Nova VORTEX

Technical data

*Pilot incl. equipment and wing

Take off weight

Colours

Standard colours: White

Package

• VORTEX
• Concertina Bag Ultralight (141g, Uni-Size, also available separately)
• Windsock
• Manual
• Repair Kit

VORTEX – Ultralight Efficiency

Performance meets simplicity

The handling is optimized for efficient climbing, while the low mass of the wing is a noticeable advantage. The result is a glider that effortlessly takes advantage of even the slightest lift with flat turns and minimal sink rate, while also centering easily in tight and strong thermals.

Efficient B-Control

The B-control system is the most direct NOVA has ever achieved. Even small inputs of a few millimeters allow precise directional adjustments. Pitch control is highly effective, and the pressure on the rear risers enables you to rest your arms on long glides without slowing the glider down.

The uncomplicated companion

The VORTEX was designed not only for high real-world performance but also for practical usability. From easy launch characteristics to packing convenience, every detail was considered. Nitinol rods at the leading edge are more resistant to bending, allowing the glider to be packed smaller. The VORTEX comes standard with the Concertina Bag Light, but you can also use a regular inner bag. With its ultralight construction, the VORTEX weighs just 3.3 kg in size XXS (60-85 kg take-off weight), making it one of the lightest in its class.

Please note: due to the two-liner design of the VORTEX, the B3 stall is an effective descent technique, but classic big ears also work perfectly. More on this in the FAQ.

Target group

The VORTEX (EN C/LTF D) is aimed at XC pilots with a passion for hike-and-fly who want to experience the extraordinary performance and high safety of an EN-C two-liner. Pilots with significant experience in the high-B segment, such as those comfortable with the MENTOR 7, will quickly adapt to the VORTEX. It is an accessible and easy-to-handle 2-liner glider.

Test pilots’s quotes

“First flights on the production version of the Vortex were amazing! Been flying the first prototype since last spring, and it was my go-to wing for my Pakistan project in the summer. The final version? Super compact, insanely easy to fly—perfect for combos and cross-country. A wing that lets you focus on the flight, not the flying, with killer performance for its class!”

– Red Bull X-Alps Athlete Aaron Durogati

“My first XC flight with the Vortex – NOVA’s new ultralight XC machine! Effortless handling and noticeably more efficient in weak thermals compared to the Codex. A fantastic wing for pilots looking to step into the world of 2-liners in the C category.”

– Łukasz Siemiński, NOVA team pilot

“The perfect wing to get into 2-liner flying! Its low aspect ratio provides plenty of passive safety without compromising the flying experience – just the way you want it. Even in stall maneuvers, it behaves as forgivingly as a 3-liner. For me, that means relaxed flying, more confidence in accelerated flight, and simply staying on bar longer. Everything you need for longer distances. And the best part? It’s one of the lightest in its class – perfect for hike-and-fly adventures!”

– Ferdi Vogel, NOVA CEO & test pilot

Technology

Smart stuff. What Nova means by that is, for example, Nitinol. This material can be bent when packing the equipment, but it always returns to its original shape. This characteristic can be very useful! In paragliders, the high-quality Nitinol rods replace the usual nylon rods. They are even more robust and ensure an optimally shaped airfoil contour. In harnesses, the properties of Nitinol are used, among other things, to ensure that the airbag fills with air before take off.

Fewer lines, more performance. One obvious advantage of two-liners is the reduction of drag caused by the lines. More important is the increased stability and the possibility of B-steering. The B-handles can be used to increase the angle of attack very directly and quickly without deforming the airfoil. Consequently, you can fly faster with the two-liner in lively air than with a three-liner.

Under pressure. NOVA Air Scoop is an optimised air intake, which increases the internal wing pressure. NOVA’s Air Scoop principle is similar to the ram-air inlet duct on a sports car: increased airflow produces higher pressure. Higher internal pressure in a paraglider means improved performance through increased structural stability and collapse resistance.

Flat profile nose. Anyone who tries to fold a piece of paper around a ball will notice that there are always creases. The nose profile of a paraglider is the same – the sail cloth has to adjust to both the profile and ballooning effect (cells are round, not straight). Double 3D Shaping uses additional seams to reduce creasing and therefore increases the performance of the wing.

Materials

Lines

Risers