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The Axis Venus is a high performance glider intended for those
wanting maximum efficiency. It delivered nicely in that category.
My time with this glider was only one day, with only had a few flights in
November, 2009. It was the small size, 23 sq meters and I flew it on a
peppy Paratour SD 100. It had motor risers meaning that it had speedbar
and trimmers, as you would expect.
Handling (6):
In the larger size this would have middling handling but, at 23 squares,
this one was pretty good. Brake input doesn't pull into a dive
quite as much as its beginner sibling, the pluto. Strange there, since you'd
expect higher performance models would be more responsive but I
suspect that's because of its free-flight origins where easy diving from
brake input is avoided.
Inflation (-): It came up easily, even while doing reverses in
a light wind. High aspect ratio means it won't be as forgiving of
crooked starts but this one behaved well and predictably.
Kiting (4): Kiting was standard for a high aspect ratio, high
performance, non-reflex wing. I did very little kiting with a harness
and nothing in high winds.
Efficiency (7): Boy would I love to measure this one's glide
cause it sure feels good! During spot landings it was almost like
cheating--let off the brakes, pick up a small dive and it just floats
and floats. That made easy work of the spot landing, much like other
high efficiency wings that I've flown.
Speed (-): I didn't take the GPS with me nor did I try the
speedbar which wasn't hooked up during my flights. I flew with some
other pilots but don't know their wing loading so it's impossible to
even suggest speeds.
 Certification & Safety (6):
The Small model I flew is certified EN D which means its intended
for competition level pilots who are willing to handle the attendant
risk. But at least its certified! The XS model that would be appropriate
for my light weight is not certified.
I didn't get to try it with speedbar or doing cloverleafs and so I
can't comment on how it will handle flying through its own wake while
fully accelerated. Testing here would be important in my estimation
because even reflex gliders can behave badly when flying through the
inevitable wake turbulence of a cloverleaf.
Construction: It seems well built with standard risers.
Warrantee: No information here.
Overall: Clearly this is for experienced pilots who are seeking
efficiency under power, maybe free flight soaring and moderate speed. Be
careful and enjoy. |
