Test Mac Para Eden 4 from magazine Thermik

MAC PARA’s Performance-Intermediate glider the Eden now appears in the fourth edition. After the successful Eden 3 we were looking forward to testing the new Eden 4.

Although Mac Para is well known on the international market due to their successful competition and high performance gliders, the Eden range has been the biggest selling model. Most recent was the Eden 3, with DHV 1-2 homologation, which continued to write the successful history of MAC PARA.

The release of the 4^th version of the Eden, should prolong, if not surpass this success. In addition to a completely new design, which can be found on all new MAC PARA gliders, 10 months of design and testing work has been invested in developing this performance intermediate glider, the Eden 4. From a technical perspective the Eden 4 is a combination of its predecessor, the Eden 3 and its bigger brother, the Envy (DHV 2). The objectives were clear: to improve climb and to increase the glide performance at higher speeds (using the speed-system).

Design and manufacturing
The manufacturing standard and workmanship of the Eden 4 is through and through exemplary and clean. They use only the best materials to ensure durability and longevity of the canopy. It is the leading edge, where the fabric is most stressed. For this area Skytex 45 with E85A coating is used. For the less stressed areas of the canopy the well known and time-tested lighter fabric Skytex 40 with E38A coating is used. The ribs and diagonal segments use Skytex 40 with E29A "hard finish" coating. This combination gives the benefit of a canopy that is both lightweight and durable. "

Take-off behaviour.
When front launching, pre-flight checks can be done quickly due to the good layout of the suspension lines. The Eden 4 requires only a light initial impulse to fill the canopy. With a little guidance, the canopy rises cleanly and holds its position over the pilot. Stabilization at the apex is effortless with the Eden 4, and even inexperienced pilots will be able to keep the canopy easily and playfully overhead.  This should give sufficient time for a visual inspection of the canopy and the decision to continue with take-off.

Thanks to the relatively low take-off speed you can make successful and effortless launches in zero or crosswind situations. Even with a slight tail wind you don’t need to be an ace sprinter to get the Eden 4 into the third dimension.

Rear launches are pure pleasure. The canopy rises cleanly with a little input, keeping its position. Using the wind it is easy to hold the Eden 4 over the pilot. When ground-handling on take-off, even the less talented pilot shouldn’t be kited. The pilot can safely use the brakes, or in a strong wind the D risers.

Flight behaviour
In flight, the Eden 4 gives immediate confidence. The canopy is clean and stable in the air, even when fully accelerated. Response to control inputs is hardly delayed and is quickly and cleanly implemented. In the "work area" the Eden 4 has slightly higher brake pressure then similar gliders. Nearing the stall point the brake pressure increases markedly, and warns even heavy-handed less talented pilots safely and reliably of an impending, unwanted stall. When turning in thermals the Eden 4 is exemplary as it spirals upward. The glider is easily steerable and can’t be thrown off course. In weak thermals, it is recommended to apply outer brake to achieve better flatter turns. Even under turbulent conditions or ragged lee side thermals the canopy stays inflated and stable in the air. Also thanks to these features, during our test flights it didn’t experience any unintended canopy collapses. Simulated collapses (and it does not matter if on trim speed or accelerated) open quickly, independently and with a max of up to 180° of turn.

The speed of rotation and dive forward are low. Even front stalls are within completely predictable parameters. The canopy reopens automatically, balanced and gently. This process starts from the centre. The Eden 4 dives slightly forward and returns to clean flight. The speed system of the Eden 4 works smoothly and produces a speed increase of about 13 km/h. Thanks to this valley transitions should not be an insurmountable obstacle.

Descent methods

Big-ears:
With split “A” risers it is easy to perform big ears. Effortlessly, the wingtips can be easily collapsed and held in position for a long period. The canopy remains very stable, and the folded parts keep quiet. Using weight shift during the manoeuvre allows the Eden 4 comfortable control without the need for acrobatic movements. We measured during the tests - sink rates of about -2.8 m/s to -3.4 m/s (accelerated). After release the wing opens mostly independently and instantaneously without intervention from the pilot. Only occasionally did we have to help with a light brake input.

B-Stall:
When initiating a significant resistance has to be overcome. Maintaining the B-stall requires significantly less power. The Eden 4 shows little or no tendency toward turning away. After rapid release of the B-risers, the canopy dives forward only slightly and returns cleanly and balanced into the flight again.

Spiral-dive:
Daring brake input and weight shift to one side is all that is required to initiate a spiral-dive.
After only one turn the Eden 4 readily develops the correct angle of bank and speed. Both can be easily and cleanly controlled and corrected by outer brake input. Termination of the spiral turns out to be smooth. The termination of the large sink rates should be actively carried out using multiple turns.

Summary
The Eden 4 is through and through a balanced, harmonious glider that will appeal to a wide range of pilots. Although the smooth course of take-off is very friendly to novice pilots, the very attractive performance potential of the Eden 4 combined with a high degree of passive safety will be appreciated by pilots during XC flights. Due to the agile handling the fun and pleasure should not be neglected. Not least, the Eden 4 is also visually eye-catching.

Measuring instruments: 2 x Aircotec XC-Trainer