1.
1. Introduction
Congratulations on buying your new GRADIENT BiGolden3! We believe that you will be very
enthusiastic about its performance and flight characteristics and we are sure you will be fully
satisfied with your new paraglider.
The BiGolden2 was introduced to the market at the start of 2009 and is still one of the best
tandem gliders on the market. It took a rather long time to make a better tandem glider than
the BiGolden2, but we are very happy we can say we have been successful!
The BiGolden3 is lighter, faster, more compact, has better handling and more performance.
The canopy is designed from a well-proven combination of different materials: all Porcher
Skytex premium quality. Reinforcements are made with nylon rods, which helps for better
inflation and a clean leading edge. Line drag is reduced by using well-proven DC Dyneema
lines. In combination with Edelrid Dyneema and aramid lines the result is an optimal balance
of strength, durability and drag.
We are sure the BiGolden3 is a beautiful tandem glider with very nice handling; a truly
worthy successor to the BiGolden2.
The BiGolden3 is certified EN-B/LTF-B and is meant for a large group of pilots: from hobby
cross-country pilots to professional tandem pilots. Anyone in fact who wants exceptional
safety and easy take-off and landing characteristics.
This manual will help you become familiar with your new paraglider and also provides
information that will allow you to get the best from your glider and keep it in good condition.
If you have any further questions after reading this booklet, please do not hesitate to contact
our company or any authorised dealer and we will gladly answer all your questions.
When you have become familiar with your new BiGolden3 we would welcome any feedback
that you might have.
2. Description
2.1. Technical description
The BiGolden3’s improved profile means excellent aerodynamic efficiency. Its characteristics
give the maximum resistance to premature airflow separation and optimal control forces.
For better distribution of forces within the canopy, diagonal segmented rib technology is
used. These segmented ribs are anchored to the attachment points of the A, B and C lines
and distribute forces to the inner-ribs. This enables the canopy to be divided into as few as
thirteen carrying ribs on each side, while still retaining the correct aerofoil shape. Thanks
to this, the BiGolden3 has fewer lines and therefore less drag. The result to the pilot of
this reduced drag is a higher top speed and better glide angle. Diagonal segmented ribs
(compared to non-segmented diagonals) also increase compactness and canopy stability,
especially in terms of a glider’s capacity to recover from an asymmetric collapse.
A new form of “partly triangle cell openings” helps to inflate the canopy across a wide range
of angle of attack. Graduated-sized cell-openings reduce the air movements and aid pressure
distribution within the glider.
Five rows of lines (A, B, C, D, E) are used for the upper suspension system. Rows D and E
combine into main lines so a system of four risers can be used. This method helps to reduce
drag and gives maximum simplicity, which pilots will appreciate especially during the pre-
flight checks and on launch. The BiGolden3 is certified to be flown with risers with trimmers.
Careful selection of lines and materials means the wing-loading is optimised in flight in
any situation. Progressive line diameters along the span and chord are already standard in
Gradient wings.
