Ozone introduced the Alpina GT, a three-line concept with a six-to-one aspect ratio for 2025. Many pilots ask why. There’s the new two-liner Delta 5, and also later, the light Alpina 5 will emerge.
So, why go to a three-line concept? Not even a hybrid! Perhaps a little at the last 2 meters. Who is this glider for?
Let me explain the Alpina GT in full detail.
The glider has a lightweight construction, weighing around 4.25 kg. The risers are traditional, rigid webbing risers and a bit heavy. Perhaps, Ozone may offer a lighter riser option.
Launching the Alpina GT S size 65-85 at 83 is super easy. Straightforward and calm.
In the air, with the F-Race2, the brake travel is moderate in length and reacts promptly to steer the glider. I can describe the turn as flat, super smooth, agile, while being tamed at the same time. The Alpina GT doesn't dive in turns. The Alpina GT S size requires a slight, steady pull on the brakes when turning because it will flatten even more. Overall, I can describe the turning abilities as having high smoothness and being easy to steer. It is very forgiving if you pull the brake line a bit lower when needed, sometimes.
The climb rate in weak air is perfect and similar to that of the Alpina 4, which was excellent. One day, we experienced strong conditions at our lower site, with some north-east wind blowing in. That made for a tough day flying. While high B gliders experienced some collapses, it was a good workout for us to maintain our gliders overhead. Under the Alpina GT, I managed to keep that glider open and never experienced a collapse in those not-so-friendly environments. I got 7.2 m/s thermals on the lee side! You can imagine what strength this one has! While keeping that glider well inflated, I was super relaxed under the Alpina GT!
And somehow…I was psychologically happy, because under these rough conditions, you think:
’If it collapses while I’m low, I think it will be easier to manage it.” Or, on a two-liner, from higher classes, you think, “ If it collapses, while I’m low, I think it will be hot to manage it.”
That is a logical behavior of pilot instincts. That’s why OZONE chose to keep the Alpina GT on the menu. It's for those critical moments when you need to fly a C-class glider, but without the stress.
The internal structure is stuck together firmly and gives an impression of high passive safety, much like any(tamed) High B glider!
That’s how I felt underneath that glider.
There’s an important matter that I'd like to discuss with you.
Suppose any manufacturer wants to push the limits of any type or class of gliders, whether it's a two liner or a three liner….Wouldn’t they strive to take the concept to its extreme, staying within certification while also being competitive and delivering a flyable glider that aligns with their image and understanding?
This is too much to acheive for any manufacturer, and yet they are pushing.
What if it were to deliver one glider without that stress? A refined concept. Wouldn’t they provide a smooth, “balanced" glider? That’s the Alpina GT.
A C-class glider for everyday use, for Alpine conditions, with some 80 hours of experience for pilots. Grass for the needy ;-)
Now, some pilots would ask: So why should I buy that kind of C if I can get a high B?
Answer: Because of the difference when gliding in a difficult airmass facing a valley breeze, that C will push you slightly further than some high B’s and will react as a higher class should (even slightly)
I will surely also get that question: What are the differences between the Artik 7 P S and the Alpina GT S ? (Both 65-85 weight range)
Answer: The handling and braking authority on the A7 is short, linear, firm, and super direct. The Alpina GT handles very well, with slightly longer brake inputs and softer reactions. But still very agile.
The inside structure feels tougher on the Alpina GT and more compact. In moving air, the A7 P communicates by rolling 30 % more than the Alpina GT. I like the A7 P for its intuitive, direct handling and dance feel, but I also had a lot of fun flying effortlessly in the Alpina GT in those rough conditions. It's like driving a BMW Z4 (A7-P) versus a Mercedes E-Class (Alpina GT).
Gliding: Don’t expect to match the glide of the 2-line concept Delta 5. But I understand that a pilot buying an Alpina GT is not aiming to compete in the serial class, for example. He will choose, for that matter, the Delta 5 or the Photon.
The top speed is around 15 km/h over trim…Ears are stable. They do not open automatically and require pilot intervention.
The B/C system works perfectly to stabilize the glider overhead when the speed bar is pushed. Not as 2 liners, but close enough.
Induced collapses are easy to reopen and have a soft feel.
Conclusion:
The Alpina GT targets pilots who don’t want to venture on a two-liner, and believe that this three-line concept has already been tested and validated for over 10 years. I can assure you that those pilots will get what they hoped for in terms of passive safety, good performance, nice handling, and overall a smiley face at the landing zone. Happy flights,
