The X-ALPS3 was developed for Hike&Fly pilots who want to reach the maximum in the world’s most demanding competitions. Its radically low-weight construction provides the basis for success when every gram counts. Chrigel Maurer, Paul Guschlbauer, Simon Oberrauner and Ferdy van Schelven demonstrated this impressively in the Red Bull X-Alps 2017, garnering four of the five top places.
The concept is based on the POISON X-ALPS. Although the POISON itself is already a lightweight, the skywalk R&D team was able to reduce its weight by an additional 600 grams.
“The X-ALPS3 represents what is currently possible in lightweight construction when it comes to absolute top performance,” says Stephan Gruber about his current wing. The skywalk R&D team member played a key role in the development of the X-ALPS3 and qualified for the Red Bull X-Alps for the second time in 2017. “We succeeded in translating the complex cell construction of the POISON into a new lightweight construction concept. We threw every component on the scales and reduced the weight of the POISON by an additional 20 percent through the use of new materials in the sails and consequent material reduction in the profile ribs and risers – all without changing its flying characteristics. Performance, handling and safety are identical to the POISON. Maybe even a bit better,” laughs Stephan Gruber.
The X-ALPS3 is available in three sizes perfectly tailored to the launch weight of Hike&Fly pilots.
For all gliders purchased after July 1, 2007, Skywalk offers its customers the skywalk 2 + 2 Guarantee – an additional warranty that goes beyond the minimum required by law.
These are the designs of our basic models.
The X-ALPS3 glides as if on rails, smooths out even the smallest bumps, and uncompromisingly converts every little bit of lift into altitude. Its optimally selected aspect ratio of 6.9 guarantees comp wing feeling. Thanks to its 3-line technology, it is amazingly easy to launch despite its high A/R and is easy to fly, even when conditions get rough. The “Speed Control” system helps take care of that. This system modifies not only the C-, but also the B-line geometry of this 3-liner and its comfortable handles make it feel intuitive. The Speed Control prevents profile deformations and surges that degrade performance. Combined with the smooth speed system, the Speed Control enables efficient and fatigue-free flying on bar – whether scratching down low or sailing along under an endless cloud street.
Thanks to its high stability, the X-ALPS3 is very resistant to collapses. Line pressure on its short brake line travel increases continuously and markedly, giving pilots flying in rough air optimal feedback. For experienced pilots who fly very actively, gliders reactions remain manageable. However, we recommend the X-ALPS3 only for pilots who already have experience with gliders of this class under turbulent conditions and who are experienced in recovering from extreme flight maneuvers.
| Size | XXS | XS | S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cells | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Area flat (m²) | 20,50 | 21,50 | 22,40 |
| Area projected (m²) | 17,67 | 18,54 | 19,30 |
| Wingspan flat (m) | 11,98 | 12,27 | 12,57 |
| Wingspan projected (m) | 9,77 | 10,00 | 10,21 |
| Aspect ratio flat | 6,99 | 6,99 | 6,99 |
| Aspect ratio projected | 5,40 | 5,40 | 5,40 |
| min. profile depth | 46,1 | 47,2 | 48,2 |
| max. profile depth | 212 | 217 | 221 |
| Glider weight (kg) | 3,3 | 3,4 | 3,5 |
| Certified weight range (kg) | 65 – 85 | 70 – 90 | 80 – 95 |
