1 Pilot’s manual for Aspen6
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on buying your new Aspen6 – a GRADIENT’s latest high-performance wing in the EN-C
category. We believe that you will be very satisfied with your new glider in terms of its flight
characteristics, exceptional performance and really nice handling.
After two years of a great success of Aspen5, excellent reviews and over 1000 gliders sold world-wide,
Gradient continues the Aspen family with a new glider, Aspen6 which is the next generation in the
EN-C category.
Our aim was to create a glider which would follow tumultuous development of paragliding technology
of the last years and at the same time would use the latest know-how in the development of materials.
A glider which would bring further improvement of performance and still keep pilot comfort, dynamics,
handling and safety typical for Gradient´s gliders.
In order to reduce line consumption and to keep a small number of carrying ribs and attachment points
we used our well proven Double Diagonal system together with the conception of a three-line layout.
To develop Aspen6, Gradient put the prototypes through their paces in a wide range of flying
conditions: easy soaring, soaring in strong winds, weak to moderate thermals as well as extremely
strong thermals in Africa, Gradient´s favourite testing ground.
Aspen6 is designed as the EN-C glider and therefore it is supposed to be flown by experienced pilots
who are capable of active flying. An outstanding performance, responsive handling, predictable
behaviour and stability at the maximum speed make Aspen6 a very interesting solution for a wide range
of experienced pilots who need high performance and safety for long XC flights.
This manual provides information which will help you to fly safely and to keep your wing in a good
condition. If, after reading this booklet, you have any further questions or if you are uncertain about
anything, please do not hesitate to contact Gradient or any authorised Gradient dealer. We will gladly
answer all your questions.
We would be pleased to receive your feedback when you get to know your Aspen6.
2. YOUR PARAGLIDER
2.1. Technical description
Aspen6’s ground plan has a slender, elliptical shape with a slight positive contortion of the leading edge
and the new shaping of wing tips to minimalize the induced drag. This means that the ears of the canopy
are slightly swept back when inflated. This modern design has number of advantages. We have used
knowledge and technology which have been used and gained through the development of
predecessors such as Nevada2, Aspen5 and Avax-XC5 which all have very good performance and
climbing agility. We have optimized everything for the maximum performance and stability at the
whole speed range.
The glider’s aerofoils has been specially developed to provide the maximum stability throughout the
whole speed range. The leading edge is reinforced with integrated nylon stiffeners. This ensures
optimal inflation of the wing and helps to keep the shape of the leading edge perfectly clean even at
the maximum speed.
For perfect force distribution from the lines to the canopy we used the archs with nylon stiffeners in
the B and C attachment points.
We have integrated nylon reinforcement directly into the ribs over C attachment points. This solution
keeps a clean shape of the top surface of the canopy and helps with recovery after a collapse.
This glider has a unique VO system which is an improved shape of the cell openings for better inflation
of the wing and for a more smooth air flow between the canopy and surroundings. Small rectangular
