Gerätebeschreibung FREE FORCE 3
The FREE FORCE of U-Turn is established as the perfect wing to begin acrobatic paragliding. Now the
wing is upgraded: The FREE FORCE 3 got features like the Precision Profi le Nose (PPN-system) which im-
proves the start and fl ight characteristic. More than ever the FREE FORCE is the wing to enter the world
of the cool acrobatic tricks- the genes of the reference wing THRILLER are obvious in every trick.
The FREE FORCE 3 got like the THRILLER compared to the in its time revolutionary G-FORCE a reduced
aspect ratio. Because of the modern and high effi
ciency profi le this is possible without lost in dynamics.
With the AFS and the PPN-system features the FREE FORCE 3 is suited for daily use on EN B level, where
most of the ratings are even better.
“The FREE FORCE 3 stands for dynamic fl ight fun on a high safety level. Because of the THRILLER-like ma-
noeuvrability and agility combined with the safety reserves of the AFS, it is the perfect wing to all who
want to begin acrobatic paragliding” points out chief designer Ernst Strobl the rage of use. At same time
the FREE FORCE 3 got many friends in the XC pilots as well. Despite its relatively small sail, it is eager to
gain altitude in thermals. With a max speed of 56km/h (fully loaded) the wing is quite fast. And the AFS
cares with many small corrections for the maximum altitude when FREE FORCE pilots go for XC.
The use of the PPN technology and the abdication of the heavy nose mylar reduce the weight of the
FREE FORCE 3. This more in dynamics is clear to feel in fl ight. Another advantage coming from the PPN
is the improved starting ability. With the PPN nothing is deforming the leading edge anymore and the
FREE FORCE 3 off ers consistent performance for a long lifetime.
The AFS feature in a wing made for ambitious pilots- discussed after presentation of the fi rst FREE FORCE.
But the system is proven now in praxis as expected. So it is used in the FREE FORCE 3 again. The AFS in
its latest version got only advantages. Dynamic fi gures are just easy to do and the performance reserves
get in action if needed. “In dynamic manoeuvres the AFS is not active because the high internal pressure
prevents interaction” says Strobl.
On the other side in tricks like the MacTwist, when the pilot mistakes the time to break the AFS breaks
automatically and prevents the wing from overshooting too far in a potential dangerous level. “By the
very sporty design of the profi le I could increase the sail tension in the FREE FORCE 3 signifi cant com-
pared to an EN-A wing” announces Strobl. The increase of this eff ect is clear to notice. Anyhow the sys-
tem is not preventing the pilot learning the tricks: The one who is breaking correct will not notice the
AFS. Naturally this is not only valid for the MacTwist, for all other tricks too.
“All 44 cells of the FREE FORCE 3 are featured by the AFS”, Strobl points out. “The collapse resistance isn’t
the main issue but the prevention of overshooting.” Conclusion: The one who searches a wing to get
into the acrobatic fl ying like the pros, but wants to have a forgiving wing will fi nd the perfect match in
the FREE FORCE 3.
The total result: The use of the PPN-system together with the AFS pushes fun and dynamic. FREE FORCE
3 is THE more fun and performance with the extra portion safety.
Topic XC: Despite the small fl at area the wing is eager in thermals. Gaining altitude is the mission of the
FREE FORCE 3. Once on top the wing rewards with a minimum sink of 1,1m/s. While going for XC the
wing benefi ts from AFS too. The system smoothes out minor turbulences by breaking automatically.
This results in gaining altitude each time. In theory this is a trade off in speed, but still rests a trim of 38-
39km/h and 53 to 56 km/h (full loaded) accelerated. The wing can’t hide its roots in the mega dynamic
G-FORCE and THRILLER. Fly fast, high and safe! Thats the message of the FREE FORCE 3. And the one
who wants to discover the tardiness no problem for the FREE FORCE 3- the average minimum speed is
23 km/h.
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