Phantom fra Nova

Top-end performance with low-end B pilot demand (EN/LTF B)

PHANTOM – a new era in paragliding

The PHANTOM offers the safety of a basic intermediate with the performance of a top-end wing. This has been made possible through probably the most complex construction ever used in a serial-production wing.

The idea. At NOVA we asked ourselves what a low-end EN B would look like if it was constructed without being restricted by technical complexity. The result is the PHANTOM.

Experience progress. The PHANTOM is a new, completely revolutionary paraglider – with a similar aspect-ratio to the ION and with 99 cells, it combines the safety of the ION series with high-level performance. Exceptional directional stability as well as unique precision and simplicity underpin the excellent handling.

Maximum complexity. With 99 cells, 804 needle-eye ribs and 3200 slots in the profiles and diagonal ribs to reduce weight, the PHANTOM could be the most complex and technically elaborate wing ever made.  With more than 3000 individual components, it sets a new benchmark in paraglider construction.

Pleasure without compromise. The PHANTOM is mainly constructed using 27 gram sail cloth. Combined with the weight-optimised inner construction, the size S wing weighs less than 5 kg. Little weight and low aspect ratio result in maximum safety. Never before has so much performance been so easy to fly.

Requirements

The PHANTOM is a paraglider in a brand-new class and therefore is suitable for a very wide range of pilots. Thanks to its high degree of passive safety and its outstanding performance, it is suitable for ambitious recreational pilots, as well as keen cross-country pilots. The PHANTOM combines the advantages of a low-end EN B wing with the performance of a high-end paraglider.

Re-defining paragliders

The PHANTOM combines the best of both worlds:
the low piloting demands of the ION and the great performance of the TRITON.

Short and compact

Are wings with many cells difficult to fly?
No, this is a misguided belief. A higher number of cells increases glider weight, but by using lightweight materials and structurally analysed and optimised slots, we could compensate for this additional weight.

But performance wings with many cells are more challenging to fly than EN A gliders with few cells.
Correct, but this is due to the higher aspect ratio, rather than the increased number of cells. There is no direct correlation between the number of cells and how demanding a wing is to fly.

How does a large number of cells increase performance?
The more cells, the smoother the wing – which means less drag. A large number of cells also provides ultimate stability. This helps maintain performance even in turbulent air.

Didn’t NOVA produce a wing called the PHANTOM in the past?
Correct, in 1991. The similarity with the original PHANTOM is the increase in performance which was then, and now, impressive.

Availability

At NOVA, we worked hard on improving the availability of our gliders and as of now, all main models (PRION, ION, MENTOR and IBEX) are on stock in all sizes. Unfourtunately this will not be true for the PHANTOM: The production of the PHANTOM is extremely difficult and producing one PHANTOM takes as much time as producing 3 ION4. At the beginning, we will face delivery times of 3 months and more. However, we are confident, that we can scale up the production of the PHANTOM and achieve acceptable delivery times later this year.

The PHANTOM in detail

Not a gram of unnecessary weight combined with the highest possible technical complexity: up to twelve diagonal strips transfer the load on every line attachment point to its neighbouring profile rib. This allows a homogenous force distribution throughout the wing. Rigorous strength analysis determined the positioning of the slots and these have reduced the weight of the PHANTOM S to less than 5kg, which makes it suitable for hike & fly.

Technology

Flat profile nose.Anyone who tries to fold a piece of paper around a ball will notice that there are always creases. The nose profile of a paraglider is the same - the sail cloth has to adjust to both the profile and ballooning effect (cells are round, not straight). Double 3D Shaping uses additional seams to reduce creasing and therefore increases the performance of the wing.

Comfort on the ground. All NOVA paragliders are made to be easy to use. For packing you can use a concertina bag, but it is not essential. Our extensive experience with rods has taught us that the packing method has little influence on the durability of the wing. Bent rods quickly spring back into their original shape.

More compact. The aspect ratio of a glider is not the only factor in passive safety, but still a very important one. A high aspect ratio favours cravats after asymmetric collapses, generally shortens brake travel and normally makes wings more difficult to fly. Nova's analytical tools permit us to build performance wings even with a low or moderate aspect ratio.

Light as a feather and robust. Very light but still durable: Light weight NOVA wings weigh little but are still robust enough to withstand the hard conditions of the mountains. The profiles are made out of durable cloth, so that this highly-stressed component does not deform - like it can with ultra-light material. This means we are able to guarantee consistent flying characteristics.

Clever connections. Needle-eye Ribs are innovative ribs which traverse the profile through slots. This results in a more precise shape than is achieved in a conventional four or five piece rib, which is implemented using multiple-piece diagonal ribs, each sewn onto the cell walls. The consequence is a more rigid aerofoil and higher performance.

Speedbrake Riser

The NOVA Speedbrake Riser is the first three-liner riser which permits the glider to be accelerated as well as decelerated. It brings an end to pulling the C-lines, which killed performance.

We recommend the Speedbrake Riser for cross-country pilots. If you prefer relaxed recreational flying, hill soaring or frequent groundhandling we recommend the standard riser without the Speedbrake strap.

For an additional 60 euro (plus local rate VAT), we can offer the PHANTOM fitted with the Speedbrake Riser. This offer is only valid for new wing purchases which are not yet delivered to the customer.

Find out more about the innovative Speedbrake Riser

Technical data

Materials

Service

Every NOVA paraglider comes with a big package of extra services and guarantees. When you buy the wing you get more than just the product¹.

Optimise your wing. During the initial flights the lines are subjected to real loads for the first time. This leads to stretching and shrinking - regardless of which line material is used. During NOVA Trim Tuning² our software analyses how out of trim the glider has become and then calculates the required correction values. Trim Tuning aids safety and increases your flying fun.

Fully comprehensive insurance. After purchasing the wing and successfully registering it at myNOVA, you are provided with one year fully comprehensive insurance (60 euro excess³). You do the damage, we carry the cost. NOVA Protect means that you can concentrate on the important thing: the flying! If you break it, we fix it!

More than a check. The NOVA Full Service is more than just a check. Just like the Trim Tuning, we analyse the line lengths and ensure that the wing is restored to the optimal profile alignment across the whole of the span. Additionally we give the wing a full health check. Our NOVA Full Service gives you confidence in your wing.

Three years without worry. If your wing has undergone NOVA Trim Tuning, the date to the next check is extended from two years to three years. The two-year check becomes a three-year check. This allows you to have an extra year of carefree flying. Please note the maximum permitted flying hours in the manual.

Full four year warranty. As standard, NOVA provides a three year, rather than a two year, guarantee on its paragliders. If your wing has undergone NOVA Trim Tuning and a NOVA Full Service, then we will extend the guarantee for a further year to four years. You get a good feeling flying a NOVA wing.

Everything available, anytime. If you register your wing at myNOVA, it is added to our Quality Assurance Database. In the database - accessed through myNOVA - you can download all the key data about your wing. The database will also assist the person servicing your glider by getting information about your glider at the click of a button. Your glider will be more comprehensively checked.

¹ The guarantee and service provision is limited, subject to conditions and not offered to the same extent in all countries. Detailed information is available in our guarantee conditions.

² This service is included in the purchase price in selected countries. Please contact your dealer for more information.

³ This service covers damage incurred because of an accident while flying. Damage in other circumstances, personal injury, theft or other loss are excluded from this policy.

Colours

Racing Green

Rosso Corsa

White Purple

Scope of delivery

	NOVA Rucksack.The wing and harness will determine the size of the rucksack. We are offering our high quality and comfortable to carry models in size S (110 litres), M (145 litres) and in L (165 litres).
	NOVA windsock.So you know where the wind is coming from, we have added a NOVA windsock. With a length of approximately 80cm it is large enough for a take-off site.
	Repair kit.Everyone hopes it will never happen: a hole or tear in the paraglider. We have included a minor damage repair kit in the right colour for such an eventuality.
	Manual.We have enclosed a very detailed manual which contains everything you need to know about your flying equipment. Please study it before flying your gear for the first time. 
	Speed system.Your paraglider is fitted with a high quality speed system. Thanks to three holes in the cord attachment point, it will flexibly and simply adapt to your harness and leg length.