VOLT LTF/EN C

 

feel the energy…

VOLT from AirDesign brings the impressive PURE pedigree into an LTF/EN C certified glider.

Design aims:
Stephan Stiegler, the AirDesign designer and test pilot has one aim in mind as he develops new gliders; the glider must have good handling and have top level performance in its class.

In his own words: “I guess the main issue for this wing is that it performs like the PURE and is easy to fly”.

The AirDesign PURE generated a huge interest and following in a very short time due to its ease of flying in combination with top performance in the LTF/EN D class.
AirDesign have refined the PURE genes to bring the PURE flying sensation into the LTF/EN C class. The result is the brand-new VOLT.
VOLT is aimed at recreational, cross-country and competition pilots who want ease of handling with top-end performance in the Sports Class.

Pilot profile:
Many years of flying, designing and competing have convinced us that a pilot who is comfortable flying a glider will fly more, have more fun and achieve more in cross-country flying and in competition.
Pilots who are looking for the maximum performance in the LTF/EN C class with no compromise on passive safety or agility, and who rightly demand precise handling, will feel totally at home with the VOLT.
The handling characteristics of VOLT combined with the evidence from the test manoeuvres show us that high performance Sports Class gliders can be manageable and recoverable. VOLT is not a ‘high-end’ LFT/EN C glider. It’s simply a ‘perfect’ Sports Class glider – suitable for improving pilots moving up into the LFT/EN C class as well as those who may be unsure about the latest LFT/EN D gliders.
All pilots flying in this class should be flying regularly and be experienced in ‘active flying’ in all conditions.

Glider info:
VOLT is the result of another year of development, testing and trimming and combines the characteristics and flying sensation of the ‘big brother’ PURE with the handling and recovery of the recreational Sport Class.

VOLT performance is beyond many current LTF/EN D gliders. Precision in handling reaches a new level in the LTF/EN C class. VOLT is stable and solid but sensitive enough to give perfect feedback to the pilot. Launch characteristics are impeccable. Brake input is precise but with slightly longer travel and slightly less pressure than the PURE.  VOLT climbs efficiently and centres in thermals with minimal pilot input. Horizontal brake-shifting allows the pilot to control the turn and climb with minimal dive in all conditions.
The immediate feeling of comfort and stability is becoming a trademark of AirDesign gliders.
In the words of the AirDesign designer, Stephan Stiegler “It’s one of the best gliders I have ever made… a glider perfect for those pilots coming into the LTF/EN C class as well as those who may be wary of moving onto the new LTF/END wings”.

Design Details:

•    The airfoil of VOLT is developed directly from the PURE. VOLT is the fusion of competition technology with Sports Class safety.
•    VOLT is certified without folding/collapse lines
•    3-Line-System: a 3-line concept with the inner C lines split to form short D lines. Unsheathed ‘race’ lines are used in the upper two cascades to reduce drag. Main lines are sheathed aramid.
•    Polyamide rods in the leading edge keep the profile in perfect shape and improve stability and launch characteristics.
•    3D Cut: a technical sail cutting method is used for all panels across the leading edge area. This produces an improved air flow and increased performance.
•    Mini-ribs in the trailing edge improve surface finish and reduce drag.
•    The 2-in-1 progressive brake line layout improves climb characteristics. The centre brake fan is attached slightly in from the trailing edge to improve climb. At the tips, the line runs through small rings on the trailing edge to gather the tip and assist precise turning whatever the conditions.
•    Brake line design gives the pilot the option to vary the turn and adapt to different flying conditions. This is achieved by shifting the brake (hand) either to the inside or outside which results in a steeper or flatter turning.
•    Ronstan and Riley pulleys on the speed system for smoother acceleration.
•    Control balls on the C riser allow fine control of the wing while gliding and improved handling in turbulence.
•    Performance style reinforced 12mm risers, adjustable brake handles with swivels and dirt-holes at the wing tips complete the quality finish. 

VOLT Superlight - Perfect for XC and performance Hike & Fly

The AirDesign VOLT is now available in a lightweight edition. 
Using Porcher Skytex27 cloth for the bottom sail, ribs and part of the top-sail, and unsheathed main lines, the weight has been reduced by about 30% (with size M 2 kg) relative to the standard VOLT. We could have reduced the weight even more, but to keep the AirDesign trademark flight comfort, we didn't compromise in using our quality features.

The reduction in weight is instantly apparent when carrying the wing, but the sensation when launching and in flight surpasses expectations. The wing rises incredibly easy, climbs with unrivalled efficiency and cuts through turbulent air, all in all increasing the practical and useable performance.

The VOLT Superlight in tested to LTF/EN C in sizes S, SM, M, and L.

Design Notes:
How do AirDesign test prototypes?

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 fulfill 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. Is the glider stable, neutral, pitching, performing well, climbing well, turning efficiently …? 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.
Our headquarters in the Austrian Alps allow us access to some of the most challenging and varied real-life conditions anywhere.

From the first prototypes VOLT performed very well and the ‘usual’ practical niggles were not an issue. We started to feel that with this wing we have something special. As testing and trimming continued, VOLT became everyone’s favorite glider to fly outside work hours, so much so that we had to lock it away so that it was available for the official certification tests! Development and testing have been a real pleasure for us.
Test fly VOLT and let us know what you think.

Pilot Impressions:
We gave an unbranded VOLT to a few pilots, here is what they had to say:

•    I felt really comfortable within seconds.
•    In my opinion it’s a wing that exactly fits into its class. The whole package is really fine.
•    I’d say that the handling of the VOLT for me is more fun than the PURE.
•    The VOLT has less aspect ratio. I think because of this, the handling is more fun and the climb really is excellent.
•    In general the glider is really clean. Especially accelerated, the glider reminds me of the PURE.
•    If I had to choose, I would choose the VOLT, it has really everything you need!

What the magazines say?  
Cross Country Magazine Edition 144

What comes in the box? 
Glider
AirDesign inner packing bag
Riser bag
AirDesign glider bag (approx.160litre capacity)
Folder with repair tape, manual and AirDesign stickers