title: Swing Arcus
text: # Swing Arcus
  
  The Swing Arcus (arch or rainbow) is a series of German single-place and two-place paragliders, designed and produced by Swing Flugsportgeräte of Landsberied. In 2016 it remained in production as the Arcus 7.
  
  ## Design and development
  
  The Arcus was designed as a beginner to intermediate glider.
  
  The design has progressed through seven generations of models, the Arcus 1, Arcus 2002, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, each improving on the last. The models are each named for their approximate projected wing area in square metres or their relative size.
  
  The Arcus 3 series was introduced in 2003 and included the Arcus XL Twin, a two-place tandem glider for flight training.
  
  More than 8,500 Arcus gliders have been sold, making it one of the most produced paragliders.
  
  ## Variants
  
  ### Arcus 1
  
  **Arcus 1 S**
  
  
      Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.4 m (37.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.0 $m^2$ (291 sq ft), 43 cells and the aspect ratio is 4.85:1. The pilot weight range is 65 to 85 kg (143 to 187 lb). The glider model is Deutscher Hängegleiterverband e.V. (DHV) 1-2 GH certified.
  
  **Arcus 1 M**
  
  
      Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.1 m (39.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.5 $m^2$ (318 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.0:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 105 kg (176 to 231 lb). The glider model is DHV 1 GH certified.
  
  **Arcus 1 L**
  
  
      Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.8 m (42.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 32.5 $m^2$ (350 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.0:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 125 kg (209 to 276 lb). The glider model is DHV 1 GH certified.
  
  **Arcus 1 XL**
  
  
      Extra large-sized model for even heavier pilots. Its 13.3 m (43.6 ft) span wing has a wing area of 34.7 $m^2$ (374 sq ft), 48 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 105 to 140 kg (231 to 309 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 GH certified.
  
  **Arcus 1 XL Twin**
  
  
      Designed as a tandem glider for flight training. Its 13.3 m (43.6 ft) span wing has a wing area of 34.7 $m^2$ (374 sq ft), 48 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 105 to 170 kg (231 to 375 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 GH certified.
  
  ### Arcus 2002
  
  **Arcus 2002 S**
  
  
      Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.4 m (37.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.0 $m^2$ (291 sq ft), 43 cells and the aspect ratio is 4.85:1. The pilot weight range is 65 to 85 kg (143 to 187 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 GH certified.
  
  **Arcus 2002 M**
  
  
      Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.1 m (39.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.5 $m^2$ (318 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.0:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 105 kg (176 to 231 lb). The glider model is DHV 1 GH certified.
  
  **Arcus 2002 L**
  
  
      Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.8 m (42.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 32.5 $m^2$ (350 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.0:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 125 kg (209 to 276 lb). The glider model is DHV 1 GH certified.
  
  **Arcus 2002 XL**
  
  
      Extra large-sized model for even heavier pilots. Its 13.3 m (43.6 ft) span wing has a wing area of 34.7 $m^2$ (374 sq ft), 48 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 105 to 140 kg (231 to 309 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 GH certified.
  
  ### Arcus 3
  
  **Arcus 3 24**
  
  
      Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.6 m (38.1 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.5 $m^2$ (285 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.17:1. The pilot weight range is 60 to 85 kg (132 to 187 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.
  
  **Arcus 3 26**
  
  
      Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.2 m (40.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28.5 $m^2$ (307 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.17:1. The pilot weight range is 75 to 100 kg (165 to 220 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.
  
  **Arcus 3 28**
  
  
      Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.6 m (41.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.5 $m^2$ (328 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.17:1. The pilot weight range is 90 to 115 kg (198 to 254 lb). The glider model is DHV 1-2 certified.
  
  **Arcus 3 30**
  
  
      Extra large-sized model for even heavier pilots. Its 13.0 m (42.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 32.5 $m^2$ (350 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.17:1. The pilot weight range is 105 to 130 kg (231 to 287 lb). The glider model is DHV 1 certified.
  
  **Arcus XL Twin**
  
  
      Designed as a tandem glider for flight training. Its 13.3 m (43.6 ft) span wing has a wing area of 34.7 $m^2$ (374 sq ft), 48 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 105 to 170 kg (231 to 375 lb). The glider model is DHV 2 certified.
  
  ### Arcus 4
  
  **Arcus 4 22**
  
  
      Extra small-sized model for much lighter pilots. Its 11.4 m (37.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25 $m^2$ (270 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.17:1. The takeoff weight range is 55 to 75 kg (121 to 165 lb) and glider empty weight is 6 kg (13.23 lb). The glider model is DHV LTF 1 certified with and without an accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 4 24**
  
  
      Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.8 m (38.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.5 $m^2$ (285 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.17:1. The takeoff weight range is 60 to 85 kg (132 to 187 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.25 kg (13.78 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 4 26**
  
  
      Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.2 m (40.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28.5 $m^2$ (307 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.17:1. The takeoff weight range is 75 to 100 kg (165 to 220 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.5 kg (14.33 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 4 28**
  
  
      Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.6 m (41.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.5 $m^2$ (328 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.17:1. The takeoff weight range is 90 to 115 kg (198 to 254 lb) and glider empty weight is 7 kg (15.43 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 4 30**
  
  
      Extra large-sized model for even heavier pilots. Its 13 m (42.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 32.5 $m^2$ (350 sq ft), 46 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.17:1. The takeoff weight range is 105 to 140 kg (231 to 309 lb) and glider empty weight is 7.3 kg (16.09 lb). The glider model is DHV LTF 1 certified with and without an accelerator.
  
  ### Arcus 5
  
  **Arcus 5 22**
  
  
      Extra small-sized model for much lighter pilots. Its 11.62 m (38.1 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26 $m^2$ (280 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.2:1. The takeoff weight range is 55 to 80 kg (121 to 176 lb) and glider empty weight is 6 kg (13.23 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 5 24**
  
  
      Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 12.06 m (39.6 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28 $m^2$ (300 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.2:1. The takeoff weight range is 65 to 90 kg (143 to 198 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.2 kg (13.67 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 5 26**
  
  
      Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.49 m (41.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30 $m^2$ (320 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.2:1. The takeoff weight range is 80 to 105 kg (176 to 231 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.5 kg (14.33 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 5 28**
  
  
      Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.79 m (42.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 31.5 $m^2$ (339 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.2:1. The takeoff weight range is 90 to 115 kg (198 to 254 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.9 kg (15.21 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 5 30**
  
  
      Extra large-sized model for even heavier pilots. Its 13.19 m (43.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 33.5 $m^2$ (361 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.2:1. The takeoff weight range is 105 to 130 kg (231 to 287 lb) and glider empty weight is 7.3 kg (16.09 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  ### Arcus 6
  
  **Arcus 6 22**
  
  
      Extra small-sized model for much lighter pilots. Its 11.62 m (38.1 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25.7 $m^2$ (277 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.25:1. The takeoff weight range is 60 to 80 kg (132 to 176 lb) and glider empty weight is 5.35 kg (11.79 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 6 24**
  
  
      Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 12.06 m (39.6 ft) span wing has a wing area of 28 $m^2$ (300 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.25:1. The takeoff weight range is 65 to 90 kg (143 to 198 lb) and glider empty weight is 5.65 kg (12.46 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 6 26**
  
  
      Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.49 m (41.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.7 $m^2$ (320 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.25:1. The takeoff weight range is 80 to 105 kg (176 to 231 lb) and glider empty weight is 6 kg (13.23 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 6 28**
  
  
      Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.7 m (41.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.7 $m^2$ (330 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.25:1. The takeoff weight range is 90 to 115 kg (198 to 254 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.15 kg (13.56 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 6 30**
  
  
      Extra large-sized model for even heavier pilots. Its 13.19 m (43.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 33.5 $m^2$ (361 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.25:1. The takeoff weight range is 105 to 130 kg (231 to 287 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.5 kg (14.33 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 6 32**
  
  
      Extra large-sized model for much heavier pilots. Its 13.55 m (44.5 ft) span wing has a wing area of 35 $m^2$ (380 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.25:1. The takeoff weight range is 120 to 150 kg (265 to 331 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.65 kg (14.66 lb). The glider model is LTF 1 and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF 1-2 and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  ### Arcus 7
  
  **Arcus 7 22**
  
  
      Extra small-sized model for much lighter pilots. Its 11.51 m (37.8 ft) span wing has a wing area of 25.5 $m^2$ (274 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.2:1. The takeoff weight range is 60 to 80 kg (132 to 176 lb) and glider empty weight is 5.75 kg (12.68 lb). The glider model is DHV LTF/A and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF/B and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 7 24**
  
  
      Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.9 m (39.0 ft) span wing has a wing area of 27.25 $m^2$ (293.3 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.2:1. The takeoff weight range is 70 to 90 kg (154 to 198 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.05 kg (13.34 lb). The glider model is LTF/A and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF/B and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 7 26**
  
  
      Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.28 m (40.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.0 $m^2$ (312 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.2:1. The takeoff weight range is 80 to 105 kg (176 to 231 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.3 kg (13.89 lb). The glider model is LTF/A and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF/B and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 7 28**
  
  
      Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.64 m (41.5 ft) span wing has a wing area of 30.75 $m^2$ (331.0 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.2:1. The takeoff weight range is 90 to 115 kg (198 to 254 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.55 kg (14.44 lb). The glider model is LTF/A and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF/B and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  **Arcus 7 30**
  
  
      Extra large-sized model for even heavier pilots. Its 13.00 m (42.7 ft) span wing has a wing area of 32.5 $m^2$ (350 sq ft), 44 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.2:1. The takeoff weight range is 105 to 130 kg (231 to 287 lb) and glider empty weight is 6.75 kg (14.88 lb). The glider model is LTF/A and CEN A certified without an accelerator and LTF/B and CEN B certified with accelerator.
  
  ## Specifications (Arcus 3 28)
  
  Data from Bertrand
  
  General characteristics
  
  * Crew: one
  * Wingspan: 12.6 m (41 ft 4 in)
  * Wing area: 30.5 $m^2$ (328 sq ft)
  * Aspect ratio: 5.17:1
  
  Performance
  
  * Maximum speed: 52 km/h (32 mph, 28 kn)
  * Rate of sink: 1.1 m/s (220 ft/min)
  