Gradient Bliss

Bliss
Role	Paraglider
National origin	Czech Republic
Manufacturer	Gradient sro
Introduction	2003
Status	Production completed
Produced	2003-present
Unit cost	€2,676 (Bliss 26, 2004)

The Gradient Bliss is a Czech single-place, paraglider designed and produced by Gradient sro of Prague. Originally produced in the mid-2000, it is no longer in production.^[1]

Design and development

The Bliss was designed as an intermediate performance glider. The models are each named for their approximate wing area in square metres.^[1]

Variants

Bliss 24

Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its 11.63 m (38.2 ft) span wing has a wing area of 23.73 m² (255.4 sq ft), 55 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.7:1. The pilot weight range is 70 to 85 kg (154 to 187 lb). The glider model is DHV 2-3 and AFNOR Performance certified.^[1]

Bliss 26

Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its 12.27 m (40.3 ft) span wing has a wing area of 26.44 m² (284.6 sq ft), 55 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.7:1. The pilot weight range is 80 to 100 kg (176 to 220 lb). The glider model is DHV 2-3 and AFNOR Performance certified.^[1]

Bliss 28

Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its 12.92 m (42.4 ft) span wing has a wing area of 29.30 m² (315.4 sq ft), 55 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.7:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 120 kg (209 to 265 lb). The glider model is DHV 2-3 and AFNOR Performance certified.^[1]

Specifications (Bliss 26)

Data from Bertrand^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Wingspan: 12.27 m (40 ft 3 in)
• Wing area: 26.44 m² (284.6 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 5.7

Performance

• Maximum speed: 55 km/h (34 mph; 30 kn)
• Rate of sink: 1.0 m/s (200 ft/min)

References

1. Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 19. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X

External links

• photo of a Gradient Bliss