BGD Base 3

The BASE 3 is our sports-intermediate high-B. Our optimization software allowed us to increase the performance without increasing the aspect ratio compared to its predecessor. The BASE 3 is born from the BGD Performance Quest project, whose first offspring was the DIVA 2. It clearly shares some family traits: the high arc, short lines, tapered shape and raked wingtips give it a very distinctive silhouette, as well as multiple performance and stability advantages. Like the LYNX 2, it is a 2.5-liner. The performance gains from the lower line consumption are enhanced by the lines being unsheathed micro-lines. The 2.5-line layout also gives a really nice two-liner feel with the rear-riser steering. The BASE 3 has excellent pitch stability and very low surge tendency, yet it remains a talkative glider, giving the pilot good feedback at all times. And something new for BGD – the BASE 3 has winglets. A safety feature, they help the glider exit from steep spiral dives. The BASE 3 is a real feel-good glider with excellent glide performance, the tool for pilots to break their personal XC bests while feeling safe and at ease. Target The BASE 3 is for cross-country pilots who have started flying XC on a low-B and are looking for more performance to push their distances. It is stable but informative, and has some secret ninja skills: it’s slow-speed handling make it a top-landing demon, and it’s really easy to launch in strong winds because it is so pitch stable and does not surge forward. Performance-wise it is top of the EN-B class, but safety-wise it could be a low-B. Designer’s notes Like the DIVA 2, the BASE 3 has a high arc and short lines. The high arc came about on the DIVA 2 primarily to improve the glide ratio, but we noticed this also resulted in extremely gentle collapse behavior. Short lines reduce drag and also increase pitch stability, while leaving some roll for a fun and lively feel. It has a reflex profile. This design is often associated with paramotor wings, and it means the profile has a natural pitch-up tendency. With a reflex profile, a lot of lift is produced near the leading edge, creating a force that acts against collapses and improves both active and passive safety. It makes the glider very stable on full bar, and collapses are very easy to anticipate and stop. The tapered plan-form gives very good slow-speed characteristics, a slow stall speed and a wide margin for pilot error. The raked wingtips very effectively reduce drag. The C-riser steering allows very effective pitch control, and the neoprene ‘cradle’ which serves as a handle is comfortable to hold and easy to use. Unlike a bar-style handle, there are no bits sticking out that could catch in your lines. We have chosen to use cloths that are durable and hard wearing, for real-life abrasion-resistance. The unsheathed Aramid lines are Edelrid 8001U. They have a waterproof coating, and are very dimensionally stable so your glider will stay in trim. Specifications XS S M ML L Linear scaling factor 0.93 0.96 1 1.04 1.08 Projected area (m²) 17.7 19.2 20.6 22.2 24 Flat area (m²) 20.9 22.7 24.4 26.3 28.4 Glider weight (kg) 4.7 4.9 5.3 5.5 5.7 Number of main lines (A/B/C) 3/2/3 Cells 57 Flat aspect ratio 5.7 Root chord (m) 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 Flat span (m) 10.9 11.4 11.8 12.2 12.7 Ideal weight range (kg) 60-73 73-84 84-95 95-108 108-125 Certified weight range (kg) 55-75 65-85 75-95 88-108 100-125 Certification (EN/LTF) B Colors