A FOR ACCESSIBLE

EN A has changed – Pat Dower uncovers the new world of beginner XC wings

Plastic reinforcements, 3D leading edge shaping, hybrid three-line construction, mini-ribs, smart cells… It sounds like something from the spec sheets of the latest sports class cross-country glider. In fact it’s what you will find on the current crop of EN-A gliders. We picked the brains of the manufacturers to discover how technology from higher classes has benefited the modern EN-A glider. First thing to notice? Plastic reinforcements are almost universal now. Good durability, easy inflation and collapse resistance – it’s easy to understand why. The plastic structure allows designers to optimise leading edges and aerofoil sections. Furthermore, in combination with diagonal bracing it reduces the number of lines needed in the upper gallery. Advance’s last generation EN A, the Alpha 6, has a striking reduction to 68 upper lines compared to 110…

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Cross Country (Digital) - 1 Issue, May 2016

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