1 Pilot’s manual for Montana3
1. INTRODUCTION
The new Montana3 is the latest wing from the Gradient development team. The result is pure style, an
aerodynamic design with an incomparable variety of uses and the potential to meet the demands of all
kinds of pilots.
The agility, lift, performance and speed of the Montana3 are backed up by strong passive safety.
Gradient’s typical sensitive handling and immediate feedback means pilots relax and quickly start to fly
in harmony with the wing. It makes the Montana3 a truly reliable partner. Flying becomes intuitive,
leaving your mind free to concentrate on making decisions about your flight.
Our aim was to create a glider which would follow numerous developments of paragliding technologies
of the last years and at the same time would use the latest know-how in the development of materials.
A glider which would bring further improvement of performance and still keep pilot comfort, dynamics,
handling and safety typical for Gradient´s gliders.
The glider also behaves in a calm and predictable way in extreme situations, leaving you confident of
your safety while you regain normal flight – no matter if it was you or turbulence that caused the
trouble.
Flying the Montana3 starts with the typical, easy take-off characteristics Gradient pilots all over the
world appreciate. In the air, the Montana3 thermals flat, even when flying small circles. The wing reacts
immediately to weight shifting and has precise brakes. Well-balanced wing dynamics and a defined stall
point give this intermediate glider typical Gradient handling.
This manual provides information which will help you to fly safely and to keep your wing in a good
condition. If, after reading this booklet, you have any further questions or if you are uncertain about
anything, please do not hesitate to contact Gradient or any authorised Gradient dealer. We will gladly
answer all your questions.
We would be pleased to receive your feedback when you get to know your Montana3.
2. YOUR PARAGLIDER
2.1. Technical description
Montana3’s ground plan has a slender, elliptical shape with a slight positive contortion of the leading
edge and the new shaping of wing tips to minimalize the induced drag. This means that the ears of the
canopy are slightly swept back when inflated. This modern design has number of advantages. We have
used knowledge and technology which have been used and gained through the development of
predecessors such as Nevada2, Aspen6 and Avax-XC5 which all have very good performance and
climbing agility. We have optimized everything for the maximum performance and stability at the
whole speed range.
The glider’s aerofoils has been specially developed to provide the maximum stability throughout the
whole speed range. The leading edge is reinforced with integrated nylon stiffeners. This ensures
optimal inflation of the wing and helps to keep the shape of the leading edge perfectly clean even at
the maximum speed.
For perfect force distribution from the lines to the canopy we used the archs with nylon stiffeners in
the B and C attachment points.
This glider has a unique VO system which is an improved shape of the cell openings for better inflation
of the wing and for a more smooth air flow between the canopy and surroundings. Small rectangular
cell openings for sufficient pressurization during all flight modes and deep V-openings for easy inflation
and leading the air flow to the bottom surface of the canopy. The combination of two cell openings
shapes significantly reduces the aerodynamic drag during flights in turbulent conditions and keeps the
air pressure within the canopy more consistent, especially in rough air.
