The Swing Arcus is a classic. The first version of the Arcus was included in our “Testival” in 2000 and achieved very good results. At that time, there were still two different certification models, unaccelerated/accelerated with DHV 1 or DHV 1-2. Since that time the Arcus has won many fans around the world. In the fickle paragliding industry, it is probably one of the models which will be remembered, making it even more difficult for its manufacturer to replace such a successful model because the paragliding public naturally expects an improvement. This year the time has finally come and the Arcus 3 has seen the light of day.

It was clear who the “Neo-Arcus” would be aimed at: primarily both beginners and social pilots. But like its predecessor, there is also a second target market: safety-conscious experienced pilots and also cross-country pilots should fly the Arcus 3.

The Swing team has succeeded in its ambitious goal of improving the Arcus and has done so with flying colours.

The launch behaviour of the Arcus 3 is very balanced and neutral and it has no tendency either to hesitate or to shoot forward. This is also the case when reverse launching in strong winds.

Once in the air, the pilot can immediately trust the new Arcus. The wing even proved to be extremely stable in the turbulent northern lee conditions of our winter test area Meduno (Italy). It is well dampened on the lateral (pitch) axis and roll axis and moves along with a good trim speed of approx. 37 km/h (23 MPH). Even where the air is more turbulent, the canopy does not distort.

The turn behaviour is smooth. At first the control pressures of the Arcus increase reasonably progressively and they do not become very heavy until outside the normal flying range. The manoeuvrability of the Arcus can be classified as average.

These characteristics allow pilots to fly well in thermic conditions. The turn behaviour in thermals is also very good. Depending on the strength and size of the thermal, the glider can be centred precisely in the thermal, flown either flat or even more banked up. The Arcus gets to the top!

The Swing team has a worthy successor to its successful model in the Arcus 3. Beginners have the opportunity to log their first hours of flying safely and without stress and social pilots will never be overstretched by its good-natured flight behaviour. But it would be an injustice to limit the Arcus 3 to just those pilots. Safety-conscious thermal pilots and cross-country pilots are also well served by an all-round wing like the new Arcus