NOVA Xenon 3
https://www.nova.eu/en/gliders/xenon-3/
First impressions on the S size that goes to 88 max.
Note: I would like to point out a simple observation. When I write about the product, I try to compare it to similar products in that specific category. So the Xenon 3 will be compared to Zeolite 2 GT, Wild 2, Klimber 3 P, X-Ped, Omega X-Alps, etc., and please always consider that the smaller sizes are generally different and more dynamic than the larger sizes for all those mentioned above. Example: Please consider that if I write "dampened," it means "dampened" compared to the same gliders in the same class. It doesn’t mean dampened for a HighB pilot…
The Xenon 3 early prototype, flown by top athlete Aaron Durogatti, helped him to achieve first place in the Red Bull X-Alps. This competition relies mainly on the athlete's top performance on the ground and in the air, with lots of strategic moves, but I have to point out that things have changed a lot since the first X-Alps event. Now, the top 10 athletes are very close in performance and endurance, and I think choosing the right material will widen the gap over older-generation materials. Sub cocoon…+ high-performance gliders could give the already proven top-end pilot that extra edge over a longer period in the air!
Flown at 87 in quite snappy, turbulent air...
Take off like a feather, even in no wind! Impressive!! In strong wind, the Xenon 3 is easy to control for the D pilot, who will keep it swiftly overhead from shooting forward.
In the air, I immediately felt in control. As you know, I have practically flown all those light D gliders, especially the smaller sizes, and I know their behavior has always been more dynamic than that of the M and L sizes. Under the Xenon 3, I felt a relatively homogeneous structure, and the brakes provided the authority to control the glider and keep it from dynamically wandering in strong air.
Saying that, I found that the brakes begin to react after 15 cm... So a bit long at first, but the rest is very accurate and precise. So, doing a wrap keeps a gap of around 10 cm, then the action on the brakes is imminent, giving the pilot a high degree of authority to control the glider.
The turning radius and agility of the Xenon 3 are quite good! I could immediately turn it into the thermal core even in turbulent air. Sometimes I found that the Xenon 3 likes to level out of those turns, but when I released the brakes by 5 cm and pulled again, it obeyed and continued to turn. Overall, I personally liked the handling and the ‘overall feel' of feedback and brake control.
When flying in turbulent, strong air, the Xenon 3 small has a lot of energy and dynamic response, much like any other small D-class glider, and needs good, swift control of the brakes to maintain the trajectory. The good thing is that the internal structure is very homogeneous and doesn't have any loss of power/air inside it. And the pilot with the brakes has a high tool for in control.
For example, flying the small Vortex, which is a C-class glider, and of course, much easier to fly than the Xenon 3 by 30 %! sometimes loses some of its internal pressure without any consequences, but the feel for the pilot is like a 'slight stop in time’. This is not felt under the Xenon 3, which keeps the power and moves forward.
An observer said that my small size move a lot when looking at it. I feel that the movements are quite acceptable in moderate air and nice to have! In strong, nasty conditions at S size, it requires a bit of finesse underneath, still with a taut structure.
The Xenon 3 Small is fast at trim and glides effortlessly into the air mass! It is indeed a superb racing machine! The glide performance is very high, and I will update my D comparison for those details very soon.
We were very surprised by how well it climbed for its small size! When encountering a lift, the Xenon 3 climbs as if it were held down by a spring and suddenly released! The energy goes upward!
The B steering has moderate pressure. They are very efficient in controlling the glider while on the bar. The speed bar has moderate pressure and easy to push with a stable profile in moderate air.
Roll and pitch for that small size are present and logical for the D category, with such a high-performance machine!
Ears can be made with outer A’s. They are stable, and they need pilot action to reopen. Ears with outer B’s are super efficient! very stable, and reopens quickly.
Landing in tight places is possible thanks to slow-flying capabilities if well cared for!
Conclusion:
I flew that nice machine at 85 all up, and it was perfect at that weight. I also flew it at 87 on strong days, and it delivered more dynamic turns and speed.
Without a doubt, the final and commercially released product, the Xenon 3, can take you as far as possible in the light D category. NOVA inserted a racing spirit inside that glider. It is not just a simple EN-D light glider. I believe it has a lot of performance and very high efficiency in getting through the airmass, and could easily place it near the very top gliders in that category. It needs a good active D pilot to extract those performances on strong days. The authority on the brakes is a strong point only (if you fly it at top weight)! The M size flown at 95, 98 should be 'logically' milder to fly with even more performance. (Unfortunately, I don’t have one to try)
Finally, combining the Xenon 3 with a light pod (submarine-like), performance/enhanced harness… will give the pilot a powerful XC weapon to acheive some serious distances!
