Finally the new C-wing Bonanza 2 from GIN has been completed after 2 years of development. The FCA was so kind and immediately sent me a tester in size S. Loaded at the upper limit with about 95kg I was able to make 2 first short gliders.
Here is a short report about the new wing:
The new Bonanza 2 comes with 71 cells and an aspect ratio of 6.44. In size S the semilight wing, made of Porcher Skytex cloth, weighs 5.15kg. A good compromise in terms of the durability of the material. The Bonanza 2 is wired with a plastic ridgid construction. Not only do the plastic rods give the nose its shape; the entire upper sail is also equipped with them between each cell (except the outer wing) from the leading edge to almost the leech! This gives the wing a very smooth, stable and performance enhancing profile. This is definitely noticeable in the packing size, even though it has no influence on the packing technique. The riser is clearly arranged, narrow and dimensionally stable. For the C-steering, the strap below the brake is reinforced. When pulling on the C-level, part of the B-level is automatically pulled as well. As usual, the line mix is completely unsheathed - only the first few centimeters are color contrasted. The leading edge has a very pronounced sharknose with small air intakes. This creates a high internal pressure in the wing, which you feel as soon as you are airborne. The brake linkage of the leech is done with a clean shroud system. The quality and workmanship are first class!
1. start with 5-8km tailwind at a very flat take off place (north start Pizol)
(Addendum start at 10 -17km/h wind)
In medium to strong winds from the front, the Bonanza 2 can be easily pulled up backwards. The cells are quickly filled and the wing will stop cleanly at the zenith with little brake input. I could not observe an overshooting tendency. In crosswind the wing wants to be guided a bit.
The Bonanza 2 comes up a little delayed. But once the shark has caught some air, the canopy fills up quickly and the wing straightens up evenly. With a good speed I was in the air after 20m. The high internal pressure of the canopy is immediately noticeable, next to the cleanly tensioned sail! Despite its aspect ratio of 6.44, the canopy is very compact and doesn't work much in itself (I can't yet judge how it looks in thermals).
The Bonanza 2 goes extremely well around the corner. The brake is very effective and just a few centimeters of pull will make the wing turn in willingly. This is really fun and is anything but bulky! The brake pressure for the C-Class can be classified as medium. The control travel is short - C-Class even. However, there is a lot of time until stall and this is clearly announced.
The positioning of the ears with the respective outer A-lines is also effective. Together with the accelerator high sink rates can be achieved. The ears are very stable and flutter little or not at all uncontrolled. However, opening the ears should be supported with short, deep inputs on the brakes - otherwise you can wait a long time. For my flying style I find it a big advantage that the ears stay in even without pulling the A-lines permanently. So you can concentrate fully on the descent and keep the brakes in your hand.
One-sided unaccelerated collapses of up to 50% are unspectacular - B-Class feeling. I have not tested other pigs. According to the test report from the DHV , all classifications are between A and B, only the accelerated asymmetric collapse and the fullstall fall into the category C. So much for the report... honest statements are only made in everyday life.
The accelerator does its job well - the Bonanza 2 glides noticeably well at full acceleration and does not sag. The C-steering over the combined C-B level works perfectly. There are no special grips for this, which was a bit annoying at first. However, you can't get into most grips with gloves anyway. So the developers must have thought of something.
Wingovers work almost with mind control! Der Flügel verfügt über eine hohe Portion an Dynamik, die über kurze Bremsinputs sofort abgerufen werden kann. Der Spaßfaktor ist dabei extrem hoch 🙂 Die Kompaktheit und Verspieltheit der Kappe hat mich sofort an den Sigma 9 erinnert.
The landing is easy, flairt schön aus und lässt sich auch runterpumpen ohne schnellen Abriss 🙂
Mir persönlich gefällt das neue GIN Design gut und die Farbwahl finde ich auch positiv exotisch. Alles in allem empfinde ich den Bonanza 2 als ein kleines Meisterstück aus dem Hause GIN. Ich freue mich schon auf die ersten Thermikflüge um das wahre Gesicht und vor allem die wahren Stärken des Bonanzas kennenzulernen! 😉
Conclusion
For an honest conclusion the decisive flights in crisp thermals or lee situations are missing. The first impression was wonderful, it is easy to fly and I am sure that the wing has a lot of power reserves and a very stable flight behaviour. Compared to my last C-glider, the Skywalk Spice, it seems more compact and lively. The handling on the brakes is also finer and more agile. The Bonanza 2 is a lot of fun to fly because of its compactness and precise handling and is therefore also a good daily flyer. What is our hobby about? - about fun ...
Test report DHV
PS: unfortunately my actioncam let me down again today. Therefore there are unfortunately no aerial shots.
© Titelbild: Gingliders
