General

The origins of the Axis 3 go back to the time when SWING was developing the Arcus 3, a glider which has already been successfully released.
Years of experience in developing paragliders mean that, when realising new designs, the SWING development team relies on a proven backup design system.
So with the Arcus 3, when interpreting the parameters, the team worked simultaneously on various concepts which were either performance or safety-oriented.
Along with the design known today as the Arcus 3, a second prototype proved to be particularly promising.
SWING spent a lot of time perfecting the Axis 3 and with this new beginner glider it is presenting a mature product in the DHV 1 category.

Target market

The Axis 3 is the ideal glider for pilots who have just discovered their passion for the sport of paragliding.
But the finely tuned handling of the Axis 3 will also appeal to the experienced safety-conscious pilot who wants to enjoy relaxed flying.
The low canopy weight and the small packing size mean that the Axis 3 is also well suited for long mountain trips which will be finished off with an unforgettable flying experience.

Design

Simplicity is of prime importance when it comes both to launch behaviour and handling and also to flight behaviour.
The “classic” construction of the Axis 3 means that its canopy is light and it has a small pack size.
With the riser too, complicated systems are avoided as much as possible.
The 4 point riser system is retained because of the more even change in the angle of attack on acceleration.
Even an inexperienced pilot will have no problem in carrying out rapid descent methods such as “big ears” and B-stalls.

Workmanship

Rigorous development of the computer programmes used allows images to be more and more exact and this ensures high profile accuracy and precisely defined tension distribution.
By using good quality materials in combination with the best workmanship possible, we have created a glider which is of the highest quality, and this ensures durability.
The Axis 3 is finished off with details such as the Ergo Grip – brake handle and the stabiliser openings (which can be closed) which allow dirt and debris to be cleaned from the inside of the glider.

Flight behaviour

Pilots have already found that the Arcus 3 is a very good-natured glider and for the Axis 3 we used a slightly modified form of the Arcus 3 profile.
The distinctive features of the profile are its very low tendency to shoot forward, its particularly balanced launch behaviour as well as its excellent thermal characteristics.
As for the DHV recommendation on the choice of glider for beginners (use only a category 1 glider for at least the first 100 flights after training) much development time for the Axis 3 was spent on optimising turn behaviour.
The long control travel and the progressive control pressure give the Axis 3 particularly forgiving behaviour when the brakes are used (which makes it suitable for beginners) but without creating a sluggish feeling.
The Axis 3 guarantees flying enjoyment for beginners well beyond their training and it offers those returning to the sport the opportunity to rediscover the simplicity of paragliding.

Colours available blue/turquoise yellow orange (2006) red Technical Data
Swing AXIS 3	3.22	3.24	3.26	3.28	3.30
Take-off weight incl. equipment (kg)	55-80	65-90	80-105	95-130	105-140(Mono)
					105-170(Tandem)
No. of cells	37	37	37	37	37
Area flat (m²)	25,4	27,3	29,2	31,1	33,0
Area projected (m²)	22,9	24,7	26,53	28,2	29,9
Span flat	11,45	11,85	12,25	12,65	13,05
Span projected (m)	9,20	9,51	9,83	10,15	10,47
Aspect ratio	5,15	5,1	5,1	5,1	5,15
Aspect ratio projected	3,65	3,65	3,65	3,65	3,65
Glider weight (kg)	5,5	5,9	6,3	6,7	7,3
Min. sink rate approx(m/s)	1,1	1,1	1,1	1,1	1,1
Max. speed approx.(km/h)	45	45	45	45	45
Trim speed approx.(km/h)	36	36	37	36	36
LTF-certification	DHV 1	DHV 1	DHV 1	DHV 1	<140kg: DHV 1 >140kg: DHV1-2
Instruction manual AXIS 3	de / en / es / fr
Line connection plans	PDF
Maintenance and Service Book	PDF	PDF	PDF	PDF	PDF
*   in preparation