View allAll Photos Tagged stability
From left to right; U.S. Army Col. Darius S. Gallegos, CoESPU deputy director, Mrs. Robin Smith political advisor to the U.S. Army Africa Commanding General, Monsieur Han Theyssens, and Brig. Gen. Giovanni Pietro Barbano, Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU) director, pose for a photo following the graduation ceremony of the 14th Protection of Civilians Course at the CoESPU in Vicenza, Italy, February 21, 2017. (U.S. Army Photo by Visual Information Specialist Paolo Bovo/released)
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary José Viñals answers question to the Global Financial Stability Report press conference April 13, 2016 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
Thursday, 6 June, 2013
13:00 –14:30 Special Roundtable Discussions
GLOBAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES IN AN ERA OF RISK
Presented by Zurich Insurance Group
Following five years of turmoil and volatility in the global economy, we are beginning to experience some level of stability and even growth in certain sectors. Yet significant political, institutional and collective risks prevail—the economy, the environment, technology, health, etc. In our hyper-connected global economy, what investment strategies should business leaders pursue to seize growth opportunities while managing their risk?
Discussion leaders:
Victor Chu, Chairman, First Eastern Investment Group
Ken Courtis, Founding Partner, Themes Investment Management
Doug Lankler, EVP and Chief Compliance and Risk Officer, Pfizer
Geoff Riddell, Regional Chairman, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Zurich Insurance Group
Ralph Schlosstein, President and CEO, Evercore Partners
Richard Waugh, Chief Executive Officer, Scotiabank
Moderator: Geoff Colvin, Senior Editor-at-Large, Fortune
Photograph by Philipp Englehorn/Fortune Global Forum
The “Project for Livelihood Improvement in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” is a new three-year initiative, financed by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in Tajikistan in cooperation with UNDP in Afghanistan.
This project will support rehabilitation of more than 75 rural infrastructure facilities to improve direct access of more than 176,400 vulnerable people, including women living in rural communities, to schools, hospitals, irrigation, drinking water and energy supply.
Learn more about this exciting initiative.
DAVOS/SWITZERLAND, 24JAN14 - Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum (L) introduces Philipp M. Hildebrand (C), Vice-Chairman, BlackRock, United Kingdom and Mario Draghi (R), President, European Central Bank, Frankfurt during the session 'The Path from Crisis to Stability' at the Annual Meeting 2014 of the World Economic Forum at the congress centre in Davos, January 24, 2014.
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM/swiss-image.ch/Photo Remy Steinegger
International Monetary Fund Financial Economic Counsellor and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department Tobias Adrian (C) along with Fabio Natalucci (2nd R), Anna Ilyina (2ndL), Peter Breuer (L) and Randa Elnagar (R) will discuss the Global Financial Stability Report at the IMF Headquarters during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings April 10, 2019 in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe.
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The thrill of the wind catching your kite—and that rush as it lifts you up over the breakers—is one you’ll never forget!
Riding the swells with a good headwind and knowing you’re safely harnessed-in can give you such a buzz, as you practice your jumps and turns. Sound familiar? If you’re also a wind junkie, you know that the gear’s performance makes all the difference in this sport.
Keep reading for a review covering the best kitesurfing kites on the market, looking at how they fare against the competition. Whether you’re a fan of all-around kites or want a specialty model for niche moves, we break down the features of each to help you decide which one might work best for you.
Best All-Around: North Reach
Durable, versatile, and easy-to-use, this high-performance kite is perfect.
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What we like
Incredibly easy to maneuver and use
Stable and won’t toss you around the water
Easy on the elbows and knees
What we don’t like
A bit pricey
Not necessarily the best choice for a first-time user
The North Reach Performance Freeride is the best freeride kite available on the market. With an abundance of features and superbly-smooth handling, this kite seamlessly does what you want and goes where you take it. We love the Performance Freeride’s solid-yet-lightweight construction, which doubles its response time and effectiveness while it increases its value.
The webbing on this kite’s three struts boosts the kite’s strength, but the pads and reinforcements on the seams don’t weigh the kite down. Additionally, the Performance Freeride’s bridle has medium-to-light bar pressure, which is easier on the arms and lets you enjoy a longer ride.
The North Reach Performance Freeride kite is fun, playful, and reacts beautifully to your touch. One of the kite’s best features is its stability, which is due to the shape of its edges and swept-back wingtip. It helps you establish a firm connection to your kite.
High-Performance, Smooth Ride
Dubbed the best desert-island kite, you’ll never need another kite when you have the Performance Freeride. It is the King of Kitesurfing Kites and deserves the title of “Best All-Around” because it is the ultimate performer in any wind condition.
The kite has impeccable reaction time and maneuvering options. It is a breeze to get out of the water and relaunch, and you can easily steer and maneuver it as it rises with the wind.
The North Reach Performance Freeride is the kite that works for all kiteboarders and lets you fine-tune your method. It comes in yellow, red, and blue, and sizes range from 0.3m to 17m. Powerful, efficient, and accommodating, this kite is sure to please even the most discerning of kiteboarders. It gives you that extra boost, whether you’re into big loops or freestyle tricks.
Runner-Up Best All-Around: Cabrinha Switchblade
May be an old-timer, but still one of the smoothest and most durable all-around kites in the market.
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What we like
User-friendly no matter what your experience is
Stable, durable, and versatile
Reliable for years, a trusted brand
What we don’t like
Not the fastest kite out there
Not as responsive to rider input, making it better for beginners than pros
The Cabrinha name is synonymous with quality and performance, and the Switchblade is among its best-known models. While The Switchblade is certainly not a newcomer, its consistent upgrades and spectacular performance makes it feel like a new kite with every launch. The Switchblade is such a high-performer that, frankly, not much needs improvement. This brand was once the benchmark standard for all-around kites.
The kite combines performance with ease-of-use and balance. You can rely on the Switchblade when unexpected weather hits and when you need a strong kite to weather the elements. The kite’s balance is next-to-none in the industry and provides on-demand power delivery. If you’re a big air and loop enthusiast, the Switchblade offers an impressive boost and great hangtime while letting you stay in control.
Fun and Functional
The nano ripstop technology ensures that your kite weathers the strong ocean winds and keeps up with your pace and technique. And as the years go by, the Cabrinha Switchblade keeps getting progressively lighter and more durable. This kite helps you create remarkable loops, transitions, back loops, and down loops. The 2019 upgrades incorporated strut enhancement, and the bar offers medium pressure and wide range.
The Cabrinha Switchblade grows with you and evolves with your style. It has some of the industry’s most massive wind ranges, sitting far-forward with a strong and steady upwind drive. Less aggressive than other kites, you can still get the pops and progressions you seek without needing to maneuver it excessively.
This kite is your friend on the seas and the perfect kite to grow with you. We’re sure that you’ll love how versatile, smooth, and durable it is.
Best Freeride: Naish Pivot
This two-time King of the Air champion kite hits the mark in more ways than one, allowing you to fly through the air and glide between the waters.
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What we like
Professional capabilities and design
Fantastic pull and an overall light feel
Beautiful maneuverability, always where you expect it to be
What we don’t like
Stays bulky after deflation, and its bag could feel too tight-fitting
The Naish Pivot is the best kite for freestyling, allowing you to bring out your creativity and unique style with its versatility and strength. The larger wingtip charges your turns with power, allowing for better looping, higher stability, and meeting heavy gusts of wind head-on.
The Naish Pivot is a kite for the performers at heart and the ones who go for the gold. If you want to test how far you can go and the boundaries of your endurance, this is the kite that lets you do so without hassle. With the Naish Pivot, you get to perform jaw-dropping loops, jumps, and turns to your heart’s content.
This kite works for professional-grade championships and handles wind speeds of up to 40 mph with grace. Its unique shape creates a powerful downwind pull and helps with drift. The tighter pinch also increases its stability, and the frame is stable and durable.
High-Intensity Performance
The Naish Pivot won’t stay down, so it allows you to perform an easy relaunch. This model is the perfect kite for loops and jumps, with powerful reinforcements that keep it firm and steady.
Its newer models finally got rid of the octopus inflation system. It now has an easier-to-manage external sherlock system that makes it simple to perform repairs. Easy to inflate and deflate, this kite has a 10.5 psi, which is more than most models in the industry.
The kite keeps its shape, and it is easy to get back up going for the relaunch. Its steering capabilities are top-notch. The kite’s design disperses the air throughout the kite, which creates that smooth and steady glide. The kite is excellent for performing old-school tricks, but it yields some of the most impressive loops and tricks when it’s in the hands of experienced riders.
Best Freestyle: Cabrinha FX
Potent steering, ultra-durable, and made for tacking the seas, this is the kite that places you at the helm.
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What we like
Acts as an extension to your body
Very receptive to your movements
Allows to reach show-stopping heights and perform complex techniques and tricks
What we don’t like
Could improve with a smoother jump experience
Is not the best kite model for drifting and foil
The Cabrinha FX is one of the more well-known kites in crossover freestyle. Made for high-powered performance and rough handling, this kite keeps you in control when your adrenaline levels go on overdrive. The FX doesn’t compromise on stability but encourages you to work with its features and controls. The kite is best for an aggressive rider and offers mind-boggling turn speeds and jumps that require skill, experience, and precision.
This kite features a ripstop canopy that provides excellent protection against high winds and rough waters. Durable and stable, the latest model release offers two times the strength of previous models but maintains the same weight and size.
Giving Experiences Even to the Experienced
Although the FX has dominated the crossover category, it’s not suitable for beginners. Newer or less-experienced users will need more time to learn how to control the kite due to its smaller wind range. If you don’t plan on performing aggressive jumps, loops, or turns, another kite would be a better option.
If you are not at the appropriate skill level, you may find it challenging to ride upwind with the Cabrinha FX kite. Its responsiveness best accommodates kiters who want to be more involved in their ride. In other words, this kite doesn’t have the “auto-pilot” feel but instead attunes to the rider.
The FX is ideal for catching big air and loops, and its bridle settings bring pop and slap ability. For surfing and soil boarding, the FX is not the best, but if you’re more into jumps and extreme moves, this is the kite that will accommodate that energy.
Best for Big Air: North Orbit
Orbit is the ultra-responsive kite with minimal lag, gravity-defying potential, and smooth handling.
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What we like
Responsive and attuned to the movements of the rider
What we don’t like
Can be overly-aggressive on the turns if not maneuvered well
The Orbit was the winning kite in the 2020 Red Bull King of the Air championship. With its signature design, this kite is easily one of kiteboarding’s most popular and recognizable models. The Orbit has smooth navigation and airflow control and offers remarkable stability during high winds. It allows you to make strong turns, provides a high jump, and handles well.
Why is it called the Orbit? This kite catches big air and elevates you to dazzling heights, shooting you straight to orbit. Not for the faint of heart, this kite that grows with you will thrill you with both how well you can take control of your jumps and maneuvers and the boundaries that you can push.
Lets You Take Control
A distinguishing feature about the Orbit is how receptive it is to the kiter and how responsive it is to feedback. It turns when you want it to and makes an easy relaunch, with minimal lag, after being down. You can expect impressive hangtime and spectacular jumps with this kite.
The Orbit has a static bridle with medium bar pressure, so you don’t need a lot of elbow grease while maneuvering. The loops are consistent with zero lag, and the kite is, overall, a comfortable ride. With the Orbit, you’ll push the limits of your style and upgrade your tricks and technique.
Key features include its strength-to-weight ratio and its structure, which allows the kite to maintain its shape despite the elements. The kite is also easy to hook up so you can inflate it, and it works with most pumps. It has excellent reinforcements while managing to keep the weight down.
Perfect for foiling, and with a medium grip, you won’t have difficulty making the kite move the way you want. The Orbit handles wind beautifully and is one of the best kites on the market. Once you choose this kite and have the technique and experience to use it to its full capacity, you’ll find it challenging to switch to another kite model.
Best Wave Riding: Slingshot SST V5
One of the strongest kites on the market with instant response to keep you in control between the waves.
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What we like
Hard-to-beat build, tech, and durability
Compact bridle eases the gust pull
Bar absorbs shock
What we don’t like
The SST is not the best for turbulent conditions
Lack of upwind rideability
Most suitable for surfers and foilers, the Slingshot SST V5 is a design marvel in style and longevity. It has some of the best downwind drifting in the kiteboarding world. The Slingshot also has instant relaunch, which comes in handy with choppy waves and turbulent weather conditions.
If you’re always on the water and want a kite that helps you work with the waves, the Slingshot SST V5 has a cult following for its manageability.
One of the Slingshot’s more impressive features is the way it allows you to control and maneuver the kite even when depowered. The kite features a swept wingtip design that’s excellent for depowering and helping you position yourself on the wave.
The bungee replaces a pulley and provides all the benefits of a pulley but adds durability. The Slingshot SST V5’s unique design prevents blowouts, and you won’t have to worry after it when it hits heavy surf. Its structural features give the kite and the rider better stability and create a seamless glide through the air and water.
High Performance, High Value
The Slingshot SST V5 is one of the most durable kites in the market. It will help you get out of unique or unexpected situations. The kite is ultra-responsive, so if you need a fast-reacting kite to work with you and allow you to steer without power, this is the model for you.
Although it is a performer in the wind, you can fare better with a different model when experiencing turbulent conditions.
Another distinguishing feature of this kite is that it stays out in front of you so that you will not outrun the kite. This feature makes it the ideal surfing and foiling kite for intermediate and expert-level riders, but it does need some experience to maneuver appropriately.
Best for Entry Level: Core Nexus 2
A buttery-smooth, playful kite that embraces diversity in riding styles and abilities.
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What we like
Evolves with the rider and stays relevant even after the rider advances in skills
What we don’t like
Not the best kite model for unhooked riding
The Core Nexus 2 is the best beginner kiteboarding kite on the market. Although it’s user-friendly and playful, don’t think it’s only for kiters who lack experience. With this kite, you can start as a beginner and continue using it as you sharpen your skills and improve your technique.
One of the reasons why we love this kite is because it acts as an all-inclusive ride. You get to go surfing, foiling, and catch big air with the same kite. The Core Nexus 2 will take whatever you throw at it, all while handling well and maintaining its distinctive shape.
The more you sheet in with the Core Nexus 2, the better steering you get—and the more responsive the kite becomes. One of the best aspects of this kite is that it accommodates virtually any board. Whether you want to go old-school freestyle or use the kite to catch big air, it works well for any technique you adopt.
Why It’s Good For Beginners
This kite knows what to do with little input from the kiter, but it will accommodate preferences with the right maneuvering techniques. It’s not a kite that will yank you everywhere—instead, it offers a buttery-smooth ride. Due to its remarkable stability, the Nexus fits the bill for you, no matter where you are in the experience spectrum.
The newer model of the Core Nexus is manufactured from a lighter material that changes the kite’s feel and balance. The wingtip is also fuller, making it ideal for loops and propelling your turns while creating beautifully-arched curves. When kite surfing, the Core Nexus 2 is quick and responsive but not overly aggressive.
For an all-in-one kite that grows with you, the Core Nexus 2 is hard to beat in value and functionality and will even work as a specialty kite later on.
Final Verdict
Although all the kites in this review have breathtaking capabilities, our top pick overall is the North Reach Performance Freeride. Not only does it have an outstanding balance—and won’t let you down even in the lowest wind—but it also picks up the pace, as you do, to keep you in the air and boost your lift.
If you’re just getting started with kiteboarding, you might consider the Cabrinha Switchblade instead. The Switchblade is our runner-up for the top spot. It’s less aggressive than the Performance Freeride, very user friendly, and will continue to work well for you even after your skills advance.
For those on a budget or looking for an excellent freestyle kiteboard, the Naish Pivot is a good fit. It comes in on the lower side of the price scale but still offers impressive performance.
The Ultimate Kiteboarding Kite Buying Guide
Image credit: North Kiteboarding
Now that you’re familiar with the best kiteboarding kites in the market, it’s time to narrow down your options and choose the one that’s right for you. If you’re a beginner, it helps to know what kind of kite you can start with and which one will grow well with you as your skill level increases.
Choosing the right kite isn’t just about what you want it to do but how the kite fits you and what boards work with the kites. If kiteboarding is your new favorite sport, we recommend wearing the right protective gear to minimize bodily harm.
Take Kiteboarding Lessons
We cannot overemphasize the importance of taking lessons and the difference that lessons can make to enhance your kiteboarding experience. Although it may look simple to the untrained eye, kiteboarding requires skill, practice, and endurance. Adolescents and even seniors can indeed kiteboard, but there are differences in everyone’s technique and what they want to get out of the experience.
Kiteboarding may cause injuries—in rare cases, this sport results in fatalities. If you don’t have the right training and equipment to tackle the wind and waves, you may harm yourself while pursuing this exciting sport.
Know Your Kite
Once you have the training and feel that you’re ready to buy your first kite, the time has come to determine the type that works best for your technique and method. Kites come in four varieties – bow kites, C-kites, hybrids, and deltas.
C-Kites
Compact and versatile, C-Kites are the oldest kite type. They don’t have a bridle and have a C-shape with long, flat square wingtips. They offer great control, powerful pop, and excellent performance. However, they also have a short wind range and can be difficult water relaunch.
C-Type kites are best for riders with experience who enjoy freestyling thanks to their sheer power and stability when unhooked. They aren’t recommended for beginners and can even be dangerous for inexperienced users.
Bow Kites
Introduced around 2005, bow kites a little newer to the scene. They have a flat profile with bridles in the leading edge and a concave trailing edge. These kites have excellent wind range and upwind performance.
They are easy to use and suitable for multiple techniques and proficiency levels. Launching and relaunching is particularly easy. One downside to these kites is that they aren’t suitable for unhooked use. Additionally, they reduce the speed and power of your turns.
Hybrids
Hybrid models combine the best of C-Kite and Bow features with their unique half-moon shape and bridled connection. The flatter shape generates more power than non-hybrid models and is easier to relaunch when down.
They can offer slightly slower response time than C-Kites, but that also makes them safer for less experienced riders. Hybrids are an excellent choice if you’re at an intermediate level and want some of the power of a bow kite in an easier-to-operate package.
Deltas
A hybrid variant with a broad, D-shaped profile and short wingtips, Deltas are similar to hybrids in that they offer wider wind range and easier launches. They also have the same downside in that they have a slower response time, but they are arguably the most forgiving of the kite types, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
Choosing the Right Board
Your board is a tool that you use to achieve your kiteboarding goals, making it just as important as your kite. When choosing a board, your first consideration should be the size. Boards are typically measured in cm and range from 134-165 cm.
Riders who weigh under 150 pounds should look for boards between 134-148 cm. Riders 150-180 pounds need a 140-160 cm board, and those over 180 pounds will fare best with a board between 142-165 cm.
To narrow that range further, consider the type of riding you want to do. The larger the board, the more resistance you’ll get. Longer boards are best for beginners and free riders. For tricks, you want to aim for a shorter board.
There are also three board shapes: square, tapered, and round. Square boards travel upwind easier and provide better pop to jumps. Tapered boards make it effortless to carve and are more forgiving in choppy water. Rounded boards provide the smoothest ride and a great option if you’re looking to take it easy on your knees and joints.
Learn About Your Kite’s Control System
Although kite control systems are customizable, we recommend sticking to the ones that come with your kite. The control system helps you increase and decrease your kite’s power and includes a unique safety system in each model.
FAQs
How much does it cost to get started with kiteboarding?
The kites in our review range between around $800-$1,500, which is typical for a good kite. You can expect to pay $500-$1,000 for a board and another $100-$200 for a harness and jacket. Everything included, you’ll likely spend between $1,500-2,500.
That may seem like a lot, but kiteboarding gear has excellent longevity. Kites often last 7-10 years, boards 10+ years, and harnesses jackets 4-8 years if you take good care of everything.
How do I care for my kite?
All your kiteboarding gear, including the kite, needs to be dry and clean before being packed away. Make sure to shake off any sand and allow it to dry completely. It’s also a good idea to check for damage after each use. Small tears can be repaired using ripstop repair tape.
Keep everything out of the sun and protected from the elements, and you’re good to go. Kiteboards kites don’t really require special care.
Can I buy a kiteboarding kite used?
You can—but we don’t recommend it. The problem with buying a used kite is there’s always a chance the seller will misrepresent or won’t know its age or condition. A kite that’s older or has been left in the sun a lot will be more prone to rips and tears, which could present a safety hazard. You’re better off with a new kite as you’ll know its history and can take advantage of the manufacturer’s warranty.
How long are kiteboard kite warranties?
Most kiteboard kites come with a one to three-year warranty. Keep in mind that warranties usually won’t cover everyday wear and tear or misuse. They apply to damage related to manufacturing defects (so situations where the kite shouldn’t have been damaged under typical conditions).
September 7, 2011 -- Bringing together voices from Afghanistan, the Netherlands and the United States, “Empowering Women in Afghanistan: Stability Through Rural Development,” highlighted the state of Afghan women in rural areas, the promotion of stability through rural assistance to women, and ways in which America and Europe can work together to empower them.
The conference -- organized by the U.S. Embassy in The Hague and The Atlantic Commission -- highlighted the advantages of directing aid to programs for rural women.
Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Giovanni Pietro Barbano (right), Center of Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU) director, addresses dignitaries and guests from Europe, Africa, Italy and the U.S. during the Graduation Ceremony of the 14th Protection of Civilians Course at the CoESPU in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 21, 2017. (U.S. Army Photo by Visual Information Specialist Paolo Bovo/released)
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director Jose Vinals (C), Deputy Division Chief Chris Walker (L), and Deputy Director Peter Dattels (R) hold the joint press conference on the Global Financial Stability Report April 9, 2014 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
Technical specifications
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT
Overall length.................................................... 4512 mm (177.6 in)
Overall width.................................................... 1923 mm (75.7 in)
Height................................................................ 1234 mm (48.6 in)
Wheelbase..........................................................2600 mm (102.4 in)
Front track......................................................... 1669 mm (65.7 in)
Rear track.......................................................... 1616 mm (63.6 in)
Front overhang................................................... 1100 mm (43.3 in)
Rear overhang.................................................. 812 mm (32.0 in)
Kerb weight........................................................ 1520 kg (3,351 lbs)*
Dry weight ....................................................... 1420 kg (3,130 lbs)*
Boot (Trunk) capacity......................................... 8.829 cu ft
Fuel tank capacity............................................. 95 litres (25.1 US gal, 20.9 Imp. gal)
Weight distribution .......................................... front 43% / rear 57%
ENGINE
Type ................................................................ 90° V8
Bore & stroke................................................... 92 x 81 mm (3.62 x 3.19 in)
Unit displacement............................................ 538.5 cc (32.87 cu in)
Total displacement............................................. 4,308 cc (263 cu in)
Compression ratio.............................................. 11.3:1
Maximum power................................................ 360.3 kW (490 hp)** at 8,500 rpm
Maximum torque............................................... 465 Nm (47.4 kgm/343 lbs/ft)
at 5,250 rpm
Specific output................................................. 114 hp/l**
Dry weight/power............................................. 6.4 lbs/hp**
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox .......................................................... Manual or F1 paddle shift
Electronic Differential (E-DIFF)
Stability and Traction Control (CST)
TYRES
Front ............................................................... 225/35 ZR 19
Rear ................................................................ 285/35 ZR 19
BRAKES (CCM)
Front ............................................................... 360 x 34 mm (14.2 x 1.34’’)
Rear ................................................................ 350 x 34 mm (13.8 x 1.34’’)
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed............................................... over 310 km/h (193 mph)
0 - 62 mph ...................................................... 4.1 sec.
Manual gearbox F1 gearbox
0 - 400 m ........................................................ 12.10 sec. ........... 12.05 sec.
0 - 1000 m ........................................................ 21.85 sec. ........... 21.80 sec.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Combined ......................................................... 18.3 l/100 km*
CO2 EMISSIONS
Combined ......................................................... 420 g/km*
Carmen Reinhart, Harvard University speaks at the 2015 High Level Conference on Latin America - Rising Challenges to Growth and Stability in a Shifting Global Environment on Monday, June 1 at IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C. IMF Photo/Ryan Rayburn
At the end of World War II, the victorious Allies captured both German scientists and research papers in aerodynamics which had given the Germans a slight edge in technology during the war. Among this was research into swept wings, which promised better handling at high speeds, a feature used successfully in the Messerschmitt Me 262. All the combatant nations had been developing jet fighters at the end of the war, and the Soviet Union was no different: like the Western Allies, it found the swept wing concept to be a perfect solution to add speed without sacrificing stability; unlike the West, the Soviets could not take advantage of it due to a lack of adequate jet engines. Soviet metallurgy was simply not up to the task, and experimental jet fighters were severely underpowered.
Engine designer Vladimir Klimov, however, came up with a novel idea: he asked the British in 1946 if they could provide a few examples of their latest engine. To the stunned surprise of Klimov, the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau, and Josef Stalin, the British complied, providing Klimov with the plans for the Rolls-Royce Nene turbojet, one of the most successful jet engines in history. Klimov quickly reverse engineered it as the VK-1, and just like that, the Soviets had the perfect engine for their planned jet interceptors.
MiG OKB already had a jet fighter in service, the MiG-9, but it was a poor performer. By modifying a MiG-9 into the I-310 prototype, with VK-1 propulsion and swept wings and tail surfaces, the resultant aircraft was superb: it was very manueverable and fast. It was placed into production as the MiG-15. This in turn was superseded by the more advanced and reliable MiG-15bis, which added airbrakes and a few minor avionics changes. Though pilots hated the cramped cockpit, which forced them to fly without heated or pressurized flight suits—a real concern in frigid Russian winters—they loved its responsiveness and speed. Though the MiG-15 was designed to intercept the B-29 Superfortress, hence its heavy cannon armament, it could hold its own in a dogfight. It rapidly replaced most propeller-driven fighters in the Soviet inventory, and was quickly supplied to Soviet client states.
The MiG-15 would get its first taste of action during the Chinese Civil War, when Russian-flown MiG-15s flew on behalf of the Communist Chinese against the Nationalists; a P-38L was shot down on 28 April 1950 for the type’s first victory. By far, however, it would be Korea where the MiG-15 would see the most action.
After starting out well, the North Korean armies were, by fall 1950, in full rout from South Korea, pursued by United Nations forces. The World War II-era North Korean People’s Air Force had been annihilated by UN aircraft, and though China intended to intervene on behalf of North Korea, it lacked trained pilots. Stalin agreed to secretly provide both MiG-15s and the pilots to fly them, operating from bases in China across the Yalu River from North Korea. This area rapidly became known as “MiG Alley.” By November 1950, Russian-flown MiG-15s were in combat against American and British aircraft, and both sides fielded pilots who had already flown combat in World War II. Both sides were to find they were close to evenly matched as well: the Russians claimed the first jet-to-jet victory on 1 November, when a MiG-15 shot down a USAF F-80C; four days later, they suffered their first loss, to a US Navy F9F Panther. Most engagements were to occur between the F-86 Sabre and the MiG-15.
Once more, the two were closely matched. The MiG-15 had a better rate of climb, was superior above 33,000 feet, and had harder hitting cannon armament. The F-86’s six machine guns were often ineffective against the rugged MiG, but it was more manueverable, especially at low level, and if the machine guns did not cause as much damage, they fired at three times the rate of the MiG-15’s cannons, and usually hit what they aimed at, due to a superior radar-ranging gunsight. Both sides had to deal with instability at high speeds: if the MiG pilot got into trouble, he would climb out of danger, whereas the Sabre pilot would dive. The pilots were evenly matched, though the Russians would later admit that the Americans were better trained. Both sides overclaimed during the war, with both Soviet and American pilots claiming 12 to 1 kill ratios: the truth may never be known, though 40 Russians were awarded the title of ace during the war.
After the end of the Korean War, the MiG-15 remained in service, though it slowly began to be replaced by the MiG-17 and MiG-19. Nonetheless, MiG-15s were involved in eleven separate incidents during the Cold War, shooting down several US and British reconnaissance aircraft and an Israeli airliner. By the mid-1950s, however, the MiG-15 was beginning to show its age, and in combat with Sidewinder-equipped F-86s of Taiwan and Israeli Super Mysteres, it came off second best. Gradually, single-seat MiG-15s were retired from active service, though hundreds of two-seat MiG-15UTI “Midget” trainers remained in service; the MiG-15UTI is still flown by several air forces to this day. About 16,000 MiG-15s were produced in the Soviet Union, Poland, and Czechslovakia, and a good number remain in existence today in museums and numerous flyable examples, including 43 in the United States.
This is a MiG-15UTI Midget on display at the Evergreen Aviation Museum. With the knowledge that the MiG-15 would be a handful to fly for pilots used to propeller aircraft, the MiG-15 was modified with a cramped but serviceable rear cockpit; the student either used a periscope from the rear cockpit, or flew up front with the instructor behind him. The Midget was so successful that the Soviets did not build two-seat versions of the MiG-17 and MiG-19.
This MiG-15UTI belongs to the MiG Fury demonstration team based at Driggs, Idaho. A former Polish Air Force SBLim-2 license-produced version of the MiG-15UTI, it first entered service in 1955. It was retired sometime in the early 1980s and placed in storage. It was purchased after the end of the Cold War by a private American warbird collector, restored, and has been with MiG Fury ever since. I got this picture at the Wings Over the Falls airshow in 2011.
Gaston Gelos (C) Division Chief, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division of the International Monetary Fund delivers his opening remarks with Jan Brockmeijer (2nd L) Deputy Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, IMF Nico Valckx (2nd R)
Senior Economist, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division, IMF; Luis Brandao Marques(R)
Senior Economist, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division, IMF and Keiko Utsunomiya (L)
Senior Communications Officer, Communications Department, IMF during the press conference for the Global Stability Report Analytical Chapters October 1, 2014 at the IMF Headquarters 2 in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 9, 2020) Ensign Robert Papp, from York, Maine, makes material condition reports from the pilot house during a general quarters drill aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)
The panel Moisés Naím, Distinguished Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, USA, Gabriela Saade, Researcher and Project Coordinator, La Mejor Venezuela Foro, Venezuela, moderated by Jonathan Tepperman, Editor-in-Chief, Foreign Policy Group, USA, speaking during the Session "Mapping Paths to Stability in Venezuela" at the Annual Meeting 2019 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 24, 2019. Congress Centre - Situation Room
Copyright by World Economic Forum / Ciaran McCrickard
Route 90 in Bristol used to be operated by a variety of single and double decker buses of various ages. Since last year it has been almost exclusively in the hands of new route branded Streetdecks. One of them is seen here, passing along Castle Park.
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First Bristol - Wright Streetdeck - SN65 OMT - 35149 - Broad Weir, Bristol - June 20, 2016
Labour Party Deputy Leader and Director of Elections, Joan Burton today launched “Vote YES for Stability”, the party’s animated video on the Stability Treaty.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Burton said: “This animated video is a short and simple guide to the main issues that arise from the Stability Treaty and it outlines some of the reasons why we believe that a YES vote is crucial for Ireland.
“We hope that the use of simple visualisations and key messages in the video will make the YES arguments accessible to an online audience who may be more accustomed to using online platforms to inform themselves on various issues.
“This Treaty is about ensuring a stable currency which will increase investor confidence in Ireland which will in turn bring about economic recovery. This is why it is vital that we vote YES on May 31st.”
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director Tobias Adrian (R) and Deputy Director Peter Dattels (L) participate in the Global Financial Stability Report press conference October 11, 2017 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
Almost two years after the presentation of the EU Global Strategy and more than a year after Jean Claude Juncker’s white book on the future of Europe, the European Union still struggles with major challenges and threats that seem to undermine the stability of the security environment within its borders and in its neighbourhood. In the aftermath of Brexit and with the proximity of to the European Parliament elections in 2019, the third International Conference Europe as a Global Actor (Lisbon, May 24 & 25, 2018) will discuss the role the EU can play in the current global transformations, as well as the domestic and external obstacles it faces as a global actor.
The Center for International Studies of ISCTE-IUL organized the third edition of the International Conference “Europe as a global actor”, on 24 and 25 May.
The opening lecture was given by the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Augusto Santos Silva, on May 24, at 09:30 am.
The Conference Program also included a debate on the state of the Union with the presence of Portuguese MEPs, panels and round-tables on the challenges of the Common Security and Defense Policy, the future of European security and defense, the EU’s relationship with other global players and the future of the European Union as a global player. In addition to the presence of several invited scholars, in plenary sessions moderated by Portuguese journalists, the program also included the presentation of communications by around 40 international researchers in this area of knowledge.
May 25th
10h00-12h00 | Roundtable III
Roundtable: State of the Union – Portuguese Members of the European Parliament (Aud. B203) – session in Portuguese
Moderator: Ricardo Alexandre (CEI-IUL; Journalist TSF)
Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar (EPP)
Carlos Zorrinho (S&D)
António Marinho e Pinto (ALDE)
João Ferreira (GUE / NGL)
Pedro Mota Soares (CDS-PP) (tbc)
12h00 – 14h00 – Lunch Break
14h00 – 15h45 |Parallel Sessions III
Panel 7 – Economy, Energy and Geopolitics (Room C201)
Moderator: Timea Pal (CEI-IUL)
Simon Schlegel (ISG) & Allison Nathan Araujo de Miranda (ISCSP): “EU Global Strategy 2020-2030: the Revival of the Franco-German Consensus-Engine in face of the EU-Lusophone Trade Relations”
Paloma Diaz Topete (College of Europe): “In Varietate Concordia or Divide et Impera? The Security Implications of Chinese FDI in EU Member States”
Natallia Tsiareshchanka (College of Europe; University of Kent): “Nord Stream 2: when geopolitical and commercial interests are at stake”
Zuzanna Gulczyńska (Adam Mickiewicz University, College of Europe, University Lille 2): “The energy cooperation between the EU and Algeria – what legal future?”
Panel 8 – Soft & Normative Power (Room C302)
Moderator: Ana Mónica Fonseca (CEI-IUL)
Idalina Conde (ISCTE-IUL): “Tables as metaphors. Europe in the World and cultural diplomacy”
Andrea Perilli (College of Europe): “Erasmus student or EU ambassador? People-to-people contact in the European Neighbourhood policy: the cases of Georgia, Ukraine and Tunisia”
Osman Sabri Kiratli (Bogazici University): “When do Voters Choose to Delegate?: Europeans’ Attitudes on Multilateral Aid”
João Espada Rodrigues (CEI-IUL): “EU and Democracy Promotion”
Nezka Figelj (University of Trieste): “EU not only a payer but also a player in the Middle-East and North Africa (MENA)”
15h45 – 16h15 – Coffee Break
16h15 – 17h45 | Parallel Sessions IV
Panel 9 – EU and Crisis Management (Room C201)
Moderator: Diogo Lemos (CEI-IUL)
Csaba Toro (Karoli Gaspar University of the Reformed Church in Hungary): “External institutional partnerships as vehicles of implementation in pursuit of effective and adaptive EU contribution to international crisis management”
Inês Marques Ribeiro (CEI-IUL): “A critical discourse analysis of the normative justification of the EU’s crisis management actorness”
Pablo Arconada Ledesma (Universidad de Valladolid): “European Union’s Missions In Somalia: Ten Years Of Successes And Failures (2008-2018)”
Panel 10 – Political Parties, Populism, Euroscepticism (Room C301)
Moderator: Riccardo Marchi (CEI-IUL)
Ewa Szczepankiewicz-Rudzka (Jagiellonian University, Krakow): “From Consensus to Skepticism?: Attitudes of Polish Society towards European Integration”
Ana Mónica Fonseca (CEI-IUL): “The SPD in government: a party in crisis”
Pedro Ponte e Sousa (FCSH-UNL & IPRI): “Portuguese foreign relations with the United States in the age of Trump: aligning with the superpower or supporting a European global stance?”
Teona Lavrelashvili (European Commission, KU Leuven) & Alex Andrione-Moylan (KU Leuven): “The populist playbook in the Western Balkans: Case of Serbia and Montenegro”
18h00 – 20h00 | Roundtable IV
Closing Roundtable The Future of Transatlantic Relations (Aud. B203):
Moderator: Bárbara Reis (Público)
Sven Biscop (Egmont Royal Institute for Foreign Relations, Brussels)
Mike Haltzel (Center for Transatlantic Relations; Johns Hopkins University SAIS)
Carlos Gaspar (IPRI-NOVA)
Susana Pedro
Gym and fitness centre, with classes in kick boxing, cardio kick, stability ball, yoga as well as massage therapy room. Caters for people of all fitness levels for both men and women. Relaxed atmosphere with a great membership. My favourite place to train. Under refurbishment and will include sauna & solarium shortly
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director Jose Vinals walks to the stage to hold a joint press conference on the Global Financial Stability Report April 9, 2014 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
DAVOS/SWITZERLAND, 24AN15 - •Hélène Rey, Professor of Economics, London Business School, United Kingdom; Global Agenda Council on Global Economic Imbalances captured during the session Davos Insights on Growth and Stability in the congress centre at the Annual Meeting 2015 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 24, 2015.
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM/Benedikt von Loebell
IMF Financial Counselor Tobias Adrian provides the Global Financial Stability Report update during the COVID-19 Pandemic at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C. on June 25, 2020. IMF Photo/Cory Hancock
Labour Party Deputy Leader and Director of Elections, Joan Burton today launched “Vote YES for Stability”, the party’s animated video on the Stability Treaty.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Burton said: “This animated video is a short and simple guide to the main issues that arise from the Stability Treaty and it outlines some of the reasons why we believe that a YES vote is crucial for Ireland.
“We hope that the use of simple visualisations and key messages in the video will make the YES arguments accessible to an online audience who may be more accustomed to using online platforms to inform themselves on various issues.
“This Treaty is about ensuring a stable currency which will increase investor confidence in Ireland which will in turn bring about economic recovery. This is why it is vital that we vote YES on May 31st.”
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary José Viñals answers question to the Global Financial Stability Report press conference April 13, 2016 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
Part of a Picnic with a Watermelon on a summer afternoon. Was really fun... as when a children game.
Joaquin Levy, Minister of Finance, Brazil speaks during the High Level Conference on Latin America - Rising Challenges to Growth and Stability in a Shifting Global Environment on Monday, June 1 at IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C. IMF Photo/Ryan Rayburn
This ideal state of affairs won't last forever. There will always be another time to serve with every possible stability being out of range. To me it seems that the only constant is change
PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 9, 2019) Yeoman 3rd Class Taliana Canales, from Winter Haven, Fla., looks through “big eyes” binoculars as she stands watch aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG85) during a replenishment-at-sea with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204). McCampbell is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaac Maxwell)
DAVOS/SWITZERLAND, 24AN15 -
Felix Salmon, Senior Editor
Fusion captured during the session Davos Insights on Growth and Stability in the congress centre at the Annual Meeting 2015 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 24, 2015.
WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM/Benedikt von Loebell
Stability ball leg curls with resistance band targets hamstrings. Home leg workout. If using the video, please credit: Personal Trainer in Toronto, www.PTinTO.com, Eric Astrauskas
Dialogue and discussion with Jeroen Dijsselbloem at the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Dutch finance minister and ECOFIN Chair Jeroen Dijsselbloem worries that the way in which the EU Commission applies Stability and Growth Pact rules may not be entirely objective, he told Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee MEPs on Tuesday. At a meeting reviewing the Dutch Presidency of the Council of Economy and Finance Ministers, he said he hoped that on Friday 17 June they would agree a road map for completing the Banking Union with a European Deposit Guarantee Scheme (EDIS).
Stability and Growth Pact: No special treatment for France "because it is France"
Read more: www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20160613IPR32051...
This photo is free to use under Creative Commons licenses and must be credited: "© European Union 2016 - European Parliament".
(Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives CreativeCommons licenses creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
For bigger HR files please contact: webcom-flickr(AT)europarl.europa.eu
(L-R) Matthew Jones; Division Chief Monetary and Capital Markets Department; Jennifer Elliott; Deputy Division Chief, Global Markets Analysis; José Viñals; IMF Financial Counsellor and Director of Monetary and Capital Markets; Peter Dattels; Deputy Director; Monetary and Capital Markets Department; Andreas Adriano; Senior Communications Officer at a Press Conference for the Global Financial Stability Report during the 2015 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings October 7, 2015 in Lima, Peru. IMF Staff Photo/Stephen Jaffe
Matthew Jones, IMF, speaks at the IMF Global Financial Stability Report news conference Wednesday April 17, 2013, at IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C..
Jose Vinals, financial counsellor, IMF, speaks at the IMF Global Financial Stability Report news conference Wednesday April 17, 2013 at IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C..
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director Tobias Adrian answers questions at the Global Financial Stability Report press conference October 11, 2017 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
"Mass wasting" is the geologic term for all forms of landslides - rapid or slow. Many roadcuts are prone to small- and moderate-sized collapse events of rocks & soil. Especially vulnerable roadcuts are often modified using various slope stability measures.
The steep roadcut in Tennessee seen here is composed of shale, a soft sedimentary rock type. Shale slopes weather and erode quickly, resulting in slow mass wasting (slump & creep) and rapid mass wasting (rock falls & rock slides). Chain-link fencing and a tarp have been secured to the outcrop using rock bolts.
The cut is on the northern edge of Poor Valley & the southernmost slopes of Clinch Mountain. As the name suggests, Poor Valley has low-quality soils - there is no farming there.
Locality: roadcut on the northeastern side of Route 25E, west-northwest of the town of Bean Station, northeastern Grainger County, northeastern Tennessee, USA (36° 20' 42.33" North latitude, 83° 19' 56.83" West longitude)
Joaquin Levy (center), Minister of Finance, Brazil speaks to reporters at the end of the 2015 High Level Conference on Latin America - Rising Challenges to Growth and Stability in a Shifting Global Environment on Monday, June 1 at IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C. IMF Photo/Ryan Rayburn
International Monetary Fund Financial Anna Ilyina answers questions on the Global Financial Stability Report at the IMF Headquarters during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings April 10, 2019 in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe.
Gaston Gelos (C) Division Chief, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division of the International Monetary Fund delivers his opening remarks with Jan Brockmeijer (2nd L) Deputy Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, IMF Nico Valckx (2nd R)
Senior Economist, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division, IMF; Luis Brandao Marques(R)
Senior Economist, Global Financial Stability Analysis Division, IMF and Keiko Utsunomiya (L)
Senior Communications Officer, Communications Department, IMF during the press conference for the Global Stability Report Analytical Chapters October 1, 2014 at the IMF Headquarters 2 in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
International Monetary Fund Financial Economic Counsellor and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department Tobias Adrian (C) along with Fabio Natalucci (2nd R), Anna Ilyina (2ndL), Peter Breuer (L) and Randa Elnagar (R) will discuss the Global Financial Stability Report at the IMF Headquarters during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings April 10, 2019 in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe.
International Monetary Fund Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary José Viñals answers question to the Global Financial Stability Report press conference April 13, 2016 at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC. IMF Staff Photograph/Stephen Jaffe
Please read my profile for more information about my craft.
This 90 carat handcrafted Sweet Cappuccino Jasper pendant is created swirling and shaping sterling silver filled wire by hand, adding purple aventurine beads and Swarovski crystals to enhance the natural beauty and shape of the stone. This aubergine colored stone has a nice matte gloss with mauve, brown and plum striations.
It measures 1 1/4" across and 2 1/2" top to tip including the bail.
The bail is designed to be large enough to accommodate your favorite chain, choker or cord.
All purchases are nicely packaged in a gift box.
Cappuccino Jasper's healing effects:
Spiritually- Performance
Subconsciously- Bestow's stability, promotes inner calm
Mentally- Helps tackle a huge pile of work by sensibly apportioning one's energy
Physically- Fortifies the stomach, intestines and immune system; promotes cleansing and elimination.
Robert Zoellick, Senior Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and former World Bank Group President speaks during the luncheon conversation at the High Level Conference on Latin America - Rising Challenges to Growth and Stability in a Shifting Global Environment on Monday, June 1 at IMF Headquarters in Washington, D.C. IMF Photo/Ryan Rayburn