agile handling. The wing is suitable for talented beginners as well as experienced pilots with cross-country ambitions. From each ION generation to the next, the demands on the pilot have remained the same. The ION 5 Light stays true to its low-end EN B roots whilst offering the performance of a cross-country machine.
Small XXXS size for flyweights
It is important to us to build smaller sized wings with a weight range starting at 50 kg. Instead of just scaling down a larger wing, we considered in great depth the technical peculiarities of small wings to ensure that the XXXS had a balanced and suitable brake configuration which matches the size of the canopy. Therefore, the ION 5 Light XXXS is a wing with its own, fully-fledged specification allowing both women and men to enjoy its excellent performance, safety features and impressive agility. This is our contribution to equal opportunities in flying.
Useful information
- Like the MENTOR, the ION has become a class of its own. For many years, we have been making wings for pilots with great ambitions that demand a high level of passive safety. While we keep improving on the performance, handling and feel of the ION range, this has not made our wings more demanding to fly.
- New wing tip design: The profile has been optimized, the chord has been reduced and an additional cell has been added. The result is increased glide performance.
- Latest cloth innovation: Porcher Skytex 27 Classic 2 cloth is coated on both sides and therefore offers high durability at a low weight.
- Latest line materials: The PPSL65 from Liros are the thinnest sheathed lines on the market. We use them for the brakes and stabilo lines where they help us to reduce drag and make it easy to check lines before take-off.
- Optimized ballooning calculation: The wing’s ballooning significantly influences the stability, performance and handling. The ION 5 Light benefits from new modelling and simulation tools which helped us to improve the wing’s stress distribution.
Colors Available
Impressions
On the 19th of July 2018, NOVA team pilot Berni Pessl flew the longest FAI triangle ever flown in Slovenia (244.37 km) on a NOVA ION 5 Light: With this flight he proved yet again how high-performing a low-end EN B wing can be in the hands of a excellent cross-country pilot. On the 16th of June he was already able to do a 145 km flight from the Stallersattel – with an average speed of over 30 km/h! Until he was washed down near Sterzing due the northerly wind, the Austrian pilot was able to keep up with several high-performance wings piloted by some world-class pilots.
Berni Peßl
NOVA Team Pilot
Scope of Delivery
Weight comparison ION 5 vs. ION 5 Light
Should I fit my wing with a Speedbrake Riser?
This depends on what type of flying you do. If you are passionate about cross-country flying, then the Speedbrake Riser provides efficient "counter-acceleration", which improves your glide performance. We recommend conventional risers for recreational flyers, acro pilots and hike & fly enthusiasts.
Can I shorten the brake lines on a NOVA wing?
The brakes are components relevant to certification - modification can affect the flying characteristics and extreme flight behaviour. Because of this, we strongly advise against any modification of the brake system. It is important that the brake has sufficient travel before it engages. This is also important so that the wing does not brake automatically when the speed bar is used. Furthermore a brake that engages too early affects performance and influences the recovery during incidents, for example during a collapse or when the canopy goes parachutal.
How do I hold the brake line correctly?
How a pilot holds the brakes is a matter of personal preference - but it does have a marked influence on the handling and flying characteristics of the wing. We recommend a half-wrap. You hold the brake handle in your palm and twist it half way around your hand so that the brake line lies between your thumb and forefinger. This shortens the brake travel by approximately 20 centimetres and this has a positive effect on feedback - firstly you directly feel the travel of the brake line and secondly, with the arms positioned higher, it is easier to feel the wing. Due to poor ergonomics, we recommend against not taking this wrap. The exception is of course when gliding or during other phases of the flight when steering with the brake is not necessary. Please note: when changing from not having a wrap to taking the wrap, the shortened brake travel must be taken into consideration.
How should NOVA wings be packed?
Simplicity is our motto. Our wings can be packed using a concertina bag, but it is not essential. In principle, all our wings can just be stuffed in a packsack. When the wing is folded it is recommended not to bend the rods unnecessarily. This is particularly true if the wing is to be stored for longer periods. Furthermore, we recommend careful handling of your wing.
When should I send my wing for its first NOVA Trim Tuning (NTT)?
During the initial flights the lines are first subjected to load. This load induces a small degree of stretching and shrinking. These are not associated with the line manufacturers or the quality of workmanship - in the factory all NOVA paragliders are trimmed and pre-stretched to within a very low tolerance. To adjust this stretching or shrinking, we recommend that the wing is taken for NTT (Nova Trim Tuning) after ten to twenty flights - after one year at the very latest. Generally, the line lengths remain constant after the first ten to twenty hours. To use make full use of the NTT, Nova encourages all pilots to have their wing checked after ten to twenty flying hours.
How should NOVA wings be stored?
Dry, not packed too tightly and if possible in a space without wide temperature variations - these are the conditions that make our paragliders feel well. You should never store a wing when it is moist. You should also avoid excessive heat, like you would have, for example, in the car. Never remove dirt using chemical detergents and/or brushes.
What is the correct wing loading for NOVA gliders?
Where the glider is flown in the weight-range is first and foremost a question of personal preference: anyone seeking a high degree of agility and dynamic flying should fly our wings at the higher end of the weight-range. Pilots who are happier with gentle flights with a high degree of damping will be happier in the middle of the weight-range. Of course, the flying conditions have a big influence - in turbulent, windy conditions greater wing loading will bring greater stability; whereas flying the glider at the lower end of the weight-range makes it unbeatable in weak thermals. Correct wing loading is mainly a question of personal preference and the conditions in which you mainly fly. Your Nova dealer will be happy to advise you!
What is the performance of my NOVA wing? How fast will it fly?
Performance data depends heavily on the drag created by the pilot and this is linked to their seating position and harness type. An aerodynamic harness or seating position can make the difference of one glide ratio point. We at NOVA never determine absolute performance data, instead we make comparisons with reference gliders. For this reason we do not publish performance data.
What is the difference between an ION and a MENTOR?
The ION is less dynamic than the MENTOR. The ION is suitable for pilots desiring more comfort and a more relaxed feel while in the air. In comparison, the MENTOR is sportier.
Does NOVA test the materials used?
Sail cloth, lines and all other components are subjected to rigorous testing before they are used in serial production. We not only test the sail cloth for durability (high porosity or reduced tear resistance through UV damage or wear) but also for mechanical robustness, for example stretching. For quality control purposes we regularly take samples during serial production.
What happens if I choose not to send my wing for a NOVA Trim Tuning?
The NOVA Trim Tuning is optional. We would strongly recommend it, but there is no obligation to have the NTT. You can skip the tuning and have your wing fully inspected during the NOVA Full Service.
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