Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Mac Para Progress



Mac Para launches Progress, their EN A category wing for 2009. Manufacturer description of Progress paraglider:


We have designed the ideal school glider that is easy, safe and particularly forgiving. Inflation and ground handling are very simple and offer students rapid progress through the learning process.


Flying schools have a big responsibility and select their school gliders carefully. Overall ease of use, perfect flight characteristics and durability are very important for them. Working in cooperation with a number of schools instructors we have incorporated all their requirements into a new design of school glider. MAC PARA’s Progress is the perfect glider for students to discover the fantastic new dimension of paragliding.


The Progress has 32 cells and a nice elliptically shaped canopy with an aspect ratio of 4.81. The classic construction uses a system of load-bearing tapes attached between ribs giving the canopy stability and helping maintain a clean profile. The Progress has a very low tendency to pitch forward thanks to the large cell openings used in the canopy structure; especially advantageous when the conditions are somewhat unfavorable. The performance is adequate for a school glider. The canopy is very resistant to collapse and shows easy behavior during extreme maneuvers. The Progress has simple handling and the canopy is extremely well damped in all axes. The Progress has excellent behavior during recovery from spiral dives thanks to new line geometry. The brake travel is long and gives the glider excellent behavior at slow speeds with no deep stall tendency. The Progress is the perfect glider for heavy handed pilots. The Progress comes with a 4 point riser system with 2 hang points and is equipped with split A risers for easy big-ears.


The easy launch behavior makes the Progress the perfect glider for para-motoring schools.


Materials


The top surface of the leading edge is made from Porcher Sport’s new Skytex 45 Evolution fabric and guarantees high durability.


MAC PARA use high-quality materials and combined with constant quality control during the manufacturing process together with consistent development work produces high quality products.

Surface Top Leading Edge: Skytex 9092 Coating E85A 45 g/m2

Surface Top Trailing Edge: Skytex 9017, Coating E38A 40 g/m2

Surface Bottom: Skytex 9017, Coating E38A 40 g/m2

Main ribs: Skytex 9017, Coating E29A 40 g/m2

Diagonal ribs: Skytex 9017, Coating E29A 40 g/m2

Minor ribs: Skytex 9017, Coating E38A 40 g/m2

Upper lines: Edelrid Aramid/Kevlar

6843 – 80 kg, – 120 kg

Main lines: Edelrid Aramid/Kevlar

6843 – 240 kg, – 160 kg

The Progress is manufactured using the paragliding industries well established lightweight material with excellent durability; Skytex 40, from Porcher Sport (NCV). Because for any glider, the part that always wears out first is the leading edge, we use Skytex 45 with evolution coating E85A for this. For the less stressed areas of the sail we use Skytex 40 with E38A coating. For the supporting and diagonal ribs we use Skytex 40 with “hard finish” coating E29A. This gives the advantage of a sail that is both lightweight and very durable.

Progress technical details from para2000.org

Monday, August 17, 2009

Advance Epsilon 6


advance epsilon 6

Epsilon 6 is the EN B class wing from Advance for year 2009. Some words about this paraglider from Advance site:

The EPSILON 6 Pilot

The EPSILON 6 is best suited to the typical intermediate leisure pilot who regularly flies in thermal conditions. He will already have a competent, active flying style, can recognise an approaching collapse, and knows how to prevent it without overreacting. From this starting point thermalling with the EPSILON 6 will mean perfect pleasure. Thanks to its large degree of safety the EPSILON 6 can also be flown by the talented, advanced student.

Outstanding characteristics

A compact and stable unit

For the EPSILON 6 the wing, lines and pilot form an especially compact unit. This primarily results from an ideal relationship between aspect ratio and line length. On the one hand this produces a marked degree of inherent stability, and on the other creates perfect tracking and pitch stability. As the pilot this gives you a good feeling under the glider all the time.

Sophisticated and smooth handling

Less load from the brakes and low steering demands enable the EPSILON 6 to circle at any desired radius, and let the pilot feel precise canopy feedback from the brakes. The EPSILON has an exceptionally smooth, distinctive ADVANCE handling because of the Ring Raff System, combined with a perfect combination of profile and curvature.

Harmonised and absolutely predictable

One of the greatest strengths of the EPSILON 6 is that it has no weaknesses. With this wing you have a harmonised and well-balanced glider, tuned exactly to your needs as a thermalling pilot. Its reassuring predictability and obvious passive safety will impress you from takeoff to landing.

Other important details

Big ears system with Quick Snap

The EPSILON 6 has split A-risers, which make it easy to apply big ears. The integrated magnets in the Quick Snap System arrange for the risers to lie together automatically on the ground. After takeoff they separate themselves and thus guarantee easy big ears handling every time.

Efficient 2-stage speed system with SPI

The EPSILON 6 speed system has an adjustable ratio change so that the length of the speed bar travel and its loading can be set to suit the pilot’s leg length and leg position. In addition, the Speed Performance Indicator (SPI) always shows the selected speed bar setting against an ideal position.

ADVANCE Standards

For 20 years ADVANCE have, as their main priority, set themselves the highest standards in quality and design. The EPSILON 6 incorporates many of the technical innovations that ADVANCE have developed over all those years, many of which have become standard features for the entire paragliding world.

EPSILON 6 - Technical details

EPSILON 6

23

26

28

31

Flat surface

m2

23.10

26.04

28.10

30.61

Projected surface

m2

19.76

22.28

24.04

26.19

Span

m

11.01

11.69

12.15

12.68

Projected span

m

8.73

9.27

9.63

10.05

Aspect ratio

5.25

5.25

5.25

5.25

Projected aspect ratio

3.86

3.86

3.86

3.86

Max chord

m

2.63

2.79

2.9

3.02

Min chord

m

0.53

0.56

0.58

0.60

Take off weight **

kg

60-80

70-95

85-110

100-130

Glider weight

kg

5.90

6.35

6.70

7.20

Number of cells

51

51

51

51

Number of risers

4+1

4+1

4+1

4+1

Riser length

cm

44

46

48

50

Max length of the lines with the risers

cm

671.9

713.3

741.0

773.4

Symmetric control travel

cm

> 65

Min speed *

km/h

23 +/-1

Trim speed *

km/h

38 +/ 2

Max. speed *

km/h

51 +/-2

Min. sink rate *

m/s

1.2

Accelerator travel

cm

36.2

38.5

39.9

41.8

Best glide *

8,9 +/-0,2

Certification

EN/ LTF1-2

* Values depending on wing loading, harness/pilot and glider size

** Pilot, wing, equipment

Materials

Leading edge

New Skytex 6.6 Evolution water-repellent, 9092 E117, 44 g/m2

Top and bottom surface

New Skytex 6.6 water-repellent, 9017 E77A, 40 g/m2

Supported ribs

New Skytex 6.6, 9092 E38A, 44 gr/m2

Unsupported ribs

New Skytex 6.6, 9017 E38A, 40 gr/m2

Enclosing strap of the leading edge and trailing edge

Polyester/Mylar 20 mm

Enclosing strap of the leading edge lower surface

Polyamid 16 mm

Suspension lines

· Edelrid Technora (Aramid) 6843, 240/200/160/120, covered, 2.1 mm / 1.9 mm / 1.5 mm / 1.4 mm (main lines)

· Edelrid Technora (Aramid) 6843, 120, covered, 1.4 mm (2nd level)

· Liros Dynema, DSL 70, covered, 0.95 mm (3rd level)

Risers

Polyester 22 mm – 1100 kg

Quick links

Maillon Rapide, Inox stainless, 3.5 mm - 750 kg

Stitching thread

Polyester

Technical details from para2000.org (click to enlarge)

Gin Boost

gin boostgin boost paramotor

The paragliding manufacturer Gin has launched a new EN A class wing for 2009: Gin Boost.A few words from Gin :

The Boost is an entry-level wing aimed at paragliding school students, qualified pilots and paramotorists. An addition to the GIN range alongside the Bolero 3, its combination of first-class safety and agile handling will nurture your confidence and enable you to discover the magnificent beauty of flight.

A safe flight starts with a good take-off. Uniquely, the Boost is extremely stable in roll. During inflation, if the glider goes off to one side, it tends to roll back overhead to neutral. It also takes to the air at a very low speed and—at such speeds—it is much more controllable than a higher performance glider. We believe these qualities are perfect for student pilots and paramotorists alike.

In free-flight, the Boost proves that a safe glider need not mean a boring one. The Boost, like other GIN gliders, has a precise and intuitive turn. You can easily increase or decrease the radius of the turn and the sink rate, either by using weightshift and brake, or by using brake alone—a great advantage for paramotoring. The overall quality of the turn encourages the pilot to accurately feel the sensations of flight and thus develop an active flying style whilst learning to thermal effectively. Riding the Boost in a thermal is as easy and fun as riding a bicycle!

Landing the Boost is a breeze. It is rock-solid stable in pitch, which enables it to cut through any unexpected turbulence or thermals that you might encounter close to the ground on final landing approach. In addition, you can easily vary the final approach angle with the brakes and the touchdown itself couldn't be simpler: keep your hands up right until your feet are nearly touching the ground and then brake firmly.

The Boost is the result of 1 1/2 years of development by Robert Graham, and extensive feedback from pilots and schools. It is safe enough that you would give one to your partner or best friend to learn paragliding, but so much fun that you might just want to keep it for yourself!

technical details from para2000.org, click to enlarge

gin boost technical details

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Apco Karma Sport

Karma Sport

Karma Sport is the new Apco EN-2 wing for 2009. A few words from Apco about their beginner wing:

APCO's new beginner / intermediate wing.

It belongs to the Karma family and is designed to satisfy pilots who desire top notch, sharp handling. A lightweight, pilot friendly, easy launching, safe, fun wing.

It is offered side by side with Karma. We felt that now is the time to launch an additional beginner / intermediate wing which has a lot in common with Karma's philosophy, but is aimed at pilots looking for something different - a glider with sharp, immediate response (handling inspired by Vista), a glider in line with the recent trend for a light, low weight, low pack volume wing - the result is KARMA SP.

With performance above the Karma and wings weight lighter by almost a kilo,KARMA SP feels fresh, fun and reassuring. Equipped with all new FLEXON battens across the span on L/E, significantly lower line drag, made from new lightweight cloth - KARMA SP is our latest masterpiece for you to appreciate.

KARMA SP Paramotor Version

KARMA SP was extensively tested for freeflying as well as under power and its equally well suited for both - making it a great wing for paramotor lovers too. Those of you who love Karma will love the SP even more. The KARMA SP's overall behavior is perfectly tuned for motorised flight. From easy nil wind inflation and launching to ultra-safe stability, the KARMA SP offers the ideal solution for paramotor schools and pilots - comes on request with purpose built risers with trimmers.

The KARMA SP S size was awarded 153 A ratings and only 3 B ratings.

The KARMA SP M size was awarded 162 A ratings and only 2 B ratings.

For a glider of this performance and handling it is a remarkable result, especially when analysing the points which were B rated. Both gliders received B rating at maximum weight for acheiving sink rate more than 14 m./sec. in 2 turns - a result which is a must for a glider with good handling and all beginner class good handling gliders are on the market rated B on this point.

The M size also was rated B for assymetric accelerated flight at maximum weight - due to extended speed range on the glider at top speed on assymetric collapse it may change the direction just over 90 degrees, but has very mild dumped out response behaviour, easy to handle for every novice pilot.

The S was awarded B ratings for Big Ear opening at minimum weight on trim and accelerated flight - reopening of Big Ears is spontaneous and even in just over 3 seconds which in our opinion is the way it should be as it allows for smooth, even hands free reopening of Big Ears and is to the pilot's advantage, even if formally rated B.

Karma Sport features:

  • Sophisticated profile for improved performance
  • Split A riser for perfect launch and big ears
  • FLEXON® battens for wider speed range, constant launch behaviour, improved performance and extended longevity of the wing
  • Advanced riser system
  • Stainless Steel hardware
  • Anti-twist swivel and neodynium magnet brake handle
  • Distinctive top and bottom color design
  • Famous APCO long lasting double coated cloth - ensures high resale value

Materials:

The glider is made from tear resistant Ripstop Nylon cloth, which is P.U. coated to zero porosity and then siliconized to give the fabric high resistance to the elements. Different cloth is used for the top, bottom and ribs due to their different functions. The lines are made of superaramid covered with a polyester sheath for protection against UV, wear and abrasion. The bottom section of the brake lines is made of polyester because of its better mechanical properties. The karabiners that attach the lines to the risers are made of stainless steel.



Technical details from para2000.org (click to enlarge):


karma sport specifications

Saturday, August 08, 2009

paragliding fly at 500m+ at Popricani, Iasi, Romania



We had no air traffic for today at Iasi airport so we' were permitted to climb high, an excellent day for free fly with paraglider: a lot of instability, very low pressure (1004 mb), milky sky full of cumulus clouds, moderate to low NW wind. We where only 2 pilots: me and Cezar. Thermals were everywhere although our hill at Popricani is quite small (100m). My friend Cezar got around 150m easily while I took the opportunity to reach 500m. Both of us were flying Nova wings: Rookie and Syntax.

Friday, August 07, 2009

Paragliding fly at Spinoasa-Iasi Romania




Spinoasa is the lowest flying hill in Iasi county, Romania. However, it is the best hill for paragliding in this region.
I've been flying today at this place with Ovidiu codename Forest and his girlfriend Iulia. Meteo conditions where great so we've enjoyed a wonderful 2 hour fly.