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Based on the LIGHTNESS concept
With this new design - without a seatboard - your body weight is supported by an ergonomic, crease-free seat surface, meaning that you definitely sit (or lie) more comfortably in the harness. This design does not create those pressure points that become a nuisance on long flights, and this is a clear advantage compared with a conventional harness.
Significant weight reduction
The IMPRESS 3 weighs only 4.7 kg – quite revolutionary for a harness with speedbag and approved protector. This weight reduction results from the sum total of numerous design and material details; lighter materials and innovative design also considerably reduce the packed volume.
Perfect aerodynamics
The results of a lot of wind tunnel measurements were considered in the development of the IMPRESS 3. We specifically directed our focus on the aerodynamics, namely the airflow over the chest and leg areas. A low drag and geometrically optimised harness with a novel cockpit-spoiler concept is the result.
- Innovative reserve compartment closure system
- Safe-T-System for the chest and leg straps
- Chest strap/speedbag safety link
- Quick-out carabiner capable
- Detachable instrument panel on the cockpit
- Camera pockets in the speedbag
- Ballast compartment under the seat shell
- Shoulder Velcro for Solario and SPOT
- Provision for drink system
- Exit in speedbag for urine tube
It’s not the paraglider, it’s the harness that is the most important factor when choosing a glider bag – it’s the harness that affects the carrying comfort and the compactness of the whole system. That is why the new COMFORTPACK is an integral component of the IMPRESS 3, and will be delivered in a size that matches the harness. Carrying comfort is even better with this geometrically optimised packsack, designed so that its volume is filled as efficiently as possible.
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The IMPRESS 3 is suitable for thermal, cross country and competition pilots - and anyone else who values aerodynamic excellence and would miss the warm comfort of a speedbag.
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Like the LIGHTNESS the IMPRESS 3 uses a novel (for paraglider harnesses) hammock principle, which perfectly adapts itself to the body shape of any pilot. With this seating shell design the harness takes up an ergonomic shape, supporting the body over its whole area and thereby providing the highest possible level of comfort. The hammock principle also means that annoying pressure points do not arise on long flights, and, not to be ignored, no seatboard means less weight.
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The chest strap/speedbag safety link comes into action as the speedbag is closed. When the pilot closes the speedbag he must actually hold the link (permanently connected to the chest/leg straps) in his hand, so that the pilot is reminded to close the chest/leg straps. In fact it reduces a very real danger if the pilot does forget to fasten the chest strap (and leg straps) before takeoff having already closed the speedbag. This link prevents the pilot falling out of the harness after the next takeoff if he has opened the leg/chest strap but left the speedbag closed (e.g. when walking back after a failed takeoff). This is a significant additional safety feature.
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The weight reduction of around 3 kg is the result of many details to do with the choice of materials, and the design. Compared with the IMPRESS 2+ the IMPRESS 3 is made of lighter but just as robust and durable materials, tested by long and intensive mechanical trials. The IMPRESS 3 really is much lighter than its predecessor, and more comfortable.
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If the IMPRESS 3 didn’t have a speedbag it would still have to have a foot support, to prevent the pilot from continuously slipping forward. The speedbag is therefore an integral part of the harness, and the footboard part of it serves as the foot stirrup, for reasons of weight. Compared with the IMPRESS 2 the footboard load is considerably reduced by a new triangular supporting geometry, and comfort is further improved.
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Basically one of the normal three S, M and L sizes with their flexible speedbags should suit almost every pilot. In special cases, however, any harness can be fitted with a speedbag of a different size and ordered as such – all the speedbag sizes are interchangeable.
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The IMPRESS 3 has a low drag shape which results from a reduced cross section area (due to the compact protector) and its streamlined silhouette. A lot of information from wind tunnel measurements contributed to the development. The new Cockpit-Spoiler concept also improves the aerodynamic geometry - the spoiler prepares the airflow to meet the upper body and this minimises vortex production at the chest area.
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In the IMPRESS 3 we focused our attention on aerodynamically critical areas, in other words those parts directly meeting the airflow. These extend from the nose of the speedbag to the upper body. Wind tunnel research showed us that that flexible airflow-inflated tail extensions provide no advantage whatsoever: the harness cross section area has to be larger because of the air intake requirement for the said tail cone, and, because the connection between harness and wing is not rigid, the tail leads to yawing movements in flight. These of themselves present increased area to the airflow thus increasing drag…
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The IMPRESS 3 has a ballast compartment just like the previous Impresses - under the seat, near the pilot centre of gravity. It can take 8 litres of water ballast, and the ballast container can be satisfactorily secured.
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It’s not the paraglider, it’s the harness that is the most important factor when choosing a glider bag – it’s the harness that affects the carrying comfort and the compactness of the whole system. That is why the new COMFORTPACK is an integral component of the IMPRESS 3, and will be delivered in a size that matches the harness. Carrying comfort is even better with this geometrically optimised packsack, designed so that its volume is filled as efficiently as possible.
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The reserve compartment is completely closed by a zip fastener; this effectively protects the reserve from outside influences, and accidental releases are now very unlikely. A well-designed mechanism ensures a reliable and fast opening. The reserve compartment can accept a steerable Rogallo parachute, in fact it can accommodate all reserves within a specified volume range. In addition the new reserve system is much less prone to mistakes while being packed.
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The IMPRESS 3 addresses those compromises that were necessary for the LIGHTNESS (for its stringent weight requirements) without having to give up the advantages of the X-Alps harness. The following differentiate the IMPRESS 3 from the LIGHTNESS:
- Use of stronger materials
- User comfort and convenience: adjustable in flight
- LTF approved protector
- Built-in reserve
- Bigger side pockets in the speedbag
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