Rookie

LTF 1-2

Development:

The objectives for the development of the ROOKIE, as a successor to the popular SYNTAX, were relatively clear: Of course, we had to maintain the extremely security reserves of the SYNTAX. Another concern was a more precise handling characteristic which should not be reached at the expenses of a more nervous flight behaviour - we think that excellent damping characteristics are essential for a glider, that we recommend for beginners.

The fact that a NOVA glider must excel his predecessor in the matter of performance goes without saying. With these requirements we tested the first prototypes early last summer. Soon it turned out that we had not reached the limits of the SYNTAX concept yet. So it seemed reasonable to search for further improvement on a concept, based on the SYNTAX.

With an extremely efficient line geometry and some modifications on the canopy we could increase performance by a significant amount already with the very first prototypes. However, we had to build some more prototypes, until the handling characteristics corresponded to our idea without impairing performance and security. Now, with the ROOKIE we have found the right balance: The performance - as well at trim speed as accelerated - is clearly above the SYNTAX. The handling behaviour could be improved substantially: The ROOKIE can be thermalled more precisely with brake input and weight shifting, which increases climb performance and fun.

The ROOKIE offers a huge security potential: In spite of good brake response the available brake travel is very long. Passing the DHV 1-2 classification never really was an issue for the ROOKIE as a Low-Level 1-2 glider. So we spent a lot of time optimising the collapsing- and reopening behaviour a lot more than necessary for the 1-2 classification.

It appears that pilots like soft collapses and soft re-opening. Hard collapses and "explosive" reopening frightens many pilots and leads to instability. The ROOKIE collapses very softly, and also reopens without any impulsiveness. To reach this behaviour, we forced many collapses and, what is maybe even more important:

We did numerous flights in very turbulent conditions to check the results in practice. Because finally, it's the behaviour in practice, which counts.

The following attributes have been changed, compared to the SYNTAX, it´s predecessor:

• less lines: we managed to realize a very efficient rigging system: the ROOKIE M has 268m of lines, which is 100m less than the SYNTAX M!
• more performance: the reduced line drag offers a feelable step forward in performance: specially in the discipline "rising in weak thermals" the ROOKIE is a class of it's own!
• new wing curve, more sail tension and a now brake geometry: These attributes are offering a more agile handling without any negativ effects on the damping behaviour.
• less weight, less volume: most of the upper sail is made from 40g/sqm cloth: even better takoff and safety!
• hybrid line setup from PPSL and Technora: offering the best from both

What remains the same:

• the airfoil, planform, cell number and line length: this attributes seem to have reached a kind of optimum in this configuration.
• very high safety in the deep spiral
• the endless brake travel and the very low stall speed
• the suitability also for beginners 

Main Characteristics:

• The ROOKIE is a Low-level 1-2 paraglider, which should approach beginners, as well as experienced pilots in search of maximum safety and minimum stress.
  
• The NOVA ROOKIE demonstrates the achievements of modern paraglider development: Before not too long, Pilots of 2-3 gliders would have been happy about the glide ratio, the ROOKIE offers!
  

EN Test Reports:   
  
Rookie XS: 65kg 90kg Rookie S: 75kg   100kg Rookie M: 85kg   110kg
Rookie L: 100kg 130kg

LTF/EN test reports:

Rookie L, Rookie M, Rookie S, Rookie XS, Rookie XXS

planform: