03.08.2011
|
|
The future of competition paragliding wings?
http://paraglidingforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=40349&start=16
At least five manufacturers I have spoken to (either directly or
through their test pilots) have EN D 2 liners on the way. They will be limited
to 60km/h (or thereabouts) because the testing bodies say that collapses are
unrepeatable above 60, but since they don't have to pass the 23G load test and
have reduced cell-count, span and aspect ratio they will have much lower line
consumption than the current 2 liners so they should be able to out glide the
open-class 2 liners by a substantial margin at speed. The max glide might not be
quite as good as current 2-liners, but the shorter span and lower
line-consumption ought to make handling better. They will have to sort out the
hideous launch problems, and the independent testing organisations will make
sure they pass EN D properly, although they will have to use collapsing lines to
actually induce asymmetrics and frontals.
http://OzReport.com/1312376428
|