Independence Avalon

The Independence Avalon is a German single-place, paraglider that was designed by Michaël Nesler and produced by Independence Paragliding of Eisenberg, Thuringia. It is now out of production.^[1]

Design and development

The Avalon was designed as a beginner glider. The models are each named for their relative size.^[1]

Company test pilot Christian Amon was also involved in the development as well as flight testing of the Avalon.^[1]

Avalon S: Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.8 m (38.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.1 m² (292 sq ft), 40 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 65 to 85 kg (143 to 187 lb). The glider model is DHV 1 certified.^[1]
Avalon M: Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.2 m (40.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.1 m² (313 sq ft), 40 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 105 kg (176 to 231 lb). The glider model is DHV 1 certified.^[1]
Avalon L: Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.8 m (42.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 32.1 m² (346 sq ft), 40 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 120 kg (209 to 265 lb). The glider model is DHV 1 certified.^[1]
Avalon XL: Extra large-sized model for much heavier pilots. Its 13.2 m (43.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 34.0 m² (366 sq ft), 40 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 110 to 140 kg (243 to 309 lb). The glider model is DHV 1 certified.^[1]

Data from Bertrand^[1]

General characteristics

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 20. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X