Ozone Swift in my hands…

The Ozone Swift

I’ve had the opportunity to fly some with the Swift, and since it’s a new type of glider, in my opinion, i thought i should write some words about it.

First of all, the Swift is a crosscountryglider. It’s not a special lightweight glider. If You want a glider for xc, thermals and fun, this could be your only glider.

It’s made out of 36 and 27 g/m2 porcher marine fabric and it’s light and packs really small. One day when i went flying i honestly though i forgot my glider, but when i checked it was down there in the sack with my Supair Vampair harness.

Unfolding the Swift a first time is intresting. No mylars, just tine small plastic tubes keeps the leading edge up in the wind. It look’s great and works perfect.

The risers is a choise of normal black ones or white light shoestring looking ones made of dynema. The later mentioned are sexy and makes You feel faster… Though since i fly with a wrap i dont like the handles without a stick. Cramps the hand after awhile. In my opinion. This problem is easily fixed. Get a plastictube and fix it in existing handle. Bingo:-)

Launching the Swift is ultraeasy. If U cant launch the Swift, please stop flying

Groundhandling the Swift is almost to easy. It stays above You and it stays up in very little wind. If it’s flyable You will get in the air.

Flying then? well thermaling is something it likes. It bites in to the thermal without hanging back at all. It wants to climb. Flat or on tip is up to the pilot. No flaping on the ears in strong conditions and any movement in pitch or roll is slow. Every bit of information is easily understandable. Once You reach the top of the thermal the fun really begins. Gliding! This Swift is one hell of a glider ;-), speed and sink is in good harmony and it will take You places… I have no numbers on glide but it’s very good for it’s class. When gliding with others it’s rather noticable.

Handling. Hmm, it’s a fun glider. I weight 95 kilos in shorts and t-shirt so my hookin weight, flying with my superbly comfortable Supair Vampair, is around 115 kilos.

Almost at the top of the large Swift. At this the Swift is playfull and will do nice high wingovers. Fun for soaring and such activities.

Overall i like the Swift alot. The fact that it’s a full on xc glider in a light package makes it very intresting for me. I think this type of glider is the future. Good enough to fly far and easy to always bring with You. A Ozone Swift and for example, a Supair Hybrid harness is in my eyes a perfect kit for alot of pilots.

All photos of me flying the Swift was taken by Jonna on her brand new Canon Ixus95.

She also got some nice ones of me with the Gin Sprint.

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