UP Torre

What’s new?

In short: everything. Because behind the name TORRE lies UP’s first 2-liner with EN/LTF C certification. The new airfoil of the wing and the reduced line setup minimize drag and maximize top speed and performance. Want to push the full gas and leave the others behind? No problem with TORRE. The glide ratio remains excellent across the entire speed range. As is typical for a 2-liner, turbulence can be handled very well by the pilot via the risers, allowing even the smallest updrafts to be converted into altitude. The stable canopy is very resistant to collapses and, even if they come, they are easy to solve for experienced pilots. This is where the safety reserve of the C-class comes into play. It also has winglets – a first for any UP glider in the range. The winglets are easy to explain: they improve direction stability. This helps straight flight, especially accelerated. It also helps in spirals and, above all, when exiting them. Overall, TORRE is the even sportier alternative to our 2.5-liner TRANGO X. Both have the typical UP handling. Ultimately, personal preference is the deciding factor.

How did the development process work in detail?

A bit like shopping in the supermarket when you’re hungry – in this case, hungry for performance. That’s why TORRE is packed with features that ensure it. We have already mentioned the 2-liner design. We used features and experience proven from MERU 2. In addition, the airfoil of the canopy has been adapted for maximum speed and high stability thanks to cooperation with the Institute of Aerospace Engineering using modern CFD software. Front and rear section supports reinforce the individual cells and prevent deformation that would reduce speed. A combination of the N3D (Negative 3D-Shaping) at the leading edge and the AIT (Air Intake Tesion Lines) in the middle of the air intake, secures the perfect shape of the leading edge through the whole angle of attack range. These ensure shape stability, especially in accelerated flight, and thus optimum efficiency of the leading edge. The winglets, are repeatedly tested by UP on various models, but only go into series production when they really make sense. With TORRE, the time had come – it simply flies better with them than without. Background: If the silhouette of the wing is curved like a crescent, as is the case with the TORRE, this results in more agility in thermaling. In the C segment, on the other hand, there are often flattened arches with lowered sides, which results in slightly higher aerodynamic lift but less pleasant thermaling characteristics. All designs have their advantages and disadvantages, regardless of whether they are 2-liners or not. The final TORRE mixture brings the perfect balance of behavior in all the situations possible. Want more details? All the features of the TORRE are clearly explained under “Features and Technical Data.”

Who is the TORRE suitable for?

While the TRANGO X is already positioned in the upper C segment, the TORRE, as a 2-liner, represents a further improvement. This primarily concerns the performance of the paraglider, but also, to a lesser extent, the demands placed on the pilot. In other words: with a little finesse, you can get even more out of this glider. This opens up the possibility of exploring the upper limits of the C class and expanding your XC capabilities accordingly. It is important to note that the 2-liner design means that a B-stall cannot be used as a descent aid. Experience with spirals is therefore recommended. This makes the TORRE suitable for frequent flyers with high ambitions to develop their skills and fly longer distances as efficiently as possible. Thanks to its EN-C certification, it is also suitable for experienced pilots trying a pure 2-liner for the first time.

How does it fly?

Like a racing machine and a climbing wonder in one. The launch is straightforward and no different from 3- or 2.5-liners. The lines are completely unsheathed for minimum drag, but they are colored in all the levels, making them easy to sort.

In the air, the TORRE is agile and fast. It responds decisively to rising air currents and drifts towards the updrafts. Even the smallest air bubbles can be detected and used to gain altitude. It takes turbulence in its stride – here is the main advantage of the 2-liner construction. In the turbulent air, the 2.5- or 3-liners usually lose the otherwise good glide ratio. But TORRE gets the maximum lift even in such a glide. Besides that, fine adjustment of the angle of attack via the risers is possible at any time. By this we mean “C-steering” or, better said, “rear riser steering,” since we are of course talking about a 2-liner. The extreme pitch stability is also particularly noteworthy. This typical 2-liner characteristic comes into its own with the TORRE. Even in strong thermals, the canopy remains centered over the pilot without requiring much correction. This conserves energy and enables effective gliding and centering. The pitch stability is particularly beneficial for performance-oriented distance hunters when flying into and out of strong thermals. Want to stay on the gas longer? No problem.

How big is the XC potential?

Enormous. Ulrich Scheller and Peter Hilger (UP team pilot) flew to the first two places in the DHV XC 2023/24 with the TRANGO X, our 2.5-liner. So there is a lot to be had in the C category, and TORRE is now playing at the top.

What is included in the scope of delivery?

PARASLEEVE 3 concertina bag, main 3 riser lines replacement, compression strap, repair sticker, UP gift, e-manual