NOVA FACTOR 2
Launching this glider is very easy, in strong or in weak
wind.
In the air the glider has very close handling as the Mentor
2 S, very nice to steer ,and i could place it easily wherever I want inside the
core.
I felt that the factor 2 S has a tiny less trim speed than
the Mentor 2 S. When the conditions were smooth and consistent I found that the
factor 2 S at 95 has a very nice climb, a bit better than the Mentor 2 S at 95.
Flying the glider in relatively turbulent conditions, mixed
with head wind and light to medium thermal activity <2m/s, I was hoping to
get much better biting into wind versus the Mentor 2 S and that would enable
the glider to climb headwind.
In those particular not homogenous thermals and conditions, my
friend with the Mentor 2 M, loaded at 103 was able to climb away several times.
It could be that I am not yet familiarized with the new wing, but it did
happened many times that day.
When the thermals got stronger but “smoother” the Factor 2
will keep its path in the thermal and have a good climb.
On glides in smooth conditions I found a ± 0.3 L/D better
than the Mentor S.
The glides did get better “in smooth conditions” at bar.
The factor 2 S could have a very good glide at bar, but it
stays in the “top” EN-C category only.
Flying with a Mantra 4 M, in head wind glides with some
thermal activity showed a better glide for the M4 which is of course, still the
best in the EN-D category.
Big ears are relatively stable, sometimes one side will
flap.
The Factor 2 S has a very flat polar, and landing in narrow
places require a bit of training.
The pluses:
Handling (superb)
Ease of use
Glide
What I was hoping:
Better climb rate in turbulent conditions
Bigger step in efficiency in difficult conditions over the mentor 2 S, which still is
a revelation…
https://picasaweb.google.com/110040226962521480605/NOVAFACTOR2
https://picasaweb.google.com/110040226962521480605/NOVAFACTOR2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN531pfho9E