Three-liner | 33 cells | 4.42 aspect ratio | weight 4.70 kg - size S | (EN/LTF A)

PRION 5 – Fly safely

The PRION 5 combines the globally tried and tested strengths of its predecessors - simple launch characteristics and good-natured handling - with improved roll damping and a new design. It can also boast of two innovations: the redesigned, even more comfortable NOVA Adjustable Handles and a colour gradient on the brake line that helps to correctly dose the brake travel.

A feeling like no other. Who doesn’t like to remember their first flight? For this, the PRION 5 is the ideal paraglider and often accompanies pilots a long way after training. A nice example of what is possible with an EN A wing is the 200 km FAI triangle of Robert Schaller with his PRION 3 in 2015. The PRION 5 has even more potential. It is just such fun to fly and it makes commencing the “paragliding journey” simple.

Optimised for instruction. The design of the PRION 5 was carried out in consultation with  students and paragliding instructors and resulted in further improved roll damping. Technically, it also differs from its predecessor model in that it has a slightly lower aspect ratio and a more complex interior. The mini-ribs increase performance and decrease brake pressure, the nylon reinforcements in the middle of each cell make for even better launch characteristics. Additionally, several vector tapes increase the structural stability.

Everything under control. With the PRION 5's redesigned Adjustable Handles, it is possible to individually adjust the width of the brake handles. This can be done effortlessly via Velcro and facilitates correct gripping and direct brake input. The ball of the hand and the brake line should form a line, because this makes launching easier, is more comfortable in the long run, improves the feeling for the glider and thus increases flight safety. Alternatively, the Adjustable Handles can be used exactly in the same way as our standard brake handles. The standard riser, our tried and tested Student Riser, also has helpful markings - for example for manoeuvres such as big ears.

Innovation included. Brake lines with a colour gradient (from green to yellow to red) enable the pilot of the PRION 5 for the first time to correctly dose the brake travel by means of visual control. The idea for this innovation was developed in cooperation with the DHV and can help to prevent excessive braking or accidental stalling. The green and yellow area are used for steering, the red area is for the flare when landing.

Quote from Dr. Klaus Irschik, Proprietor of the flying school Flugschule Göppingen (Germany)

“The PRION series from NOVA has made a significant contribution to stress-free training for us as a flying school and for me as an instructor. With hundreds of taster course and initial training flights, but also with high flights, we sometimes see clear differences. For us, the most important thing is that a beginner's glider lines are easy to handle, it is easy to take off even in difficult wind conditions and can easily cope with any overreactions on the part of the pilot. And thanks to good workmanship and smart choice of materials, they still look good even after the toughest training sessions. I think the PRION 5 is the logical next-step of the successful models from previous years, but with a little more performance and better handling. This allows us to get people in the air safely even on shallow training slopes. Our beginners now reach the required safety altitude more quickly on the gentle hills of the Swabian Alps.”

Pilot target group

The PRION 5 (EN/LTF A - suitable for instruction) is a very good-natured paraglider with easy launch and landing characteristics, which provides pleasure in flying both in school and beyond. It combines the highest possible passive safety with intuitive handling and, thanks to its modern design, is suitable for relaxed soaring as well as for first cross-country flights. The balanced mix of stability and agility that has characterised the PRION series since 2010 has proven ideal for beginners.

Quote from Ferdinand Vogel, NOVA test pilot

“The aim was to create a stable glider with a high degree of roll damping, which would make flying even safer and the critical phases of launch and landing easier for everyone. In combination with its direct handling, the PRION 5 has become one of the safest and simplest wings.”

Short and compact

Simple launch characteristics. The wing inflates easily and climbs straight above the pilot without a tendency to overshoot which makes learning to launch (forward or reverse) particularly simple and safe.

Roll damping. Roll basically means "rocking to the left and right" under the wing. This maneuver is practised during paragliding instruction. However, accidental roll should be avoided. The roll damping keeps the glider on track in straight flight - this is especially important for beginner gliders, because it allows the pilot to concentrate on controlling the wing. For example, this also makes  the landing approach easier.

Student Riser. These risers offer the following useful colour-coding: green and red markings which are also found on the attachment points of our harnesses help to prevent clipping-in incorrectly. The correct lines to pull for big ears and a B-line stall are indicated on the maillon. The colours of the line areas (A, B and C) are continued on the riser.

Adjustable Handles. Individually adjustable brake handles facilitate correct gripping and direct brake input.  The ball of the hand and the brake line should form a line. This makes launching easier, improves the "feeling" for the wing and as a result, increases flight safety. Alternatively, the Adjustable Handles can be used exactly in the same way as our standard brake handles.

Brake Travel Indicator (BTI). The colour gradient (from green to yellow to red) enables the pilot for the first time to correctly dose the brake travel by means of visual control. This can help to prevent accidental stalling. The green and yellow area are used for steering, the red area is for the flare when landing.

Mini-Ribs. Mini-ribs increase the number of cells in the rear wing area and thus provide an aerodynamically optimised trailing edge. The mini-ribs also help to keep the brake pressure moderate.

Mid Cell Rods. The clever placement of nylon reinforcements in the middle of each cell make for even better launch characteristics. This is the first time in the PRION series they have been used.

Technology

Technical data

    XXS XS S M L
Number of cells  

33

Projected span m 8
Projected area 18,50 20,90 23,00 25,30 28,30
Projected aspect ratio   3,33
Flat span m 9,81 10,43 10,94 11,47 12,13
Flat area 21,69 24,51 26,97 29,67 33,19
Flat aspect ratio   4,42
Line diameter mm 0,7 / 0,8 / 1,0 /1,2 / 1,3
Line length m 6,37 6,77 7,11 7,45 7,88
Total line length m 228 243 255 268 284
Max. chord m 2,68 2,85 2,99 3,14 3,32
Min. chord m 1,10 1,17 1,23 1,29 1,36
Weight kg 3,90 4,30 4,70 5,10 5,50
Certified weight-range kg 55-75 65-85 75-100 90-115 105-140
Certification (EN/LTF)   A A A A A
Suitable for schooling  

Materials

Service

Colours

Blue
Lime
Orange
Sangria

This 3D model will assist you to see the approximate appearance of a custom colour. But please be aware: the actual colours may vary from the 3D model. For any queries, please contact your NOVA Partner or email us directly at info@nova.eu.

Scope of delivery

FAQ

The PRION 5 represents a further advance in development by once again improving the proven strengths of all previous models - easy launch, good-natured handling and stable flight. It is also the first PRION with the new look and it can boast of two innovations:  the  new, even more comfortable NOVA Adjustable Handles and a colour gradient on the brake line that helps to correctly dose the brake travel.

Both are certified as EN/LTF A and can be used in instruction.  In a direct comparison, the PRION 5 is less dynamic and therefore easier to fly than the high-end EN A AONIC. With the PRION 5 the focus is on instruction, with the AONIC it is on thermal and cross-country flying. We recommend the PRION 5 to anyone who wants completely relaxed flying.

Both are certified as EN/LTF A and can be used in instruction. The differences are in weight and packing volume. The PRION 5 is made from robust materials and weighs 4.7 kg (size S). In comparison, the versatile (e.g. for hike & fly and travelling) IBEX 4 is markedly lighter at 3.5 kg (size S) and can be packed much smaller. For the take off weight, the IBEX has a classification from "relaxed" to "standard" to "dynamic" and thus covers a particularly large weight range per model.

Both are certified as EN/LTF A. We recommend the PRION 5 for instruction, but not the DOUBLESKIN. The reason for this is the thinner fabric and ultra-light risers of the hike & fly optimised lightweight wing and its extended weight range with EN/LTF B certification. Good to know: NOVA provides the same guarantees regardless whether the wing is made from light or standard cloth. More info at NOVA Protect.

You can find exact instructions in the PRION 5 manual. If you don’t have your copy to hand, you can look it up online. As a general rule,  the brake handle should fit tightly (with a glove), but you should also be able to release it with ease if necessary.

During the initial flights the lines are first subjected to load. This load induces a small degree of stretching and shrinking. These are not associated with the line manufacturers or the quality of workmanship - in the factory all NOVA paragliders are trimmed and pre-stretched to within a very low tolerance. To adjust this stretching or shrinking, we recommend that the wing is taken for NTT (NOVA Trim Tuning) after ten to twenty flights - after one year at the very latest. Generally, the line lengths remain constant after the first ten to twenty hours. To make full use of the NTT, NOVA encourages all pilots to have their wing checked after ten to twenty flying hours.

  • Avoid UV rays: minimise its exposure to the sun!
  • Store the wing open or loosely folded, dry, in a ventilated dark place.
  • Store the wing loosely folded, in a dry, dark place.
  • Never store a damp wing.
  • Don't drag the wing across the ground (especially the leading edge and rods).
  • Avoid sand and dust.
  • Never clean it with a hard brush or detergents.
  • If it is dirty, use a soft sponge and lots of water.
  • Allow a damp or wet glider to dry completely before storing.
  • Keep the wing away from acids and acid vapours (car battery).

The colour markings make it easier to dose the brake travel and reduce the risk of an unintentional stall. Please note: pitching (caused by brake inputs or turbulence) can significantly reduce the brake travel to the stall point. Appropriate assessment by the pilot is essential for the safe control of a paraglider. The advantages of the Brake Travel Indicator: the BTI can be a visual aid for the pilot to avoid an accidental stall during their first flights in training. Instructor inputs may be significantly more precise and thus aid safety in training. The BTI was developed in cooperation with the DHV (German Hang-Gliding and Paragliding Association).

Test flight
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