Materials:
Sail:
• Top Sail: Porcher Skytex 40
• Bottom Sail: Dominico DOKDO-30DMF(WR) 40
• Ribs: Dominico 30D hard
Lines:
• Top lines: LIROS DSL70
• Middle lines: LIROS PPSL120
• Main lines: EDELRID 7343-280 and 190
Pulleys: STUBAI FL12A
Maillons: 4,3mm Paracond–Korea
Design Notes:
How did we design and test VITA?
VITA started life as a small seed of inspiration when AirDesign designer & test pilot, Stephan Stiegler saw how beginner and novice pilots were always looking enviously at the wings of the competition pilots in his home valley.
Why did entry level gliders have to be built like parachutes without the details that gave the 'Performance Class' their finesse?
After a few proto-types and many hours of testing new riser geometry, altering the type and lengths of leading edge stiffening and then flight tests, the VITA was 'born' and brought a new standard of features to the class.
At AirDesign we don’t just test the ‘official’ manoeuvres during development. We also test more practical issues, such as what happens if a pilot reacts in the wrong way in-flight or during a manoeuvre and also what we think pilots themselves might try to do ‘just to see what happens’?
For example, we test what happens if a glider is stalled during a collapse? Or how high wingovers can be before the glider collapses? Is the glider stable in turbulence? Is it possible to make acro manoeuvres? How far does a glider dive in front if released wrongly after a stall?
They are not the most comfortable things to do, but we believe that this is a big part of how we make a glider work for the pilots who are going to buy it and fly it.
In each certification category our wings have to fulfil far more than what is required by the standard certification tests, before we consider them ready to be certified.
The practical flying and real-air testing is the most time-consuming test period during the development of a wing.
We need to know and understand the flying characteristics of the wing in moving air so we spend a lot of time collecting input while flying in different conditions, clipping-in at varying weights, using different harness’ and generally flying as much as possible in all conditions.
Fortunately our headquarters in the Austrian Alps allow us access to some of the most challenging and varied real-life conditions anywhere.
Pilot Impressions:
• I could not believe how the sensation of gliding performance transformed the flying experience. I'm not used to the great glide of the VITA and overshot my landing!
• I pushed through turns, flew in thermals, used the accelerator and a made a windy landing without a single moment of insecurity.
• The climb and energy of the wing are amazing, I must say that besides the awesome handling, the greatest impression is climbing.
• Once the wing settles over your head it simply wants to fly.
• The joy of VITA is in thermalling.
• In the air the wing is super fun to fly; trademark AirDesign handling. I was surprised how much energy a modern low end LTF/EN B can have!
• I am extremely impressed by the overall build and manufacturing quality, starting from the rucksack (highly usable and ergonomic...light years ahead of the majority I have to say), all the way to the wing itself. New crispy and modern materials, lines, design, risers, neoprene ergonomic adjustable brakes etc. nylon rods are a bit further/deeper into the profile than the previous designs. I like it!
What the magazines say:
Thermik Magazine . November 2011 (translated from German)
Summary: "The Vita is quite simply a glider without any quirks.
From the moment you launch you appreciate the simplicity and the pleasant, smooth handling.
The wing has no rough edges. Quite the contrary, the VITA showed the good reactions in all test manoeuvres. Performance-wise, the wing is up-to-date.
Everything is feasible with this wing, from training through to cross-county flying.
All-in-all a success! "
What comes in the box?
Glider
AirDesign Inner bag
Riser bag
AirDesign Glider bag (approx.160 litre capacity)
Speed Bar
Folder with repair tape, manual and AirDesign stickers