Apco Karma Sport

Karma Sport is the new Apco EN-2 wing for 2009. A few words from Apco about their beginner wing:

APCO's new beginner / intermediate wing.

It belongs to the Karma family and is designed to satisfy pilots who desire top notch, sharp handling. A lightweight, pilot friendly, easy launching, safe, fun wing.

It is offered side by side with Karma. We felt that now is the time to launch an additional beginner / intermediate wing which has a lot in common with Karma's philosophy, but is aimed at pilots looking for something different - a glider with sharp, immediate response (handling inspired by Vista), a glider in line with the recent trend for a light, low weight, low pack volume wing - the result is KARMA SP.

With performance above the Karma and wings weight lighter by almost a kilo,KARMA SP feels fresh, fun and reassuring. Equipped with all new FLEXON battens across the span on L/E, significantly lower line drag, made from new lightweight cloth - KARMA SP is our latest masterpiece for you to appreciate.

KARMA SP Paramotor Version

KARMA SP was extensively tested for freeflying as well as under power and its equally well suited for both - making it a great wing for paramotor lovers too. Those of you who love Karma will love the SP even more. The KARMA SP's overall behavior is perfectly tuned for motorised flight. From easy nil wind inflation and launching to ultra-safe stability, the KARMA SP offers the ideal solution for paramotor schools and pilots - comes on request with purpose built risers with trimmers.

The KARMA SP S size was awarded 153 A ratings and only 3 B ratings.

The KARMA SP M size was awarded 162 A ratings and only 2 B ratings.

For a glider of this performance and handling it is a remarkable result, especially when analysing the points which were B rated. Both gliders received B rating at maximum weight for acheiving sink rate more than 14 m./sec. in 2 turns - a result which is a must for a glider with good handling and all beginner class good handling gliders are on the market rated B on this point.

The M size also was rated B for assymetric accelerated flight at maximum weight - due to extended speed range on the glider at top speed on assymetric collapse it may change the direction just over 90 degrees, but has very mild dumped out response behaviour, easy to handle for every novice pilot.

The S was awarded B ratings for Big Ear opening at minimum weight on trim and accelerated flight - reopening of Big Ears is spontaneous and even in just over 3 seconds which in our opinion is the way it should be as it allows for smooth, even hands free reopening of Big Ears and is to the pilot's advantage, even if formally rated B.

Karma Sport features:

• Sophisticated profile for improved performance
• Split A riser for perfect launch and big ears
• FLEXON® battens for wider speed range, constant launch behaviour, improved performance and extended longevity of the wing
• Advanced riser system
• Stainless Steel hardware
• Anti-twist swivel and neodynium magnet brake handle
• Distinctive top and bottom color design
• Famous APCO long lasting double coated cloth - ensures high resale value

Materials:

The glider is made from tear resistant Ripstop Nylon cloth, which is P.U. coated to zero porosity and then siliconized to give the fabric high resistance to the elements. Different cloth is used for the top, bottom and ribs due to their different functions. The lines are made of superaramid covered with a polyester sheath for protection against UV, wear and abrasion. The bottom section of the brake lines is made of polyester because of its better mechanical properties. The karabiners that attach the lines to the risers are made of stainless steel.

Technical details from para2000.org (click to enlarge):