SPITFIRE 3
…send it!
Whether on steep “big mountain” powder slopes, or low proximity through the terrain – redefine speedriding for yourself with the Spitfire 3. You get a high-end setup for ultimate control, playful dynamics and versatility on any terrain.
The next development of the legendary Spitfire series was a commitment by us to meet the demands of the loyal Spitfire fan base. The smaller sizes of the Spitfire 3 are dedicated all-mountain speedriders for experienced, intuitive riders who want to draw their signature into the terrain without compromise. The larger sizes of the Spitfire 3 guarantee a safe and forgiving entry into the world of speed riding, with a fast learning curve and lots of fun.
The redesigned canopy of the Spitfire 3, with its Nitinol-reinforced leading edge and optimised power transmission via V-Ribs, results in unmatched steering precision – ideal for extreme terrain and difficult conditions. The Spitfire 3 remains resistant to disturbances and therefore stays on the ground even when riding on very steep and difficult lines and reacts progressively to input with lift when required, even in slow deep powder. The new grippy riser with C-bridge and split A-riser offer the ultimate control in flight, riding and kiting, even with thick winter gloves.
With many more exclusive features, the Spitfire 3 generates new creativity for your next big speedriding adventure and your most sought after ‘dream–lines’!
Who should fly the Spitfire 3?
To choose the ideal size you should consider your skill level, wing loading and terrain:
- Spitfire 3 – 7 m2 – for professionals and experts (only on recommendation of a Swing Speedflying Team member)
- Spitfire 3 – 8,5/ 9,5 m2 – for experienced pilots
- Spitfire 3 – 11 m2 – for intermediate pilots
- Spitfire 3 – 13/15 m2 – for training and beginners
Sizes 13 and 15m2 and are best suited for beginners and for training.
The trimmer travel is ideally suited to speedriding beginners! The damped handling of these sizes massively supports the learning curve and forgives mistakes.
Important information about the glider sizes:
In order to make it easier for you to compare the surface areas of speedwings from different manufacturers, we have calculated and indicated the surface area using one of the most common development programmes. This sometimes results in discrepancies between the size information in the glider name and the surface area information in the technical data.
We have decided to not adjust the size information to the new area calculation so that you know which size of Spitfire 3 is suitable for you, based on your experience with one of the previous models.
Features
We have refined the canopy of the predecessor, which was optimised for speedriding, and extended it by two cells. To improve riding performance, the middle cells are suspended with diagonal ribs. This makes the canopy follow the pilot even more intuitively – even in tight turns and when riding slowly.
The use of diagonal ribs also reduces line drag, making the Spitfire 3 more precise at high speeds and improving its swooping performance.
We have deliberately not used RAST on the Spitfire 3 because, without the subdivision into RAST pressure sections, the canopy remains softer and more passive over the pilot in riding mode.
20mm webbing strap
For improved haptics, even in winter conditions and while wearing thick gloves, we have kept the webbing width of the Spitfire 3 riser at 20mm.
Split-A Riser
What has long been a standard feature on paragliders, has also proven itself on the Spitfire 3 during testing. For an optimal angle of attack of the outer wings in every trim position, the A-risers on the Spitfire 3 are split. The result is better handling via the brakes and a plus in performance with the open trimmers.
C-Bridge
As previously for the Mirage 2 RS, one of the top priorities in the development of the Spitfire 3 was to improve the control behaviour via the rear risers. The Spitfire 3 can be controlled very efficiently in flight via the C-bridge and with open trimmers, you can use almost the entire glide ratio. With the C-bridge pulled more towards the centre, glide performance improves. With the C-bridge pulled further back, the Spitfire 3 will roll with agility and control, even with the trimmers completely open.
Trimmers
After an extensive test phase and numerous pilot discussions, we decided to equip the trimmer of the Spitfire 3 with a loop to close it. To ensure that you can grip the loop quickly in any situation, even with thick gloves, it is permanently held in shape by Nitinol. An elastic band, which is connected to the riser, prevents the trimmer band from flapping.
Nitinol is a wire that originates from medical technology. It consists of a high-strength, temperature and corrosion resistant shape memory alloy. The name Nitinol is an acronym for “Nickel Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory”. Its unique feature: Nitinol wires always retain the given shape.
The Mirage 2 RS and Spitfire 3 are the first and so far only Speedwings on the market to use the costly high-tech material to reinforce the profile nose. The advantages: An optimal balance of stiffness and flexibility, as well as a permanently shape-retaining and robust leading edge, even in wet, snowy and icy conditions!
To protect the topsail material from premature wear, the thin Nitinol wires are inserted into nylon tubes.
To prevent line tangles during transport in the Swing Speedbag, you can fix the brake handles to the additional snap fasteners on the hook-in loops on the riser.
If you want to connect your brake handles to the riser with a rubber band for more control in flight, while kiting or riding, you will find a loop to attach it to the hook-in loop.
We have listened to your feedback and now use inlets for the line buckles instead of O-rings.
Snow and dirt are often collected in the trailing edge, but automatically transported to the stabilo via a channel in the Spitfire 3. The large outlet makes it easy to remove anything you’d rather not have in your Spitfire 3. The dirt outlet openings can either be permanently closed with a Velcro fastener or kept open during flight with a flap.
Anything made in EU countries ensures that local labour and environmental standards are respected. Transport routes are kept short, local businesses are supported. “Made in Europe” minimises CO2 emissions and guarantees products of high quality complete with social responsibility.
The Spitfire 3 and Mirage 2 RS are manufactured in our production facility in Croatia with the “Made in Europe” label. Our Speedwings are not only manufactured to the highest European quality standards, they also make a very important contribution to regional economic value generation and guarantee our highly qualified sewers and employees a secure job, with the added benefit of a very high level of social security for their families. In addition to production, many small service providers and business partners also benefit from the success of our products, and in turn this increases their future opportunities.
Made in EU […continue reading]
Detail-Pictures
Colors
Blue
Lime
Orange
| Spitfire 3 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wing area (m²) | 7,8 | 9,0 | 10.5 | 12,5 | 14,5 |
| Projected wing area (m²) | 6,8 | 7,9 | 9,2 | 10,9 | 12,7 |
| Cells | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Wing span (m) | 5,1 | 5,5 | 5,9 | 6,4 | 6,9 |
| Projected wing span (m) | 4,2 | 4,5 | 4,9 | 5,3 | 5,8 |
| Aspect ratio | 3,3 | 3,3 | 3,3 | 3,3 | 3,3 |
| Projected aspect ratio | 2,6 | 2,6 | 2,6 | 2,6 | 2,6 |
| Glider weight (kg) | 1,8kg | 2,0kg | 2,2kg | 2,4kg | 2,6kg |
| EN check norm | 926-1 | 926-1 | 926-1 | 926-1 | 926-1 |
The Spitfire 3 7* is only available for SWING Speedflying Team members, or on recommendation of a SWING Speedflying Team member!
