Product Info
Based upon the 2-line Delta, the 5th generation of the Alpina has been designed to be the reference in comfort, ease of use and performance. The Alpina retains its legendary agility and playfulness in a compact and light package, with improved full speed efficiency and control.
The Pilot
Designed for intermediate to advanced level pilots wanting to evolve, it is the ideal stepping stone into 2-line technology. Suitable for those moving up from a high-B and for more experienced pilots wanting 2-liner control and performance with a lower aspect ratio for unparalleled solidity and ease of use.
The Tech
The Alpina is our lowest aspect ratio 2-liner light wing. Derived from the Lyght and developed using all of the knowledge gained from years of competition experience and 2-line technical know how, the Alpina benefits from a proven light internal structure design, and is a solid compact platform ideal for XC flying in the most remote locations. The 2-line design allows for direct angle of attack control and reduced line drag for exceptional good levels of performance and ease of use never seen before in such a low aspect ratio concept. Compared to its predecessor, inflation, performance, accelerated control has been improved with absolutely no compromise on general ease of use and on our True Performance promise.
The weight reduction is due to a complex internal structure derived from the Zeolite GT development. The ultralight internals yield the same solidity and rigidity with reduced sail weight and improved handling. The wing absorbs turbulence without losing span cohesion so the wing remains compact even in the strongest air which is a very desirable characteristic for responsive handling on the strongest of conditions.
Certification
The Alpina 5 is certified EN-C for all sizes with folding lines.
In Flight
The Alpina retains the ease of use and True Performance characteristics of its predecessor but with easier inflation characteristics and full speed control. It rises fast and easy in nil-wind and does not overshoot in strong winds. Thanks to the 2 line design, accelerated control is enhanced and intuitive allowing you to maintain higher speeds through turbulence with full angle of attack control.
Compared to the Delta 5, the lighter sail of the Alpina 5 inflates faster on the ground for easier take offs and a higher level of feel in the air and a more responsive reaction to brake inputs and slighty higher level of overall agility.
Big ears can be performed with either the AR3 or BR3 technique. The AR3 requires a firm pull to initiate - we did not want to compromise the wing tip solidity in normal flying - but once in remains stable throughout the speed range. Big ears with BR3 are less effective but easier to initiate and faster to recover.
The Alpina 5 features risers with adjustable B-handle heights, enhancing ergonomic control to accommodate pilots of all shapes and sizes.
The priority for the Delta 5 construction was to maximize efficiency and strength of the wing. For the Alpina development, we managed to reduce the overall sail weight by using more expensive material...
The priority for the Delta 5 construction was to maximize efficiency and strength of the wing. For the Alpina development, we managed to reduce the overall sail weight by using more expensive materials and construction techniques. We designed an inner structure with more strapping and rib cross-ports in the most technical lightweight fabric, resulting in the internal structure panels having a larger ratio of holes to the surface area.
Regarding flying, all of the hard work was already done on the Delta 5 so the Alpina required only minor fine-tuning to achieve the trademark feel and agility the series is known for. We just had to receive the prototypes and deeply enjoy flying it, like we rarely do in the toughest Summer Southern Alps air!
Luc Armant, Glider Designer
I had a lot of fun flying for a few hours under the Delta 5, which seemed to me like the little sister of the Zeno 2. So when I received the Alpina 5 for a preview, I was really excited to fly this li...
I had a lot of fun flying for a few hours under the Delta 5, which seemed to me like the little sister of the Zeno 2. So when I received the Alpina 5 for a preview, I was really excited to fly this lighter version. And I wasn't disappointed.
Not only did it lighten and reduce the volume of my bag, but I was really impressed by its flight behaviour, which was solid and offered impressive glide for such an accessibility!
I recognized the Zeolite 2 in flight with its balanced flexibility along the wingspan and its very pleasant progressivity in the brake handles. The long brake travel makes it an ideal wing for top landing easily.
For coring thermals, you can pull at will, and the precision, manoeuvrability and agility are there. Thanks to the B-controls, you can also turn in gentle, wide thermals without touching the brakes, really optimising the conditions. It is a true two-liner and in accelerated flight, B-line control is very effective, resulting in very good performance and a flying experience worthy of wings in the category above.
It remains very solid and even in the most challenging conditions in which I was able to test the Alpina, it gave me a great feeling of safety.
To sum up, I would say that the Alpina is a truly accessible, high-performance glider with a playful character, whether you want to fly far or enjoy precise handling in local flight!
Antoine Boisselier, Adventure pilot, Photographer and Filmmaker.
