HELIOS RS
…the spirit of cross country!
The name HELIOS is a tribute to the sun, which makes cross-country flights and flying adventures possible in the first place.
Helios RS is the name of our new lightweight performance wing in the C-Class, which resolves the apparent contradictions between performance and comfort, as well as low weight and gradual loss of power.
Already in the development phase the XC-Allrounder became the absolute favourite glider of our test pilots with its direct and precise handling.
Thanks to its low weight and pack size, the stretched wing in ultralight construction invites you to experiment with alternative launch sites and new routes off the beaten track. And should the conditions become more demanding, the HELIOS RS is very easy to control thanks to the RAST for the C-Class.
Compared to the AGERA RS, which is designed for fast, uncompromising gliding, the HELIOS RS is a precision tool for mastering difficult passages, strong thermals and hard turbulence in a relaxed and confident manner.
Who is the HELIOS RS for?
Do you dream of epic XC flights off the beaten track? Do you want to explore unknown terrain with light luggage, or simply go “on track” in a relaxed manner with a focus on the flying experience? Then the predictable and reliable XC all-rounder Helios RS is just the right partner for your adventures! Due to its simplicity, the Helios RS is also ideal for beginners from the B class.
FEATURES
On paragliders with RAST, the inside of the canopy is divided into different (pressure) sections by one or more fabric panels, sometimes with valves at right angles to the direction of flight. This makes it possible to influence the airflow in the canopy. The mode of operation is comparable to a bulkhead, e.g. in tanks.
With RAST, the air equalization flows in the paraglider canopy can be regulated through defined openings. This applies both during inflation (launch) and deflation. In the event of pressure loss, e.g. caused by canopy malfunctions, the relative internal pressure of the CORE section increases, while the BUFFER section absorbs the energy introduced by deformation. Furthermore, RAST can be used as an additional stress level to the leading and trailing edge, which has a positive effect on flight comfort. As RAST connects the ribs over the entire profile height, the construction has a stiffening effect and reinforcements and/or stiffening elements can be saved or even completely replaced by this special construction method.
With the Helios RS, RAST has been optimized for the following properties:
- Maximum control and stability in turbulence
- High canopy rigidity with reduced inner workings
- Simple starting behavior
We have broken new ground in the design of the HELIOS RS and reduced the inner workings to a minimum. This was made possible by an innovative combination of tensioning and V-belts with an optimized line geometry and the correct positioning of RAST.
Thanks to an increased number of line attachment points in conjunction with very short top lines, the HELIOS RS manages with V-belts that are only 5 cm wide without the canopy losing rigidity.
It was possible to completely dispense with cap-stiffening Wires in the C-plane area.
The advantages of this concept are
- Reduction in weight and pack size
- Greater stability in turbulence
- Easier handling on the ground and when packing
Nitinol is a high strength, temperature and corrosion resistant shape memory alloy. The name Nitinol is an acronym for Nickel Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory. SWING is one of the first paraglider manufacturers to use the material known from medical technology as nose reinforcement in paraglider construction.
For paraglider models where weight reduction is not the top priority, we have inserted the Nitinol reinforcements into nylon tubes. This increases the cross-section – and therefore the contact surface for the upper sail material – without having to sacrifice the positive properties (kink resistance, length and shape stability) of the memory material. This leads to an improvement in the longevity of the paraglider.
Ballooning at the trailing edge has a significant influence on the performance, control pressure and handling of the glider. Miniribs halve the cell spacing in this area and thus reduce ballooning for a homogeneous trailing edge.
The highlight:
The seams of the miniribs run on the inside of the upper sail so that no sewing threads can get caught on the ground and pulled out, even when launching on unfavorable ground.
The targeted control of tension through 3D shaping at the leading edge of the upper sail is now standard in paraglider construction in order to make the flow-relevant areas as wrinkle-free as possible. Depending on the model, the 3D shaping is either single or double.
We have supplemented the standard 3D shaping with an additional 3D shaping at the trailing edge to optimize the aerodynamic effect of the miniribs.
In contrast to the SWING C-Bridge, the SWING C-Control for effective pitch control connects the C2-riser with the B-riser. By pulling down the C-riser, you can influence the angle of attack more effectively during accelerated flight without having to leave out the foot accelerator. This gives you the opportunity to actively control and steer your paraglider in accelerated flight. You can use the separate C1 riser for directional corrections or as emergency steering.
DETAIL-FOTOS
TESTIMONIALS
When I tested the Helios for the first time at the Stubai Cup, I immediately noticed the direct handling. The glider reacts to steering line inputs without any delay and can therefore be easily positioned in the core of any thermal.
I tested both the S and the M size and surprisingly experienced no disadvantages due to the lower wing loading. On the contrary, the larger Helios went around the corner just as well as the S-size. The small pack size and low weight are great for carrying the wing to remote launch sites.
Great glider, excellent handling and I was also able to make a few hundred meters in altitude on my first flight on the winch in weak evening thermals. I can recommend it to everyone!
FARBEN
Snowflake
Rebel
Dream
| HELIOS RS | XS | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTF sample test | C (PDF) | C (PDF) | C (PDF) | C(PDF) |
| CEN sample test | C | C | C | C |
| Permissible weight range (kg) Min/Max incl. Equipment |
70-85 | 80-95 | 85-105 | 100-117 |
| Recommended weight range (kg) Min/Max incl. Equipment |
75-85 | 83-95 | 93-105 | 103-117 |
| Cells | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Wing area | 20,8 | 22,4 | 24,9 | 27 |
| Leaf area projected (m²) | 18 | 19,4 | 21,6 | 23,4 |
| Span | 11,2 | 11,7 | 12,3 | 12,9 |
| Span projected (m) | 9,1 | 9,4 | 10 | 10,4 |
| Elongation | 6,1 | 6,1 | 6,1 | 6,1 |
| Projected elongation | 4,6 | 4,6 | 4,6 | 4,6 |
| Canopy weight (kg) | 3,6 | 3,9 | 4,1 | 4,4 |
* The performance data depend on the wing loading, the atmospheric conditions and the harness used, as well as the pilot’s position
- Swing HELIOS RS
- SWING standard packsack (90, 130 or 200 liters), or quick packsack of your choice
(Delivery without packsack possible on request, please specify when ordering). - Protection Bag 2
- compression strap
- repair cloth (transparent white)
- manual
