The outstanding design feature on the T3 is a new system of bearings in the wingtips that provides an extraordinary improvement in handling and control authority. With the bearing tips, control response at VG full tight is comparable to a conventional airframe T2C at VG 50%. The result is a dramatic increase in effective performance.

The majority of time in competition or serious cross country flying is spent either in climb or racing to the next thermal at speeds well above best glide speed. Climb performance depends on the ability to maintain precise and consistent control at low speeds. In the past this has meant settling for a looser than optimum VG setting, but with the T3’s bearing tips, you can climb effectively with significantly more VG. Between thermals, where tighter VG settings are critical to obtain the best glide performance at speeds 50% higher than best glide speed, precise and reliable control is critical to avoiding performance destroying excursions in yaw or roll caused by convective turbulence. The reduced pilot workload from the enhanced handling response is also important in maintaining optimum pilot performance over long tasks.

The first two T3s were introduced at the 2019 Governador Valadares meet in Brazil by Filippo Oppici and Alvaro Figueiredo Sandoli (Nene). Filippo took the podium in first place and Nene was close behind in third against a strong international field. A few weeks later, more T3s debuted at the first week of the 2019 US Nationals in Florida. Although we missed the top podium position, T3s took 2nd through 5th, including 3 of 4 day wins, 7 of the top 10 places, and the only 2 gliders in goal on the the longest 247 km task. In the second week of the US Nationals, T3 pilots finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd, so altogether 7 of 9 possible podium positions in the first 3 meets after the first 2 T3s were released. 

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New Features

All T3s feature a system of bearings integrated into the tip wand receptacles. This configuration provides a significant improvement in handling and control authority that is especially and increasingly evident as more VG is applied. At any VG setting, you don’t have to plan as far ahead to initiate a turn which allows you to work small scraps of lift more effectively. This extra control pays dividends whenever absolute authority and precision is a priority like landing in turbulent conditions.

The wand receptacle assembly is also extraordinarily effective for fine-tuning lateral and longitudinal trim characteristics so it’s quick and easy to correct a turn, adjust roll stability or change VG-related transient trim speeds.

Climb performance is unquestionably improved compared to the T2C. The ability to fly slower, with more precise control and more VG activated consistently produces superior climb rates. With full VG on glide, you are unlikely to get overpowered by rough air. The extra flexibility in the outboard wing helps performance throughout the speed range because the sail adapts more effectively to the lift distribution throughout the wide angle of attack range from stall to Vd and because you can control the glider precisely without inducing unwanted yaw excursions.

The sail has been through refinements to the fit and finish, to the planform shape, and with a new panel layout and bottom surface color pattern. You can chose bottom surface colors for 4 graphic elements—perimeter forward of the W, the W, the central area behind the W and the large panel which is also available in UVP2LX clear-black laminate. All T3s include UV-film laminate laminate top surface. T3 Race and Team editions include Technora laminates with carbon reinforcement on the top surface to prevent any stretch or deformation at the tightest VG settings. The laminate ‘window’ bottom surface option is also included with Race and Team editions. Check out your options with the T3 color-picker.

Carbon Fiber Raked Tips

All T3s are configured with raked tips. Raked tips improve performance at low speeds by effectively increasing span and reducing induced drag. They also improve stall behavior and control authority at high angles of attack, especially while thermalling, by mitigating stall propagation over the wingtips.

The new composite leading edge inserts are made from high-temp carbon fiber pre-preg and are produced at Wills Wing in high-pressure closed aluminum molds. They precisely fit the leading edge airfoil curvature and have additional geometric features to make them stiffer than simple carbon sheets. Compared to conventional inserts, these inserts are longer, lighter, don’t compromise the handling and support the leading edge panel far more effectively at higher speeds. ACLER inserts are standard on the Team Edition and optional on other trim levels.

Our carbon fiber over-molded battens are produced in-house and are available for the longest 4 battens which are most subject to destabilizing and performance-robbing deformation in high-speed glides. The unidirectional carbon fiber adds only 20 grams of weight per batten but increases the strength and stiffness by a factor of 3. Carbon reinforced battens are standard on the Team Edition and optional on lower trim levels.