AURA 3
- Competition-proven design features
- New Profile, from C-RACE development
- New BASE-optimized Compression Inlets
- New Arm Sweep and Planform
- Shortest Start Arc
- Improved handling and pitch stability
- Removable Airfoil Cross-Section Foam
Since 2013, the majority of technical exit points around the world have been opened by pilots flying the A1 or A2. The reason? Pilots tell us that the AURA series offers the easiest short start arc and most accessible glide performance, with agility and comfort in steep terrain lines. The AURA series is designed specifically for technical wingsuit BASE lines – this is a specialized WS BASE platform that is meant for no other purpose.
For the past several years, Squirrel wingsuits have maintained dominance in performance wingsuit competition, with wins in National Championships, FAI World Championships, BASE Races, and Red Bull Aces podium sweeps. We combined the best attributes of our race suit development with the comfort and ease of use that the AURA series has become known for. While the A3 contains race suit tech, it is not a race suit – it is designed for modern wingsuit BASE pilots.
The A3 retains short start performance, but offers increased speed and flare power and improved behavior in steeper lines of flight. Evolved from the C-RACE series, the A3 sports low-drag compression inlets, a profile and leading edge construction influenced by the C-RACE, and a planform that is the result of melding the A2 and CR+.
In the BASE environment, speed and glide are important, but not the only concern. Our mission for the A3 was to retain as much comfort and ease of use as possible. The design includes a moderate arm sweep, flexible panels at the wrist, and a new profile that is more pitch stable in an arms-level configuration. The A3 remains comfortable at steep angles whether you fly with arms level, or in a slightly dihedral configuration.
Some of the key ingredients in our FAI World Championship winning CR+, and the C-RACE - which swept the podium of every major speed race in 2016 - are present in the A3 and are combined with the forgiving character that has made the AURA series the suit of choice for the WS BASE elite. The result is a suit that we think will again play a role in the advancement of our sport. We look forward to flying it with you and hearing what you think.
THE START ARC
The AURA series opened most of Moab and many technical new exit points across the American West and the Alps. If a short start is a priority for you but you don’t want to lose speed and handling, then you’ve found what you’re looking for.
HANDLING
The root of the A3 design is a specific series of C-RACE protos that were very docile in pitch, with excellent agility. The A3 is easier to control than the A2 thanks to less surface area, and is more precise in steep turns, thanks to the increased pitch stability. The same competition-winning tech that put Squirrel pilots at the top of every major competition in the past two years is contained in the A3’s profile and planform.
SPEED
We worked hard to reduce drag, and the new Compression Inlet and smaller-surface planform have both contributed to the speed increase vs the A2. Like the A2, the A3’s speed is accessible, and requires no special tricks to engage. Simply stretch the suit lengthwise and give it some angle.
THE PULL
Like previous versions, a Glideskin section at the wrist aids in BOC and riser access. The A3's pull is clean and intuitive, and the two versions of leading edge foam are both removable – remove all foam to make BOC and riser access easier in the BASE environment. Watch this for a demonstration on riser control in Squirrel wingsuits.
THE FLARE
Every season, more pilots discover the possibility of flying up in a wingsuit as they upgrade to suits in which it is possible. The A3 flare power is increased over the A2, thanks to a faster top speed and a more efficient profile. Having a powerful flare at your disposal is important when disconnecting from terrain lines, and the A3 allows you to disconnect and distance yourself from terrain instantly and with great authority.
ONE WING TO RULE THEM ALL?
The A3 is designed specifically for BASE. It is not a race suit, or a competition suit, or a fun all-around skydiving suit. No suit can be perfect for every type of wingsuit flying. In order to try and make the A3 as versatile as possible, two versions of leading edge foam are provided. Both versions are removable. Use the thicker airfoil foam for skydiving, but only after you have become comfortable in the suit. We recommend using no foam, or only the 5mm sheet foam, for BASE jumping.
THE DESIGN
The AURA series focus is always on a short start arc combined with stability at steep angles and a high top speed. The A3's "traditional" leg wing design prevents unwanted diving at exit, making short starts easy. Each AURA is as comfortable at 1:1 as it is at >3.5:1.
THE PILOT
Experienced wingsuit flyers with several seasons of experience will adapt to the A3 quickly. Respecting the learning curve is essential, and the payoff is accessing all of the available performance. The A3 requires training. The expensive part is not the wingsuit - the expensive part is skydiving, training, traveling to the right locations to progress responsibly, and taking the time to make a safe progression. Training unlocks performance.
SKYDIVING
The A3 is designed for BASE jumping. We always recommend skydiving it to train for BASE. Please note that if your main focus is skydiving with only a couple of short BASE trips during the year, then we recommend a smaller surface area model for your primary suit, such as the FREAK series. If your focus is skydive performance flying, look to the C-RACE or CR+.
-
COMPRESSION INLETS
The BASE-Optimized compression inlet is lower drag and more efficient than previous versions. Squirrel's 3D reinforced inlet was the first in the industry. Often imitated, but never duplicated, the new Compression Inlet has a higher intake to drag ratio than any other design.
-
RAD
Rapid Arm Deployment. A carefully designed forearm segment of your leading edge allows improved access to your PC at pull time, and your risers / toggles during opening. This helps to make BOC access and early riser control safer and more intuitive than traditional designs. This video illustrates.
-
NEW NUTSACK
The new nutsack is accessed from the same location, but is a panel-wide flexible hammock which allows more storage and also keeps items higher / closer to your CG, and further from the leg inlets. Store your gear closer to your center of gravity without having it affect the fit of your suit.
-
LIGHT RIBS
Lightweight, durable, and more stable than mesh, Porcher Sport Skytex is renowned for its mechanical stability. Helps to reduce overall weight and pack volume.
-
INNIE-OUTIE (BASE MODE)
The A3 INNIE-OUTIE system is more durable, with reinforcements to protect your zippers. Easily transition between BASE Mode (harness inside), or Skydive Mode (harness outside). While in BASE mode, harness is entirely inside the chest compartment for less drag, and more glide (increased surface). There are no exposed holes when in BASE mode as the zippers close off the chest completely.
-
INNIE-OUTIE (SKYDIVE MODE)
Even if your focus is BASE jumping, it's important to be able to skydive your suit safely. While in skydive mode, handles are completely exposed at the chest and easy to access. For more info regarding this system's use in the skydive environment, download this PDF.
-
POCKET / BELLYCAM
The A3 pocket/bellycam access point is big enough for your big ass phone, and the zipper is covered (so your sexy zippers all f*cking match).
-
GET STIFFIE
The bottom surface of the leading edge is Mylar-reinforced to maintain profile structure and proper feeding of the inlets.
-
GET STRETCHY
When flying in BASE mode, these flexible panels at the shoulders relieve stress on your suit during openings.
-
HIKING POLE ATTACH POINTS
This is a simple and lightweight system to retain equipment such as collapsible hiking poles.
-
CARBON FIBER GRIPPERS
Ultralight and ultrastiff, these gripper sticks feel and perform better than any material we have tried. We're offering this expensive upgrade as a standard option on all of our suits.
-
AIRTIGHT CONSTRUCTION
All of our suits are built to the most exacting specifications, and tested for airtight symmetry in our production facility at multiple points along the construction process. The end result is the highest build quality that we have ever seen.
Main Surfaces: Our main concern was finding an ideal ratio between weight and durability, along with high mechanical stability and good results in stretch and tear tests. Our main surface fabric is a 210D Ripstop, with very low stretch, and a good rigidity to comfort ratio.
Leading Edge Dacron: Proven to be highly durable and dependable in other airsports applications, Dacron’s performance was thoroughly tested by team pilots before and during the RedBull Aces event, which was won by a Squirrel proto featuring this material.
Internal Ribs: All ribs are constructed from the renowned Porcher Skytex 40, which has an unparalleled stability-to-weight ratio.
Leading Edge Mylar: We offer two choices for wing surface Mylar reinforcement on your Squirrel Suit:
- Porcher Sport (white / translucent). This is our standard option.
- Dimension Polyant Carbon-Graphite (black / clear). The highest quality laminate on the market, with a carbon and graphite weave. It's black, and it's more rigid, but there is not a measureable performance difference over the Porcher mylar.
