Milestones

• 2021
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  XENON - the first NOVA two-liner

  

  We introduce the ultra-light EN/LTF‑D 2-liner XENON, a wing especially designed for hike & fly races. It is also suitable for all pilots who want to fly a 2-liner for the first time. Otherwise, the Corona pandemic keeps the world firmly in its grip, and the paragliding industry is also suffering from it.

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  XENON - the first NOVA two-liner

  We introduce the ultra-light EN/LTF D 2-liner XENON, a wing especially designed for hike & fly races. It is also suitable for all pilots who want to fly a 2-liner for the first time. Otherwise, the Corona pandemic keeps the world firmly in its grip, and the paragliding industry is also suffering from it.

  After very intensive development work, we release the XENON to the surprise of the paragliding community. This glider is not only the first 2-liner in NOVA's history, it is an ultra-light EN/LTF D wing, especially developed for hike & fly competitions. Three athletes competed with it at the Red Bull X-Alps: Theo de Blic (FRA), Nick Donini (ITA) and Ken Oguma (JAP). They flew well, but had – in addition to the little experience of a rookie – a bit of bad luck.

  However, the XENON is attracting a lot of attention: because of its uncomplicated take-off and landing behaviour, its good glide (even at full bar), its effective climb in thermals, and its rather low demands on the pilot (compared to the category average). This makes the XENON also interesting for 2-liner beginners.

  Otherwise, the Corona pandemic continues to hold the world firmly in its grip. We are also feeling the consequences: several lockdowns in production, price increases for materials, wages and transport, many delays in development and testing, and, and, and... A very difficult year - for the whole world.

• 2020
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  The year started with the AONIC, the high-end EN A

  

  Particularly in Germany, the demand for EN A gliders suitable for cross-country is noticeable.

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  The year started with the AONIC, the high-end EN A

  Particularly in Germany, the demand for EN A gliders suitable for cross-country is noticeable.

  NOVA is at the cutting edge - the AONIC impresses with sportiness and performance, which is not usually found with EN A gliders - and is nevertheless suitable for instruction due to its high level of safety. Those who prefer to chase miles with an EN B glider will find the perfect partner in the fundamentally redesigned ION 6.

  And a big leap forward in harness development with the ITUS - the first NOVA reversible harness. Particularly noteworthy is its innovative deployment handle, which prevents the parachute from getting stuck in the compartment and allows the rescue to be deployed in any pulling direction. Many new developments e. g. the ION 6 Light are already in full swing... exciting times.

• 2019
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  NOVA is 30

  

  ... so the brand has existed nearly as long as the paragliding industry itself.

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  2019 – NOVA is 30

  ... so the brand has existed nearly as long as the paragliding industry itself.

  NOVA celebrates the anniversary with a new wing design, the first edition of Airtime magazine and the new wing models MENTOR 6, MENTOR 6 Light, DOUBLESKIN and BANTAM. Particularly the latter now strengthen the product range around the long-lasting trend towards hike & fly. One record we are particularly proud of in 2019: 233.23 km - this is the new tandem world record, which NOVA Team Pilot Stefan Lauth set together with his wife Ulli. The flight with the BION 2 began at the Grente and lasted for nine hours.

• 2018
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  The year of the SECTOR

  

  With the SECTOR (EN C) we tried to achieve in the sports class what we achieved with the MENTOR in in the standard class: actually usable performance at the top of its category - but without pushing the certification class to its absolute design limits (i.e. a relatively low aspect ratio). SECTOR pilots win the national cross-country leagues in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, amongst others.
  We also introduced the PENTAGON the first ever five-sided parachute. It doesn’t only impress with high pendular stability.

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  2018 – The year of the SECTOR

  With the SECTOR (EN C) we tried to achieve in the sports class what we achieved with the MENTOR in in the standard class: actually usable performance at the top of its category - but without pushing the certification class to its absolute design limits (i.e. a relatively low aspect ratio). SECTOR pilots win the national cross-country leagues in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, amongst others.
  We also introduced the PENTAGON the first ever five-sided parachute. It doesn’t only impress with high pendular stability.

  Low aspect ratio - high performance! With the new SECTOR design, we bring the MENTOR concept from the standard class to the sports class. With an aspect ratio of only 5.92 (flat), it offers a high level of passive safety and still flies at the top of its class - both in serial class competitions and in online XC contests. SECTOR pilots won the hotly contested national cross-country leagues in three countries: Urs Haari (Switzerland), Werner Schütz (Germany) and Armin Leitner (Austria).
  
  The five-sided shape of the PENTAGON offers the excellent pendular stability of an asymmetrical canopy (uneven number of corners), combined with a comparatively big projected area (for small packing volume and little weight). Thanks to the five corner vents, the PENTAGON opens extremely fast with a low sink rate.  And it is one of the very few parachutes that is manufactured from water-resistant cloth and lines. This means that after a water landing during an SIV course, there is no reason to buy a new parachute.

• 2017
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  MENTOR mania continues / 435 km with the PHANTOM

  

  The incredible success story of the MENTOR continues - now with the MENTOR 5. Since the very first XContest in the year 2007 there has only been one year when a MENTOR (or its predecessor the MAMBOO) didn’t win the standard class. In 2017, high-flyer Berni Pessl wins the XContest.org world-wide standard class ranking for the fourth time in a row.

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  2017 – MENTOR mania continues / 435 km with the PHANTOM

  The incredible success story of the MENTOR continues - now with the MENTOR 5. Since the very first XContest in the year 2007 there has only been one year when a MENTOR (or its predecessor the MAMBOO) didn’t win the standard class. In 2017, high-flyer Berni Pessl wins the XContest.org world-wide standard class ranking for the fourth time in a row.

  But the MENTOR is not our only winner. The PHANTOM also conquers: With his 435 km flight in Brazil in November 2016, Joe Edlinger (AUT) was ranked second in the world-wide standard class of the XContest 2017.

  We continue to be extremely happy about the fact that we can produce wings with low aspect ratio that have hugely high actually usable performance. Because lower aspect ratio means more passive safety. In the EN/LTF B class there are now wings with an aspect ratio of 6.3 (flat); the MENTOR 5 has a modest 5.4, the PHANTOM has 5.19 and the ION 4 only 5.14. By “actually usable performance” we mean the whole package that is required to fly far effectively - so no glide angle comparison at 5am in completely calm conditions, but instead how the wing behaves in the afternoon during the most thermic time on an epic XC day. And this is also true in practice: nearly a quarter of all flights submitted to the standard class of XContest are flown on NOVA wings.

• 2016
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  Fantastic PHANTOM

  

  The concept of the PHANTOM was simple: to combine a low aspect ratio with all the design features that promise “more”. The result is a glider that offers an unprecedented package of passive safety, performance, fun and comfort. A milestone in the history of NOVA - and in the history of paragliding!

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  2016 – Fantastic PHANTOM

  The concept of the PHANTOM was simple: to combine a low aspect ratio with all the design features that promise “more”. The result is a glider that offers an unprecedented package of passive safety, performance, fun and comfort. A milestone in the history of NOVA - and in the history of paragliding!

  Made from more than 3000 components and with an astounding 99 cells with an aspect ratio of 5.19 (flat), this makes it the most complex and technically sophisticated serial production wing ever. The PHANTOM sets benchmarks in every aspect: in the development of the design details, in the production and especially in the air. The extraordinary performance of this wing was demonstrated by Ferdinand Vogel at the Austrian Kaiser Trophy: second place in the serial class, 15th overall. In Brazil, Joe Edlinger flies an incredible 435 km open distance on the PHANTOM – a world record in the EN B class. To be clear, it wasn’t our marketing people who were keen to have premium products.  It was our development team that turned an "old" idea into reality. The result spoke for itself.
  
  In cross-country flying, the incredible successes in the MENTOR class continued. In the XContest there are six NOVA pilots in the top ten. Since the very first XContest, there has only been one year when a MENTOR, or its predecessor the MAMBOO, wasn’t number 1.  
  
  The NOVA Pilots Team celebrated its tenth anniversary with a roaring and legendary party. At the same time everyone mourned one of our most popular, friendliest and inspiring team members.  Steve Nash, from England, was an X-Alps and Team Pilot from the very beginning. Tragically, he was murdered on a vol-biv trip in Mongolia.

• 2015
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  Move to the Far East / 200+ km FAI triangle with an EN A glider

  

  With a partner, we opened a second production facility - in Vietnam. Since 1990, we have our own manufacturing facility in Hungary, but can’t expand at that location. As we no longer wanted to produce with a third-party manufacturer, we took courage and dared to take the step to the Far East.

  Team pilot Robert Schaller and his PRION 3 fly the first, and so far only, +200 km FAI triangle in the history of paragliding. His flight is an amazing 209.2 km.

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  2015 – Move to the Far East / 200+ km FAI triangle with an EN A glider

  With a partner, we opened a second production facility - in Vietnam. Since 1990, we have our own manufacturing facility in Hungary, but can’t expand at that location. As we no longer wanted to produce with a third-party manufacturer, we took courage and dared to take the step to the Far East.

  Team pilot Robert Schaller and his PRION 3 fly the first, and so far only, +200 km FAI triangle in the history of paragliding. His flight is an amazing 209.2 km.

  About our factory in Hungary - given the labour costs, sewing in Europe sounds like anachronism. But our production facility in Pécs means far more to us than just a “manufacturing plant”. We have far too many connections with the people there. After so many years, we are friends! In some cases, mothers and daughters work for us.  We feel a sense of responsibility there. Our facility in Hungary will continue, without doubt.

  In previous years we made sure that our plant in Hungary was always working at 100% capacity.  Any wings that exceed that capacity were produced by a third-party manufacturer. Sometimes this worked well, but often not as well as we would wish. To improve our supply capability we wanted to create a second production facility, where we could determine what is produced when.  We dared to take the step to Vietnam, full of hope that it would work out; but also with some quiet concerns whether our hopes would be realised. Today we know that it works even better than expected. Happily, within a very short time everything turned out really well. We are happy with the productivity, quality, flexibility and reliability.

   

  Milestone: 200+ km FAI triangle with a PRION 3 (EN/LTF A)

  With a 209.2 km FAI triangle on his PRION 3, our team pilot Robert Schaller proved that a good pilot on a good day can fly far, even with an entry-level wing… The (then) 25-year-old, launched at the Grente in the Tyrol, Austria and set his turn points near the Großglockner, the Wilden Freiger as well as over the Gader valley and he landed near Sankt Martin in the Gader valley after 8:43 hours in the air.  With this triangle he achieved the, so far, highest scoring flight on an EN A wing - with an average speed of 24 km/h! Impressive proof that is is absolutely possible to fly far with wings that offer maximum passive safety.

  We describe the PRION 3 as an “all-rounder for progressing pilots”. We wanted to express that the glider is suitable for training, but absolutely brings with it the potential for cross-country flying and that pilots enjoy it far beyond training. A concept for our EN A wings that we will continue into the future.

• 2014
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  Performance for all / a 300 km FAI triangle with the MENTOR 3

  

  “Performance for all!” was the motto during the development of the ION 3 (EN B). The wing’s handling is precise but at the same time forgiving. This makes the Ion 3 a wing for all occasions: a fun wing which turns like a dream; a cross country machine, tutor and gentle acrobat all in one.
  
  On the 8th June 2014, Berni Pessl flew the first FAI triangle over 300 km ever done on an EN B wing using his MENTOR 3. A milestone in paragliding!

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  2014 – Performance for all / a 300 km FAI triangle with the MENTOR 3

  “Performance for all!” was the motto during the development of the ION 3 (EN B). The wing’s handling is precise but at the same time forgiving. This makes the Ion 3 a wing for all occasions: a fun wing which turns like a dream; a cross country machine, tutor and gentle acrobat all in one.
  
  On the 8th June 2014, Berni Pessl flew the first FAI triangle over 300 km ever done on an EN B wing using his MENTOR 3. A milestone in paragliding!

  Our 25th anniversary year begins with a surprise: designer and NOVA co-founder Hannes Papesh leaves the company after 25 successful years. Philipp Medicus takes over the position of head designer. “Pipo” was already heavily involved with the design of the MENTOR 2, MENTOR 3 and PRION 2. The ION 3 is completely his own work. The innovative Smart Cells, which are used on the ION 3 for the first time, were developed 100% by Philipp Medicus. 

• 2013
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  MENTOR-mania the Third

  

  The MENTOR 3 was the logical next step to its successful predecessor. Although the basic technical data was identical to the MENTOR 2, the new version brought the highest performance leap ever achieved between two generations of NOVA wings. This was made possible by a number of optimisation measures. 

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  Groundhandling with MENTOR 3.

  2013 - MENTOR-mania the Third

  The MENTOR 3 was the logical next step to its successful predecessor. Although the basic technical data was identical to the MENTOR 2, the new version brought the highest performance leap ever achieved between two generations of NOVA wings. This was made possible by a number of optimisation measures. 

  The XC online contests confirmed the “actual flying performance" of the MENTOR 3 (and by this we don’t mean the L/D achievable on a still morning at 6am, but what’s possible on an epic day). Hans Tockner again won ALL classes of the Austrian XC league and also flew an FAI triangle of over 263 km on the 16th July! World record again! Christoph Bessei became the German XC champion in the Standard and Junior class (and would have won the Sports class, if rated accordingly). Urs Haari won the Swiss Standard AND Sports class on his MENTOR 3. Mauro Pianaro won the Sports class of the Italian cross-country championships on his FACTOR 2. 

  In the autumn, the MENTOR 3 light was released. It weighs around 1.5kg less and due to this reduced canopy weight it has even better launch and extreme flight characteristics. The new, intelligent mixture of materials makes it into a robust and durable lightweight wing for Hike & Fly enthusiasts and is completely suitable for cross-country flying as well. 

  At the annual Pilots Team meeting, Hans Tockner, Rinaldo Vuerich and Christoph Bessei are awarded “Pilot of the Year”. For her dedication to the Pilots Team, Brigita Plemenitas is awarded the “Team Spirit Award” and Robert Schaller is the “Newcomer of the Year”. 

• 2012
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  ION 2-Hundred Challenge & SuSi

  

  To demonstrate the performance potential of the new low-end EN B ION 2 and also to encourage good pilots to try long cross-country flights on this class of wing, we devised the „ION 2-Hundred Challenge“. The first 200+ km FAI triangle of the 2012 season flown on an ION 2 was rewarded with a 2000 euros prize.

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  2012 – ION 2-Hundred Challenge and SuSi (Super-Simple)

  To demonstrate the performance potential of the new low-end EN B ION 2 and also to encourage good pilots to try long cross-country flights on this class of wing, we devised the „ION 2-Hundred Challenge“. The first 200+ km FAI triangle of the 2012 season flown on an ION 2 was rewarded with a 2000 euros prize. Additionally, the pilot with the highest scoring single flight of the season got the number of points scored in the XContest multiplied by a factor of 10 in euros (e.g. for a 200km FAI triangle = 2800 euros). On the 10th May 2012, Werner Luidolt achieved the magic 200km distance with a flight from the Grentealm, South Tyrol. Because this was also the best ION 2 flight of the season in terms of points, he received a total prize of 5135 euros! If it had been the case that nobody achieved the 200km, we promised to donate 2000 euros to the “Wings for Life” foundation, a charity for the research and treatment of spinal injuries. But the year was so good for business that we also voluntarily donated 5135 euros to „Wings for Life“.

  In its second cross-country season the MENTOR 2 kept on dominating the standard class of all cross-country contests. The amazing Hans Tockner even won the overall ranking of the Austrian XC championships outright on a MENTOR 2 – beating all the higher rated wings! Kari Roberson, Sebastian Benz, Idris Birch, Hans ter Maat and Chavert ter Maat were “Pilots of the Year”.

  Innovation: with the SuSi (SuperSimple) we presented a completely new category of paraglider again. We had worked on the concept for nearly ten years and had now brought it to a successful conclusion. “SuperSimple” described the construction of the wing, as well as its flying characteristics. The SuSi had the biggest passive safety of any wing NOVA had ever developed. Due to the simple construction we could also achieve less weight and a relatively low price. SuSi Q (Quick) was the name of the lightweight SuSi. While the SuSi Q 20 (in the appropriate weight range) was a benign beginner wing, the SuSi Q 14 offered a lot of agility and flying fun for experienced pilots.

  We ended our co-operation with Raul Rodriguez because we had to admit that the small acro wing market cannot practically sustain a brand – especially since many acro pilots know someone who can get wings more cheaply. Happily, Raul remains a good friend of NOVA.

  In the same year we agreed to co-operate with Advance, initially restricted to three years. The co-operation covers the area of development and production. The idea is that Advance has some spare production capacity and expertise in harnesses, while NOVA is a leader in wing development and CFD simulation. Both companies remain independent and continue with their own brands. By combining our know-how, we hope to further professionalise the design, advantages in sales and an even higher product quality! 

• 2011
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  Big Success in the Online Contests

  

  The MENTOR 2 dominated the rankings in the standard class of the DHV XC league (seven MENTOR 2s in the top 10) and the XContest (nine MENTOR 2s in the top 10)! Michael Müller won the worldwide standard class of the XContest ahead of Hans Tockner and Hannes Kronberger, all flying the MENTOR 2.

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  A MENTOR 2 above Maurach/Achensee.

  2011 – Big Success in the Online Contests

  The MENTOR 2 dominated the rankings in the standard class of the DHV XC league (seven MENTOR 2s in the top 10) and the XContest (nine MENTOR 2s in the top 10)! Michael Müller won the worldwide standard class of the XContest ahead of Hans Tockner and Hannes Kronberger, all flying the MENTOR 2. Equally, most of the national standard class rankings were won by MENTOR 2 pilots.

  Wing development gathered pace: 2011 we released three new paragliders. The IBEX 2 replaced the tried and tested IBEX. Through even more robust cloth and higher performance in accelerated flight, it was perfectly suited to soaring and Hike&Fly expeditions with difficult launch sites.

  Our new ENC wing was the FACTOR 2. From a technical point of view this was the “big brother” of the MENTOR 2. It was even more agile, had a higher maximum speed and an even more precise handling. We replaced the JAMBOO tandem wing with the BION. We designed it according to the demands of professional tandem pilots. The BION featured easy launch characteristics, exceptional longevity and solid handling.

  The concept of the Juniors Team really took off. In the following years numerous (former) NOVA Juniors developed into top pilots and make headlines: Chris Bessei, Aaron Durogati, Peter Gebhardt, Franz Altmann, Paul Guschlbauer, Mitja Jančič, Idris Birch, Ferdinand Vogel. What makes us happy: even the Juniors that fly as test or competition pilots for other brands remain friends. Dominic Schärtl and Mitja Jančič (Juniors) as well as Hans Tockner and Michael Müller became “Pilots of the Year 2011”.   

• 2010
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  Move to Terfens

  

  Afters years of considerations, we finally make it happen and move from the horrible basement office in Innsbruck to Terfens, a small village in the Inntal, Austria. The new premises are much larger, brighter and more friendly. The team were really happy.   

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  Two IONS crossing the Inntal, Austria.

  2010 – Move to Terfens

  Afters years of considerations, we finally make it happen and move from the horrible basement office in Innsbruck to Terfens, a small village in the Inntal, Austria. The new premises are much larger, brighter and more friendly. The team were really happy.

  After three successful years, the MENTOR was replaced by the MENTOR 2. For the first time we kept the name of a wing. As well as a new profile and a completely revised line geometry, we used mini-ribs in the trailing edge and kink-resistant polyamide rods for the first time. Due to these changes, the MENTOR 2 glided better than its predecessor. The wing became really popular with pilots and developed into a sales hit.

  The Pilots Team also developed very positively. It grew and matured – and kept on winning. Alongside Michael Pohl, we also awarded the “Pilot of the Year” trophy to a NOVA Juniors Team pilot, Christoph Bessei. 

• 2009
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  NOVA celebrates its 20th birthday

  

  It was 20 years since the company was founded. Since the beginning, NOVA had helped shape the sport of paragliding – through innovations that are now seen as standard technology; through new wing concepts and in latter years through focussing all our resources on cross-country wings for recreational pilots. 

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  The ORYX, our light MENTOR (I).

  2009 – NOVA celebrates its 20th birthday

  It was 20 years since the company was founded. Since the beginning, NOVA had helped shape the sport of paragliding – through innovations that are now seen as standard technology; through new wing concepts and in latter years through focussing all our resources on cross-country wings for recreational pilots.

  In the spirit of this tradition, we introduced a lightweight version of a wing for the first time in 2009: the ORYX, a light version of the MENTOR. We wanted to facilitate lighter equipment but without compromising on robustness.
  Thanks to our constantly increasing CFD know-how, we could substantially improve our low-end 1–2 glider again. The successor of the ROOKIE, the ION, had an even better handling. The wing was therefore of interest to a wide range of pilots: beginners to recreational frequent flyers could benefit from the highest safety with appropriate performance and balanced handling.

  Pilots Team: the first three years of the NOVA Pilots Team were very successful and we decided to launch the Juniors Team. Six young men and women join us as new talent. Urs Haari and Michael Müller were “Pilots of the Year”. After ten years with the company, Mario Eder left NOVA and was replaced by Philipp Medicus.

  At the Coup Icare we announced a future cooperation with Raul Rodriguez and his Raul Rodriguez Acro Wings brand. We had realised that it is not possible to have a market position where we can equally cater for both cross-country pilots AND a the freaky acro scene. We had known Raul for a long time and the partnership was proposed as follows: Raul defines the requirements of the wings, Hannes designs them, Raul does the fine tuning and they are sewn in Hungary. 

• 2008
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  The MENTOR-mania continues

  

  In the worldwide XContest the MENTOR was ranked 1, 3, 4, 7 and 8. Nearly 20 % of all submitted standard class flights were completed on NOVA wings. MENTOR pilots around the world won national standard class league prizes.   

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  A yellow FACTOR flying over a yellow-blossomed meadow at the Rofan, Austria.

  2008 – the MENTOR-mania continues

  In the worldwide XContest the MENTOR was ranked 1, 3, 4, 7 and 8. Nearly 20 % of all submitted standard class flights were completed on NOVA wings. MENTOR pilots around the world won national standard class league prizes.

  Two new models, the FACTOR (LTF 2 / EN C) and the TRITON (LTF 2–3 / EN C) were released. We struck it lucky with the FACTOR. The very first prototypes were already excellent and we were able to launch it much sooner than planned. Many experienced pilots were enthusiastic about delicate handling the wing offered. “Flying the FACTOR is like doing ballet” said one of our team pilots. “Flying has never felt so playful.” The TRITON combined high performance with pleasant handling at the top level. This contributed to an excellent climb rate and in the hands of a competent pilot, greater safety.

  Alex Höllwarth joined the test pilot team and contributed a lot in making the year a success. “Pilots of the Year” were Wolfgang Bernhard, Mik Broschart, and Steve Nash. 

• 2007
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  Hike & Fly: back to our roots

  

  When NOVA was founded 18 years previously, paragliders were seen as an uncomplicated means to end a tour of the mountains with an enjoyable fly down. As time went by the equipment got heavier and bulkier. The original purpose was less at the forefront of the flying community's mind. 

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  An IBEX 15 in its natural habitat: between the Pitz and Ötz valley, Austria, at approx. 3000 m altitude.

  

  2007 – Hike & Fly: back to our roots

  When NOVA was founded 18 years previously, paragliders were seen as an uncomplicated means to end a tour of the mountains with an enjoyable fly down. As time went by the equipment got heavier and bulkier. The original purpose was less at the forefront of the flying community's mind.

  With the IBEX we introduced a completely new paraglider concept, especially for mountaineers/ Hike & Fly: small wings that could be flown with high wing-load due to their safe profile. The smallest IBEX (15 m2) only weighed 3kg, although we deliberately did not use ultra-light materials to ensure longevity. For experienced pilots, it offered a lot of fun because of its high agility and it had a wide range of applications – from high alpine descents to soaring flights where the wind is a little too strong for a full-sized paraglider.

  The MAMBOO continued to cause a stir: in the world-wide overall results of the XContest, six of the top ten pilots in the standard class were flying NOVA. Even more importantly, a lot of pilots could really use the whole of this gliders performance potential!

  Therefore the bar was set very high for its successor: The MENTOR required an elaborate development process to ensure it clearly improved on the various characteristics of the MAMBOO. The result of our labours was an extremely safe and pleasant wing (lower aspect ratio and shorter lines than the MAMBOO). It was such a good flying and commercial success that we later decided to retain the MENTOR name for all our high-end DHV 1-2 gliders and just number the generation of the model. In the long-term, the model series was so successful that the paragliding community talks about the “MENTOR class” when talking about high-level standard class wings for cross country flying.

  Our new DHV 2 wing, the RA set a new standard for wing design (one of the very first three-liners) and clearly exceeded the glide ratio of the TATTOO. But we made a communication error between the design team in Austria and the production in Hungary. Some size M wings were delivered to the customers with the trimming – and therefore the flying characteristics – clearly different from the original design. The image of the wing was irreparably damaged. What we learned from our experience with the RA: we introduced of a pre-series batch, which is meticulously measured and flight tested again, before the first real series wings are delivered to the customer.
  Introduction of the NOVA TRIM TUNING (NTT): in previous years the degradation of the wing had primarily affected the sailcloth – but now it was the lines. ALL lines, of all manufacturers, shrink or stretch – and actually much sooner than two years (the normal check interval up to that time). Additionally, the testing procedures had often failed to recognise these changes. Together with paragliding instructor Ralf Antz we developed the NTT, a computer-aided procedure for inspecting and optimising the trimming. The NTT should be undertaken after 100 hours or one year latest – basically like the first service of the car or the re-centering of a bicycle wheel rim. And it is for free on most markets. We are still establishing more paragliding schools / distributors around the globe that offer the NTT.

  Within the NOVA Pilots Team we award the title of “Pilot of the Year” for the first time. This acknowledges both commitment to the Team as well as excellent sporting achievement. The inaugural winners were Cornelia Voigt, Mario Eder, Hannes Kronberger and Christian Pichler. 

• 2006
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  Focus: cross-country flying / founding the NOVA Pilots Team

  

  The year began with the launch of the ROOKIE, which superseded even the success of the SYNTAX with its combination of the highest safety margins and appealing handling. In the next two years over 2500 pilots, from beginners to safety conscious, keen pilots, chose the ROOKIE. 

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  Flying fun for two – with the JAMBOO over the Achensee, Austria.

  2006 – Focus: cross-country flying / founding the NOVA Pilots Team

  The year began with the launch of the ROOKIE, which superseded even the success of the SYNTAX with its combination of the highest safety margins and appealing handling. In the next two years over 2500 pilots, from beginners to safety conscious, keen pilots, chose the ROOKIE.

  The SHOCKWAVE caused a stir for completely different reasons: this high-end performance wing with only 12 m² was based on the TYCOON and offered incredible agility and maximum speed (>80 km/h) with an amazing glide ratio. Naturally this mix could not be achieved within the framework of certification, but it excited top pilots around the globe.

  The wing that brought the pleasure of flight even to committed pedestrians was the new JAMBOO. Based on the successful TATTOO, this tandem wing stood out due to its agile handling and excellent performance. Due to its easy take-off characteristics and robust material mix the JAMBOO became popular with commercial tandem pilots.
  In the Wallis, Switzerland, the two Swiss pilots Marcel Dettling and Adrian Lutz flew the first ever 200km + FAI triangles on standard category wing using MAMBOOs.

  2006 was an important year to determine the focus of brand NOVA: as normal pilots were less and less interested in competition flying, online contests were becoming more and more popular. We decided…NOVA is THE XC brand! And in order not just to underpin this with suitable wings, we created the NOVA Pilots Team and appointed our (external) Public Relations consultant Till Gottbrath the team captain. The goal of the NPT is not to collect a group of cliquey bought-in top pilots, but to find people who share our vision and aims and who want to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with the whole paragliding community. To this day, we expect our team pilots to support fellow pilots (regardless of what brand of glider they fly) with experience, tips and advice. It’s all about the shared joy of flying. 

• 2005
•  

  A new level of performance in serial high-end gliders

  

  The TYCOON represented our most ambitious project in the DHV 2–3 class in a long time. We achieved a distinct step forward: a glide ratio that was previously only achieved in competition wings was now available in serial wings. The disadvantage of the lower maximum top speed was offset by the safety advantages. In this way the TYCOON reinvigorated the high-end serial wing market and gained a good reputation as a cross-country wing. 

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  The stretched silhouette of the TYCOON against the backlight.

  2005 – a new level of performance in serial high-end gliders

  The TYCOON represented our most ambitious project in the DHV 2–3 class in a long time. We achieved a distinct step forward: a glide ratio that was previously only achieved in competition wings was now available in serial wings. The disadvantage of the lower maximum top speed was offset by the safety advantages. In this way the TYCOON reinvigorated the high-end serial wing market and gained a good reputation as a cross-country wing.

  With high-end DHV 1–2s, the design focus was on glide ratio and particularly on handling. And this led to the biggest difference between the successful ARTAX and its successor the MAMBOO: the MAMBOO offered dynamic, direct handling. Along with glide ratio, the most important consideration was fun in the air. The exceptional glide ratio was mirrored in the results of various online cross-country leagues. The MAMBOO was high up in the world-wide rankings – across all categories.

  This was a window into the future: successful cross-country flying with lower classified wings. And we also noticed that cross-country online contests were more attractive to the majority of pilots than conventional competition flying. 

• 2004
•  

  Constant lift

  

  At the beginning of the year we introduced the PRIMAX (DHV 1). The design was based on the SYNTAX, but the passive safety was increased more. Similarly as on the SYNTAX, the super soft collapse behaviour contributed enormously to safety. And many pilots loved the handling. 

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  TATTOO: a lot of performance and very direct handling

  2004 – constant lift

  At the beginning of the year we introduced the PRIMAX (DHV 1). The design was based on the SYNTAX, but the passive safety was increased more. Similarly as on the SYNTAX, the super soft collapse behaviour contributed enormously to safety. And many pilots loved the handling.

  After the huge success of the “RADON family” (ARTAX, AERON, RADON), we investigated future pilot demand for our development direction, using a wide-ranging questionnaire. It was a clear message: pilots want better handling. The wing should turn faster with less brake input but without becoming more demanding to fly. Many different prototypes were made to create the wing with the "perfect handling". But it was clear that any new model would have to beat its predecessor on performance. After an immense development effort we presented the TATTOO as the successor to the AERON. The feedback was as overwhelming as it was surprising: the decision to buy the TATTOO was no longer based on high performance or the manageable extreme flight behaviour – many pilots chose it for its handling.   

• 2003
•  

  Back to old strength

  

  The year began with nearly euphoric feedback about the new wings – thankfully! They set new performance standards in their classes. The German language "GLEITSCHIRM" magazine confirmed the ARTAX had a glide ratio of 8.4 (when flown with a standard harness), which was a record for a DHV 1–2. In Brazil, Hungarian Szilard Forgo flew a new declared goal world record on an AERON with 278.3 km. In the autumn, we released the low-level DHV 1–2 SYNTAX. It appealed with pleasant handling, a very good climb rate in thermals and benign extreme flight behaviour. 

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  AERON – the world record wing: 278,3 km declared goal.

  2003 – back to old strength

  The year began with nearly euphoric feedback about the new wings – thankfully! They set new performance standards in their classes. The German language "GLEITSCHIRM" magazine confirmed the ARTAX had a glide ratio of 8.4 (when flown with a standard harness), which was a record for a DHV 1–2. In Brazil, Hungarian Szilard Forgo flew a new declared goal world record on an AERON with 278.3 km. In the autumn, we released the low-level DHV 1–2 SYNTAX. It appealed with pleasant handling, a very good climb rate in thermals and benign extreme flight behaviour.

  2003 was also the year the first cross-country online contest was launched. Pilots no longer documented their flights awkwardly with cameras and launch/landing witnesses, but instead they use GPS. Great things will come from this... but nobody suspected it at this time. 

• 2002
•  

  The bad year …

  

  …which hurt us a great deal! We suddenly received reports of CARBON wings turning parachutal – and initially we had no idea why. The precise and routine cloth testing during the production run provided no hints of faults. The problem with the cloth only became apparent after lengthy use. Finally, we found out that our then cloth supplier managed their product shortages by buying in cloth from another weaving mill. And the quality was just not good enough… We decided to take responsibility for this mistake. Although we didn't cause it, we still had to justify it to our customers. NOVA released a safety notice for the 1440 sold CARBONs. In the end, we replaced the 65 wings that were affected by the faulty cloth free of charge.   

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  The PHORUS and PHERON in Morocco.

  2002 – the bad year…

  …which hurt us a great deal! We suddenly received reports of CARBON wings turning parachutal – and initially we had no idea why. The precise and routine cloth testing during the production run provided no hints of faults. The problem with the cloth only became apparent after lengthy use. Finally, we found out that our then cloth supplier managed their product shortages by buying in cloth from another weaving mill. And the quality was just not good enough… We decided to take responsibility for this mistake. Although we didn't cause it, we still had to justify it to our customers. NOVA released a safety notice for the 1440 sold CARBONs. In the end, we replaced the 65 wings that were affected by the faulty cloth free of charge.

  Alongside this trouble the day-to-day business continued. The PHERON and PHORUS were launched in the DHV 1 category. While the PHORUS was intended as a pure training wing, the PHERON should accompany the pilot for some time after school, in the initial stages of their flying career. Both wings impressed with their performance and especially for their great potential safety. Peter Mack reorganised production in Hungary to increase both quality and productivity.

  The design team used the knowledge gained from developing the two DHV 1s when designing higher rated wings. The result was a new product range: the ARTAX (1–2), AERON (2) and RADON (2–3). And we released a new tandem wing, the PHOR2. The paramotor wing ROTOR completed the year’s successful development work.   

• 2001
•  

  Concentration on serial wings

  

  The CARBON invigorated the DHV 1–2 category. It was the right wing, at the right time. It reached a performance level that was previously reserved for high performance wings. Therefore the feedback was brilliant: our order books were so full we could not fulfil demand due to delivery problems of our cloth manufacturer.   

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  Mario Eder flies a perfect wingover on a CARBON over the southern point of La Palma.

  

  2001 – concentration on serial wings

  The CARBON invigorated the DHV 1–2 category. It was the right wing, at the right time. It reached a performance level that was previously reserved for high performance wings. Therefore the feedback was brilliant: our order books were so full we could not fulfil demand due to delivery problems of our cloth manufacturer.

  With pilots in mind, we extended our manufacturing guarantee to three years! Additionally, we introduced NOVA PROTECT. Thanks to this additional service, all NOVA customers are entitled to free repair of any damage within the first year! Both are still valid today.

  At the end of this season, head of production Herrmann Habe left NOVA. By lucky coincidence Peter Mack, a young, highly qualified engineer, contacted us at the same time. The Hungarian speaks excellent German, had gained experience with CFD simulations in the automobile industry (at VW) and wanted to bring his ideas to NOVA. He was son appointed as our head of production and provides valuable input to the design team. Meanwhile the test team were working on a new DHV1 wing.   

• 2000
•  

  The first unsheathed Kevlar lines

  

  The new millennium began with a lucky strike: after the design of the ARGON initially going in the wrong direction the previous year, we managed to successfully develop a new concept over the winter. The ARGON continued the tradition of NOVA high performance wings – the wing combined excellent performance (even when accelerated) with manageable extreme flight behaviour. The innovation: the ARGON C was the first DHV-certified wing with unsheathed Kevlar lines in all wing areas. For a long time this wing set the benchmark in relation to performance.   

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  The striking appearance of the ARGON – and the first time for the NOVA “Swoosh”.

  2000 – the first unsheathed Kevlar lines

  The new millennium began with a lucky strike: after the design of the ARGON initially going in the wrong direction the previous year, we managed to successfully develop a new concept over the winter. The ARGON continued the tradition of NOVA high performance wings – the wing combined excellent performance (even when accelerated) with manageable extreme flight behaviour. The innovation: the ARGON C was the first DHV-certified wing with unsheathed Kevlar lines in all wing areas. For a long time this wing set the benchmark in relation to performance.

  In the year 2000, we made a very important decision about the market position of NOVA: we said goodbye to competitions in their current form. The costs for the competition team were too high and there was too little time to continue to develop competition wings. So: complete concentration on serial wings!

  After eight years, Walter Holzmüller left the test pilot team. 

• 1999
•  

  The big anniversary

  

  NOVA celebrated its 10th birthday! We were the main sponsors of the world championships in Bramberg, Austria. As a “birthday present”, Christian Heinrich won the competition on a KRYPTON. But bad weather meant the competition was not validated. 

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  Christian Heinrich landing his KRYPTON.

  

  The NOVA marquee at the Stubai Cup.

  1999 – the big anniversary

  NOVA celebrated its 10th birthday! We were the main sponsors of the world championships in Bramberg, Austria. As a “birthday present”, Christian Heinrich won the competition on a KRYPTON. But bad weather meant the competition was not validated.

  Our R&D team completed the work on the X-RAY, a low end DHV 2 with large safety margins as well as surprisingly good performance. In the DHV1 class, the PHELIX proved that maximum safety and high speed are not mutually exclusive. Mario Eder once again showed his competence and enthusiasm as a test pilot, while Claudia Hassler left the team. 

• 1998
•  

  Back to our roots

  

  In the spring we conducted a pilot survey. Results showed that most pilots like comfortable, problem-free flights and do not demand every last ounce of performance. When developing the X-ACT, we tried to match exactly these desires. The result was a wing with excellent all-round traits. Additionally, the X-ACT convinced with its balanced handling and its slow flying characteristics. The X-ACT was a major reason for 1998 entering the company history as a successful year.   

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  A VERTEX in front of the Marmolada, Dolomites.

  1998 – back to our roots

  In the spring we conducted a pilot survey. Results showed that most pilots like comfortable, problem-free flights and do not demand every last ounce of performance. When developing the X-ACT, we tried to match exactly these desires. The result was a wing with excellent all-round traits. Additionally, the X-ACT convinced with its balanced handling and its slow flying characteristics. The X-ACT was a major reason for 1998 entering the company history as a successful year.

  The VERTEX was our next high performance glider (DHV 2-3). Peter Lüthi won the pre-Europeans on an X-PERT and also won the PWC. The NOVA competition team flew with much success for the whole season. Mike Küng left us to work for the DHV as a test pilot. Mario Eder and Claudia Hassler joined the team.

  Up until this year our development work used a lot of the “trial & error” method. In this year we built over 50 prototypes! It was an immense development effort! In order to get better results, Hannes was the first paragliding designer to use not only (self-written) computer programmes, but also professional simulation software for wing development. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations  (CFD) for the first time represented a milestone in paragliding design. Hannes was then able to calculate the design parameters, “fly virtual wings in virtual airspace” and could automate template production. The cutting data was sent to the production facilities in Hungary via Internet. On this basis, a prototype could be manufactured within just one week. These optimised processes made the development work considerably more efficient. 

• 1997
•  

  Focus on the intermediate class

  

  With the AXON we developed an intermediate wing, which was noted for its excellent performance as well as its large safety margin. We now had a complete product range: from the extremely safe beginner wing the PHILOU, the well-balanced AXON up to the XYON, which marked the pinnacle of performance. Pilots appreciated our efforts and our sales figures even exceeded those of the previous year.

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  AXON: a breath of fresh air in the intermediate class (DHV 2).

  1997 – focus on the intermediate class

  With the AXON we developed an intermediate wing, which was noted for its excellent performance as well as its large safety margin. We now had a complete product range: from the extremely safe beginner wing the PHILOU, the well-balanced AXON up to the XYON, which marked the pinnacle of performance. Pilots appreciated our efforts and our sales figures even exceeded those of the previous year.

  Simultaneously we worked on a successor to the XYON and on a new 1-2 glider.
  At the world championships in Spain, Walter Holzmüller, flying an X-PERT, was able to build up a large lead on the other competitors. Sadly, he was unable to maintain it on the last task.   

• 1996
•  

  The year of the XYON

  

  In its first test flights during the winter, the enormous performance potential of the XYON became apparent. The XYON had the same diagonal rib construction as its "brother", the XENON. Both wings also had another characteristic in common: instilling fear in the competition. No other wing could match the performance of the XYON. This gave it the status of the global benchmark. The market responded to this supremacy with never previously experienced sales figures. Even today there are pilots who enthuse about the XYON's feedback, performance and handling. 

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  The XYON: the 1996 global benchmark.

  1996 – the year of the XYON

  In its first test flights during the winter, the enormous performance potential of the XYON became apparent. The XYON had the same diagonal rib construction as its “brother”, the XENON. Both wings also had another characteristic in common: instilling fear in the competition. No other wing could match the performance of the XYON. This gave it the status of the global benchmark. The market responded to this supremacy with never previously experienced sales figures. Even today there are pilots who enthuse about the XYON’s feedback, performance and handling.

  In the autumn, after a long development period, the AXON (DHV 2) was added to our range of wings. The NOVA competition team flew successfully for the whole season and, amongst other things, we won the PWCA “constructor prize” again.   

• 1995
•  

  In competition, up and away

  

  The XENON dominated the competition scene in a manner, which will probably never be repeated. During the PWC, XENON pilots amassed twice the number of points than the whole of the other competitors put together. The NOVA competition team literally flew up and away from their competitors. The AFNOR tested serial version of the XENON became one of the highlights of the flying season.

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  Left: XENON – highest performance; right: PHILOU – highest safety

  1995 – in competition, up and away

  The XENON dominated the competition scene in a manner, which will probably never be repeated. During the PWC, XENON pilots amassed twice the number of points than the whole of the other competitors put together. The NOVA competition team literally flew up and away from their competitors. The AFNOR tested serial version of the XENON became one of the highlights of the flying season.

  In the summer we launched the PHILOU. It set a new standard for safety in the DHV1 class and subsequently was successfully used as a school glider for the next decade. For many years it was considered THE training wing.

  In the autumn, we began production of the XYON (DHV 2-3). Jürgen Krauss joined our test pilot team.   

• 1994
•  

  Continuing success

  

  With the PHOCUS we managed to achieve outstanding performance in the intermediate class, despite a remarkably simple design. No other intermediate glider had wider cells, a simpler construction, fewer lines or better performance. We also began the development of the PHILOU as well as the XENON.

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  The PHOCUS in the fashionable 90s design – with carefully matching clothing.

  1994 – continuing success

  With the PHOCUS we managed to achieve outstanding performance in the intermediate class, despite a remarkably simple design. No other intermediate glider had wider cells, a simpler construction, fewer lines or better performance. We also began the development of the PHILOU as well as the XENON.

  Jimmy Pacher became the European champion and overall winner of the World Cup. NOVA was awarded the PWCA “constructor prize”. Four out of the top nine pilots at the European championships were flying NOVA wings.   

• 1993
•  

  Soaring even higher

  

  The PHÖNIX 100, with its new profile, improved trim and innovative design, became the leader in the intermediate class. And the intensive development work in the high performance market paid dividends: with the SPHINX, we consolidated our role as the leading manufacturer of high performance and competition wings. 

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  PHÖNIX 100

  

  Big performance at high speeds: the SPHINX.

  

  Walter Holzmüller poses as a SPHINX (left), Mike Küng as a PHÖNIX (right).

  1993 – soaring even higher

  The PHÖNIX 100, with its new profile, improved trim and innovative design, became the leader in the intermediate class. And the intensive development work in the high performance market paid dividends: with the SPHINX, we consolidated our role as the leading manufacturer of high performance and competition wings.

  Mike Küng expanded our test team. Walter Holzmüller won the Paragliding World Cup in Gstaad, Switzerland – with the world’s first wing fitted with diagonal ribs. Walter also took part in the World Championships in Verbier, Switzerland. 

• 1992
•  

  The first hurdles

  

  The PHÖNIX was expected to continue the success of the PHANTOM in the DHV 2 category. After an initial promising start to the PHANTOM profile and basic shape design, we encountered technical problems.

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  An early PHÖNIX.

  1992 – the first hurdles

  The PHÖNIX was expected to continue the success of the PHANTOM in the DHV 2 category. After an initial promising start to the PHANTOM profile and basic shape design, we encountered technical problems.

  We decided to release a re-designed model, the PHÖNIX U. Walter Holzmüller joined the NOVA test pilot team.   

• 1991
•  

  The year of the Phantom

  

  The PHANTOM caused a wave of excitement. The elegant construction was both unique and a trendsetter. The wing not only looked good, but because of its extraordinary performance, it placed NOVA firmly in the competition scene and drove the sales figures to unexpected heights.

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  The PHANTOM: for its time, didn’t it have a beautiful leading edge? Urs Haari made the first 200+ km flight on it.

  1991 - the year of the Phantom

  The PHANTOM caused a wave of excitement. The elegant construction was both unique and a trendsetter. The wing not only looked good, but because of its extraordinary performance, it placed NOVA firmly in the competition scene and drove the sales figures to unexpected heights. Urs Haari – today our Swiss importer – flew over 200km with the PHANTOM and set a new world record!     

• 1990
•  

  Our first success

  

  After the CXC came the TREND. After an exhaustive development process, the TREND passed DHV certification testing with the safest rating (DHV1). The performance of the TREND was still remarkable so we used its profile to create another wing: the PHANTOM, a high-performance paraglider.    

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  TREND: DHV 1 with high performance (left); the first PHANTOM (right).

  1990 – our first success

  After the CXC came the TREND. After an exhaustive development process, the TREND passed DHV certification testing with the safest rating (DHV1). The performance of the TREND was still remarkable so we used its profile to create another wing: the PHANTOM, a high-performance paraglider.

  Sales success presented us with a problem: we urgently needed our own production facilities. The time of the iron curtain had gone and together with business partners we started production in Hungary. The factory developed from a state-owned business, which previously sewed hot air balloons and clothing for mountaineers. It was a wild time, but our Hungarian partners were brave, showed initiative and trusted in us. To this day, we are working in partnership with Mecsek Ballon KFT in the town of Pésc. We are now genuine friends with the family Leib, our business partners in Pésc. There are now families where the second generation is already working in the factory. Mecsek Ballon means far more to us than just any production facility.

  In those days, Toni Bender, Michi Hange and Wolfgang Lechner were our test pilots.    

• 1989
•  

  The first year

  

  NOVA launched itself into the paragliding scene with the CXC. Hannes Papesh’s first wing was made in his room on his mother’s sewing machine and tested on the local training hill – job done! The CXC was a performance wing in the DHV 2-3 category. In those days there was neither production facility nor any other business premises. The “office” was Wolfgang Lechner’s flat; his cellar was the warehouse.    

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  The first NOVA wing and already a really individual design: the CXC.

  

  The serial production CXC.

  1989 – the first year

  NOVA launched itself into the paragliding scene with the CXC. Hannes Papesh’s first wing was made in his room on his mother’s sewing machine and tested on the local training hill – job done! The CXC was a performance wing in the DHV 2-3 category. In those days there was neither production facility nor any other business premises. The “office” was Wolfgang Lechner’s flat; his cellar was the warehouse.

  Hannes designed and printed the cutting patterns on a University of Innsbruck computer. Despite these modern methods (at the time) a lot of additional work still had to be completed by hand. In 1989, the first Paragliding World Championships were held in Kössen, Austria. The paragliding scene became aware of NOVA.  

• Take off
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  A success story

  

  The story of NOVA is a story of unexpected success.

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  Hannes Papesh, then still with plenty of hair, designs the first patterns.

  

  
Hermann Habe (left), Toni Bender (right).

  

  The first NOVA logo. “Home-made”, just like the wings.

  A success story

  The story of NOVA is a story of unexpected success.

  Our story began in 1989. When we launched the company, we estimated that we had the potential to sell about 100 to 200 wings per year. NOVA now has approximately 110 employees, 95 in our own production plant in Hungary and 15 in the headquarters in Terfens, Austria. Therefore NOVA can count itself as one of the leading brands in the paragliding industry. Furthermore, from our very first days we have contributed to the development of paragliding through real innovation and new wing design concepts.