Steve Pearson and David Aldrich <<Dave>>
write:

We have had a new model under development for almost three years to replace the
T2 and T2C. It will be designated the T3 and will be available at 3 trim levels.

All T3's feature a system of bearings integrated into the tip wand receptacles.
This configuration provides a significant improvement in handling and control
authority that is especially and increasingly evident as more VG is applied.
It’s like having the same control authority with 50% more VG activated—so VG
100% feels like VG 50%. At lower VG settings, it’s more like flying a Sport 3 in
that you don’t have to plan as far ahead to initiate a turn which allows you to
work small scraps of lift more effectively.

Climb performance is unquestionably improved compared to the T2C. With full VG
on glide, you are unlikely to get overpowered by rough air. It also seems to
help performance throughout the speed range probably because the sail adapts
more effectively to the lift distribution throughout the wide angle of attack
range from stall to Vd, and because you can control the glider more precisely at
all speeds.

The sail has been through refinements to the planform, to improve the fit and
finish, and new bottom surface pattern. The bottom laminate extends to the
trailing edge panel without a stripe in the rear, and you can chose colors for 3
graphic elements—forward of the W (red), the W (white) and the central area
behind the W (black).

The base model T3 is loaded with options, comparable to a T2C with speed battens
and carbon raked tips in place of carbon inserts. We are not offering lower trim
options without carbon rear leading edges comparable to the T2.

The Race model T3 adds full technora sail with carbon reins and laminate bottom
surface, carbon stinger, carbon-Kevlar leading edge inserts and other options
typically chosen by serious and experienced comp pilots.

The Team model T3 adds every remaining option including carbon front leading
edges, over-molded carbon reinforced battens and our new extended-length molded
carbon leading edge insert

The new carbon leading edge inserts that are made from high-temp prepreg, and
are produced at WW in aluminum molds. They precisely fit the leading edge
airfoil curvature and have additional geometric features to make them stiffer
than simple carbon sheets. These inserts are longer, don’t compromise the
handling as much or at all, and support the leading edge panel far more
effectively at higher speeds.

Some of our competition pilots have had the opportunity to fly the prototype
T3’s in competition and have been extremely enthusiastic about both the handling
and performance.

Main new features:

Bearing tips - ball bearing supported tip wand receptacle. Allows with tip to
rotate and flex without binding. Significant improvement in handling, especially
higher VG settings.

ACLER - Advanced Composite Leading Edge Reinforcement. Custom molded in house to
a close approx of the leading edge shape. Carefully balanced stiffness to be
stiff enough to form the shape, but flexible enough to flex and conform to the
wing shape (as it changes with G and flight loads). Minimal or zero effect on
handling.

Without and then with carbon fiber inserts (click on picture to get high
resolution version):

Carbon fiber overmolded Battens, 9-12, root Battens. Custom molded in house.
Adds only about 20 grams per batten but makes them much stiffer and stronger.
Less deformation in high speed flight.

The section of the batten with the carbon fiber is three times as
strong as that section without carbon fiber (although this hardly matters as
these battens are very strong and I've never heard of anyone breaking them).

The main point of the carbon on the batten is to reduce bowing out or deflection
during high speed runs. Their deflection is reduced by 60%, so if previously the
battens would bow out 1/2" now they will bow out less than 1/4."