Dudek Universal User Manual
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Dudek Universal User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Dudek Universal

  • Page 1 user manual...
  • Page 2 ALC+ handles. Any steering inputs should be smooth and easy, without sharp and/or deep movements. Such actions can dynamically change pressure distribution over the airfoil, leading to collapses. These warnings affect every paraglider and Universal is no exception!

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Page TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction..................2 2. The wing....................3 Design Structure 3. Flight operation................8 Steering lines and speed system adjustment Free flying 3.2.1 Take-offt 3.2.2 Flight 3.2.3 Landing 3.2.4 Winching Powered flights 3.3.1 Take-off 3.3.2 Flight 3.3.3 Landing 3.3.4 Golden rules Quick descent methods 3.4.1 Big ears 3.4.2 Spiral dive...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    1. INTRODUCTION CONGRATULATIONS We are pleased to welcome you among the growing number of DUDEK PARAGLIDERS pilots. You've become a proud owner of recreational state- of-the-art paraglider, built according to recent trends in both free-flying and paramotor wings. Extensive development, application of the most modern methods and thorough testing resulted in a friendly behaving paraglider, offering the pilot a lot of fun combined with great performance.

  • Page 5: The Wing

    No matter what kind of flying you choose, the Universal has a perfect launch, rigid canopy, is pretty agile, nicely handling and safe.
  • Page 6 – so far this is the safest way to preserve or change the flight direction at high speeds. Even as the Universal was designed in order to keep all features of the classic paraglider, application of the reflex aerofoil adds more beneficiary traits.

  • Page 7: Structure

    These openings are scaled together with the ribs, so that their replicability is flawless and they do not disturb the aerofoil in any way. The Universal leading edge is closed to airflow, and its precise shape is guarded by reinforcements of laminated fabric.
  • Page 8 All suspension points and leading edge reinforcements are made of Porcher SR-Scrim fabric. Rigging system All of the Universal suspension lines are sheathed by a coloured polyester layer which is covering a brownish Technora core. Low number of lines required such composition, featuring high strength and stretch-resistance of the lines.
  • Page 9 On adjusting the steering lines see chapter 3.1. Our newest brake handle used in Universal besides its attractive, light design, features: a swivel – preventing possible twisting of the...

  • Page 10: Flight Operation

    And, most importantly, the setting must always be symmetrical. 3.2 FREE FLYING The main difference between the Universal and other paragliders is that due to its increased tuck-resistance (both during launch and flight) and greater speed range (when using the trimmers) it can be safely flown in strong...
  • Page 11 USER MANUAL ALC+ allows for aggressive TEA - Torque Effect Adjuster turns even on full speed, without modifications of Magnetic lock the reflex profile. of the ALC+ handle This is of special importance when flying in three pulley locations turbulences with open trimmer and speed system engaged.
  • Page 12 Using the magnetic lock of the ALC+ handle Easy Catch "Easy Catch" speedbar is a godsend for those who have problems catching the bar after taking off. The speedbar is designed to stay always in front of the speedsystem lines. Its finish is very robust, so long-term service is guaranteed.
  • Page 13 USER MANUAL Triple Comfort Toggle Swivel protects Neodymium magnet of the the steering line Easy Keeper half-rigid rigid plastic rod against twisting PVC tube slit of the rod The most soft handle is obtained when no insertion is used. exchangeable insert Addressing different needs of our clients we have created a TCT system - Triple Comfort Toggle, making it possible to have your brake handles in rigid, half-rigid or soft configuration without need to purchase additional handles.
  • Page 14 You must remember that in each harness your typical steering range will be different. PRE-FLIGHT CHECK A thorough pre-flight check is essential for any aircraft and the Universal is no exception. Having unpacked and laid out the paraglider (in a horseshoe directed against wthe wind) following checks must be made: canopy, lines and risers condition.
  • Page 15 USER MANUAL 3.2.1 LAUNCH Classic (forward) launch (should be used with little or no wind). Facing the wind place the risers over your shoulders (A riser must lay on top). Clip it into carabiners and lock them. Grip the brake handles and A-risers (marked with yellow band), holding them at the stitching, just under the quick- links.

  • Page 16: Flight

    3.2.2 FLIGHT The increased speed range of Universal (in case of trimmers operation) may demand some attention in flight. Nevertheless, once you have mastered these additional assets, flying will become pure fun. Good handling will let you make best use of thermals, and increased speed on transitions means that your presence in sinking air will be shorter.

  • Page 17: Landing

    3.2.3 LANDING The Universal is easy to land. Just make sure that last turn into the wind is done with sufficient altitude, since prior to touch down you should build up speed, fully releasing the brakes. Then flare out at 1 meters over ground by gently braking.

  • Page 18: Powered Flights

    First flights In order to get familiar with your wing we recommend flying with closed trimmers first, because in this configuration Universal behaves like a classic paraglider. Flying like that try pulling the brakes some until you feel resistance, usually it will be at about 1/4 of the brake travel. Once you feel confident with your wing, you can start experimenting with faster trim settings and speed system.
  • Page 19 USER MANUAL steering lines and handles are free and not twisted, the engine delivers full power, take off area is clear of obstacles and free to use. When you are sure everything is OK, you can clip in the wing and execute launch as described in paragraph 3.2.1.a.
  • Page 20 Perhaps it does not agree with your experience, but in this trimmer setting Universal’s reflex profile stabilizes the wing and does not allow it to surge forward. Once you have it overhead, turn around, open the throttle and take off.
  • Page 21 In powered flight the Universal behaves more like an aeroplane than a paraglider, and it is good idea to regard it as such. If there are...

  • Page 22: Flight

    Of course each flight will depend on current configuration of your gear, but due to its ability to fly safe without constant piloting the Universal will let you adjust everything to the best effect. Good knowledge of weather conditions (e.g. wind at different altitudes and smart use of thermals or dynamic lift will help you greatly reduce fuel consumption and increase flight range.
  • Page 23 Turns executed in this way will be slightly wider, but strength needed to initiate the turn will be smaller and there will be no decrease in speed. Please note the wide operational speed envelope of the Universal achieved by trimmers only. Due to such wide range we’ve decided to introduce capability of restricting that range (before the launch) by the pilot according to his skills and preferences.

  • Page 24: Landing

    = If it will be asymmetric, the wing will be turning all the time. And if you will inadvertently set them off, the reflex profile of the Universal will keep the wing level, so after opening the throttle you'll start to descend with increased speed instead of climbing.

  • Page 25: Golden Rules

    USER MANUAL = Check the wind direction before planning the approach. = Landing with power off requires much less space. = In case of any doubt, practice the landing until you feel totally safe. 3.3.4 GOLDEN RULES! Never place the power unit downwind of the paraglider. Check, double check and then check once again if there is no fuel leakage.

  • Page 26: Quick Descent Methods

    (distinguished by blue sheath) by some 20-50 cm. While inducing big ears you should never let the brakes out of your hands. After tucking the tips in, Universal will continue to fly straight with increased sink rate (up to 5 m/s). You can steer the wing pretty efficiently by weight-shifting.

  • Page 27: Aerobatics

    On quick and symmetrical releasing B-lines the airflow will be reinstated and the wing will surge forward, returning to normal flight. In contrast to standard paragliders, in case of Universal there is no need to counter this surge with brakes - yet another asset of the reflex profile! CAUTION: See the PARACHUTAL STALL chapter.

  • Page 28: Frontal Collapse

    3.6.5 LINE OVER AND CRAVATTE Universal is a modern wing which, in order to decrease drag, has fewer suspension lines and greater distances between them. Therefore it's always possible that after a tuck one of the stabilisers may tangle in the lines. Usually a couple of pulls with a brake settles the matter.

  • Page 29: Paraglider Care

    4.4 DETERIORATION: A FEW TIPS! The Dudek Universal is made mainly of nylon - a fabric which, like any other synthetic material, deteriorates through excessive exposure to UV rays that come with the sunlight. Hence it is recommended to reduce UV exposure to a minimum by keeping the paraglider packed away when not in use.
  • Page 30 Universal’ suspension lines consist of Technora inner core and polyester sheath. Submitting them to excessive loads in flight should be avoided, as it can cause irreversible damage. Keep the paraglider clean, since getting dust in the lines and fabric will reduce their durability.

  • Page 31: Technical Data

    USER MANUAL 5. TECHNICAL DATA Universal 25,5 Certification EN Number of cells Surface area (flat) [m 23,00 25,50 28,00 31,00 34,00 Surface area (projected) [m 19,83 21,98 24,14 26,72 29,31 Span (flat) [m] 10,83 11,40 11,95 12,57 13,17 Span (projected) [m]...

  • Page 32: Warranty, Aerocasco

    AeroCasco insurance against damage and repair costs. WARRANTY Dudek Paragliders guarantees free of charge repairs caused by the material or production faults along following scheme: For the free-flying paragliders warranty covers 36 months (3 years) or 300 flight hours (depending on what comes first).If the paraglider is used for powered...
  • Page 33 Normal warranty does not cover repairs of damages caused by the user or a third party. As costs of such repairs can be considerable, Dudek Paragliders offer an AeroCasco insurance. It covers a one-off repair of any mechanical damage, no matter how big and whoever inflicted them.The only expenses the purchaser has to...

  • Page 34: What Have You Bought

    WHAT HAVE YOU BOUGHT The Dudek paraglider that you bought should have the following items: the paraglider itself (canopy, lines and risers) transport bag (with compression strap) Duralight - backpack FastBag (quick-pack) a speed system with Easy Catch bar a windsock a pocket with paper work and repair wallet including: A piece of self-adhesive fabric (10 cm x 37.5 cm) for small repairs.

  • Page 35: Rigging Tables And Scheme

    FLYING THE PARAGLIDER IS ALWAYS YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY. SEE YOU IN THE AIR! RIGGING SCHEME Rigging (suspension lines) scheme is on the next page, while tables of lines' lengths are published in Service Documents on our website www.dudek.eu...

  • Page 37: Risers: Design And Accessories

    USER MANUAL 9. RISERS: DESIGN AND ACCESSORIES Figure 1 Risers in lower hangopint configuration (steering line is led through one pulley only). steering ALC+ line line upper pulley for low hangpoints TEA cord TEA lock swivel middle and lower magnetic lock pulley locations of the ALC+ handle –...
  • Page 38 Figure 2 Figure 3 Low hangpoint (steering line is led High hangpoint (steering line is led through a pulley in upper position). through a pulley in lower position). Magnetic clip is also placed high. Magnetic clip is also placed low.
  • Page 39 USER MANUAL Figure 4 TEA cord inactive (a) and engaged (b) knot Figure 5 You can reduce drift of the paraglider (contrary to propeller rotation) with TEA or the additional inner loop in the risers hangpoint, visible nearby. Bear in mind though, that with TEA you can set a knot exactly where it’s needed to compensate torque accurately, while simple loop does not have any adjustment.
  • Page 40 Figure 6 Steering systems scheme Here is a simple guide to find your way in a maze of risers and their various handles. Classic brakes operate along entire trailing edge, ALC+ system is active on the outer parts of the trailing edge, and the TEA affects stabilizer only.
  • Page 41 USER MANUAL Figure 7 Trimmers influence on the wing profile Trimmers in “6” Trimmers closed Trimmers fully opened position Risers of equal length. Minimal speed and Maximum speed Transitional position minimal sink Take-off position neutral configuration neutral configuration neutral configuration risers length: risers length: risers length:...
  • Page 42 Figure 8 Trimmer settings influence on speed-system action Lengthening and shortening values are given in respect to neutral risers length: 460 mm Full acceleration with opened trimmers: Full acceleration with closed trimmers: small angle of attack, maximum speed. good speed, easy steering, decreased Great stability and hard steering.
  • Page 43 USER MANUAL Trimmer operation tips FAST SLOW closed released FULL REFLEX AIRFOIL Launch Thermalling Brakes/ALC TEA as TST Torque effect adjuster can be used for correcting flight direction in fast configurations too (trimmers/speed system). It works the same way as the TST used in our older paragliders..
  • Page 44 Leading Trailing edge edge Cell Main suspension lines Stabilizer Risers Fot. Iwona Dudek...
  • Page 45 MADE IN EUROPE...

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