Product Info
Intro
The Alpina 4 GT brings the new scheme design with a more robust top surface fabric. It is for pilots who want the feel, handling and performance of the classic 3 line EN C glider but do not need the additional performance offered by a 2-line design.
New Features
The Alpina 4 GT is the Alpina 4 but features Ozone's new colour scheme and a more robust top surface cloth. Dominico 20D32 replaces the mix of Dominico 20D and Skytex 27 for improved durability and robustness which makes it more suitable for rough terrain, with a minimal impact on canopy weight.
The Pilot
The Alpina 4 GT is for intermediate to advanced pilots who fly 70-100 hours per year and have SIV experience. Due to its ease of use and high level of passive safety, it is also suitable for pilots moving up from the category below. Pilots who loved their Alpina 4 and Delta 4 and are happy to continue their experience with a similar technology and overall behaviour will immediately be at home with the Alpina 4 GT.
The Tech
Intuitive and efficient Angle of Attack control, a proven airfoil design, and optimised internal structure make the Alpina 4 GT an XC glide machine. The super strong structure reduces aerodynamic losses, even in aggressive turbulence the profile remains strong, retaining its shape and efficiency without performance loss from chordwise deformation.
The Ozone Active Control Risers, allow full AoA control throughout the speed range without deforming the camber of the profile. The ACR system acts on B & C lines giving close-to-2-liner control with the reassurance of a 3-liner design.
Certification
The Alpina 4 GT is certified EN-C in all sizes.
In Flight
The Alpina 4 GT is up to 900g lighter than the Delta 5. The reduction in sail weight delivers the handling and performance benefits that come with lower inertia — crisper and more agile feel, more sensitivity in the climb and better collapse behaviour. The reduced weight also makes it nicer to carry.
The Alpina 4 GT retains the low sink rate of the Alpina/Delta 4 for very good thermalling efficiency and cuts through the air gaining altitude in the gusts much like a competition wing. The glide performance throughout the speedrange is the best that can be expected in the category.
The forgiving collapse behaviour is thanks to a relatively low aspect ratio, complex internal structure and line architecture and by optimised wing twist. The Alpina 4 GT has a well proven track record as a safe forgiving wing with little tendency to shoot or rotate after side collapse and good frontal behaviour.
Thanks to the Ozone Shark Nose profile, the wing is resistant to spin and stall, and can be flown safely at low speed making top landings, or landings in tight spots, simple for a wing of this class.
The brakes are linear — precise in the first part of the range and effective in the second. It is easy to adjust the angle of bank and to place the wing exactly where you want in the core. Strong chord structure and high sail cohesion make for highly coordinated roll/yaw and an agile, exciting feel.
The GT Range
GT stands for Gran Turismo or Grand Tourer, and is our semi-light glider range, providing the in-flight benefits of a lower canopy weight and the robustness close to a standard weight wing with better longevity than dedicated light wings. The GT range is an expression of our true-performance promise; light, agile and safe with class leading performance in the most demanding conditions.
David Dagault's XC Mag 257 interview about the Ozone EN-C glider range....
David Dagault's XC Mag 257 interview about the Ozone EN-C glider range.
Some of the SIV instructors are kind of reluctant to use 2-liners. So we still want to offer a three-liner. So we will continue with the Alpina 4, with some renewed materials, a kind of hybrid between the Delta and the Alpina, and it will be called the Alpina 4 GT. It will be a 2.5 liner Delta 4 with a hybrid construction.
The development of a two-line Delta 5 to sit alongside the Photon clearly demonstrates that the EN-C category is now also delineated into ‘low-C’ and ‘high-C’. Like the EN-B category, which encompasses wings that range from docile first wings (‘low-B’) to lively XC gliders (‘high-B’), pilots can no longer assume a certain characteristic from the broad brush of the EN letter.
The Photon has its place as our high EN-C in the range, for sure, for competition and demanding XC pilots, but the Delta 5 is a step up in performance from the Delta 4, it’s close to the Photon to be honest. The difference is in top speed. The Delta 5 is slightly slower than the Photon at full bar, but speed is for competition more than anything.
David Dagault, Glider Designer
Claire has flown the Alpina 4 extensively, done many 200km triangles, and won the French XC-league with it several times....
Claire has flown the Alpina 4 extensively, done many 200km triangles, and won the French XC-league with it several times.
It was love at first flight! I felt immediately comfortable with it. The Alpina is easy, simple and efficient.
Great turn and agility, perfect thermal climb, perfect for squeezing the cores. It turns on the spot, which makes it fun to fly. Ultra-efficient in thermals, the ultimate weapon for coring.
I just love it!
Mine's got 640 hours on it, and I will do many more on it.
1 million good memories, hike and fly, cross-country flying. Safe, confident, easy, and predictable.
Many very long flights with no fatigue... "How do you manage to fly for 11 hours?” they ask. I just feel good under my glider, zen and relaxed. 100% confidence, 200% pleasure.
I'm looking forward to flying the Alpina 4 GT!
Claire Garnesson, Cross Country / Hike & Fly Pilot
