Dudek Universal User manual
manual
user
NOTE!
Please read this manual carefully before your first flight
Very important!
Before use it is vital to check in which configuration the steering lines and pulleys
are currently set (lower or upper hangpoints) and adjust them to your preferences if
necessary.
The risers have three points to fix the pulleys on – lengthened upper, lower, and
middle one (see risers on page 35). On each main steering line there are three
points marked, lower, upper and middle one, to fix the steering handle according to
position of the pulley.
Steering lines must not not push down the trailing edge when not operated – this
must be observed in all possible configurations of trimmers and speed-system.
Steering lines must have a couple of centimeters play before they engage affect
the canopy (see section 3.1 on the proper adjustment). For sake of safety it is
always recommended to set the brakes rather too loose than too tight. Make sure
they are set symmetrically, too.
Ill-adjusted steering lines may cause you to misinterpret the canopy’s
behaviour in flight, and in case of encountering turbulence in accelerated
flight dangerous collapses may occur (see page 20).
When flying at full speed (trimmers opened / trimmers opened and speedbar
pushed), especially in uneasy air, it is highly recommended to steer the paraglider
using alternative steering methods like TEA or ALC+ only.
With increasing speed an effect of „inverting” the profile when trailing edge is being
pulled down emerges (pulling the brakes, see page 20). That effect can cause
dynamic collapses, especially at full speed.
The safest way to change your course at high speeds is to use the TEA lines, or (in
the order of safety) the 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!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction......................................................................................2
2. The wing..............................................................................................3
2.1 Design
2.2 Structure
3. Flight operation............................................................................8
3.1 Steering lines and speed system adjustment
3.2 Free flying
3.2.1 Take-offt
3.2.2 Flight
3.2.3 Landing
3.2.4 Winching
3.3 Powered flights
3.3.1 Take-off
3.3.2 Flight
3.3.3 Landing
3.3.4 Golden rules
3.4 Quick descent methods
3.4.1 Big ears
3.4.2 Spiral dive
3.4.3 B-stall
3.5 Aerobatics
3.5.1 Wing over
3.6 Extreme manoeuvrese
3.6.1 One sided collapse
3.6.2 Frontal collapse
3.6.3 Full stall and negative spin
3.6.4 Deep stall
3.6.5 Line over and cravatte
3.6.6 Emergency steering
4. Paraglider care....................................................................................27
4.1 Packing & Storage
4.2 Cleaning
4.3 Repair
4.4 Deterioration - a few tips
5. Technical data......................................................................................29
6. Warranty, AeroCasco..........................................................................30
7. What have you bought.......................................................................32
8. Rigging tables and scheme ................................................................33
9. Risers - design and accessories ........................................................35
Page
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.
We wish you many enjoyable and safe flying hours.
DISCLAIMER
Please read this Manual carefully and note following details:
=The purpose of this Manual is to offer guidelines to the pilot using the
paraglider and it is by no means intended to be used as a training
manual for this or any other paraglider.
=You may only fly a paraglider when qualified to do so or when
undergoing training at an accredited School or with an Instructor.
=Pilots are personally responsible for their own safety and their
paraglider's airworthiness.
=The use of this paraglider is solely at the user's own risk! Neither the
manufacturer nor dealer do accept any liability connected with this
activity.
=This paraglider on delivery meets all the requirements of the EN 926-1
and 926-2 regulations or has an airworthiness certificate issued by the
manufacturer. Any alterations to the paraglider will render its
certificates invalid.
NOTE
Dudek Paragliders warns that due to constant process of development the
actual paraglider may differ slightly from the one described in the manual.
2
2. THE WING
For whom Universal?
Universal us the first paraglider ever to smoothly and efficiently merge two
aspects:
- nicely hadling free-flying paraglider (with EN/B certificate),
- full-blood paramotor canopy (conforming to DGAC standard).
Universal is dedicated for beginner and recreational pilots who fly:
- exclusively free (but want to benefit from moderate reflex ability)
- mostly free, sometimes with paramotor
- both free and paramotor
- mostly with paramotor, sometimes free
- exclusively paramotor (but appreciate better economy, easier launch and
nicer handling than in standard paramotor wing, like Synthesis2)
Universal is a great free-flying recreational paraglider, including cross-country.
Beginner XC pilots will surely appreciate exceptional comfort in uneasy thermals,
resulting from considerable amount of reflex traits present in the design.
On activating the trimmers and setting up the ALC+ steering, Universal becomes
a full reflex paramotor wing, good for both leisure and cruise flying, thermalling,
last but not least for initial paramotor training.
No matter what kind of flying you choose, the Universal has a perfect launch,
rigid canopy, is pretty agile, nicely handling and safe.
Important for instructors: Universal is perfect for initial PPG training
2.1 DESIGN
Exceptional versatility of the Universal is a result of its genesis. The wing
was born as a byproduct of the Synthesis2 development process. One of
the paths we've been following was creation of a relatively simple paramotor
wing, featuring better economy, agility, easy launch and low power demand.
Some of the prototypes did not stood up to legendary stability of the original
Synthesis, but demonstrated many other valuable traits we did not like to
drop. So, we've explored that path, employing both our long-time
experience, and state-of-the-art technologies.
Universal was built according to a new idea. That idea alleges bigger
increase in speed realized mainly with the trimmers, adapting their travel to
individual pilot’s skills and experience, as well as limited reflex capability in
lower part of operation so that the airfoil acquires shapes similar to those
used in our modern, highly efficient free-flying paraglider types. That idea is
augmented by many recent solutions, such as FET technology keeping the
desired shape of the leading edge during launch and flight, resulting in
Universal’s excellent launch performance even in no wind.
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USER MANUAL
Another novelty is the ALC+ (new version of the ALC steering system),
allowing safe and effective steering at fast trimmer settings withot using main
brakes. Additional improvement is possibility to fix the system to the risers
with magnetic clips, so that in will not get tangled. Ideally the system should
be installed only when the pilot graduates to use the other (faster) half of the
trimmers.
Our factory-installed TEA system allows for controlling the flight direction at
any time, with any speed – 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. First of all, using that profile means that the wing stability does not
depend exclusively on the pilot. It maintains a stable pitch attitude, rising and
falling through thermals while remaining stable above your head, without
need for so much pilot input. Generally speaking the reflex profile is a special
kind of aerofoil section. The specific static pressure distribution creates a
situation where at low attack angles, only the wing fore part (some 60% of the
chord) is producing lift, while the rear 40% of the chord creates an effective
stabiliser against excessive decrease of the attack angle. The trimmer system
allows for considerable raising the rear part of the airfoil, thus effectively
reducing its projected chord and surface area by some 30%, giving the
paraglider a higher wing loading and increasing its speed. The centre of
pressure also moves forward, adding enhanced pitch stability. Such a shift of
loading gives the Universal an exceptional tuck-resistance and increases its
projected aspect ratio, resulting resulting in much better performance,
especially at high speeds. When greater lift is needed, you close the
trimmers, thus modifying canopy to get airfoil operating on its entire chord.
The result of our work is a 100% reflex paramotor paraglider with perfect
performance, exemplary safety, and steering characteristics of classic
paragliders. We proudly present you with the exceptional Universal
paraglider, suitable for the beginner and recreational pilots, whether free of
paramotor flying.
2.2 STRUCTURE
The Universal 3D body was designed in our CSG (Canopy
Shape Guard) system, comprising many elements resulting
in exceptional coherence and stability of the shape. Below
you will find a short description of CSG subsystems.
Universal has an elliptical planform with slightly rearward swept tips. The cells
are divided with ribs additionally supported by diagonal VSS (V-shaped
supports) system. Such arrangement ensures a smooth top surface, exact
aerofoil reproduction across the entire wingspan and yet more importantly,
minimal number of suspension points.
4
The lower surface has a RSS (Reinforcing Strap System) applied in the
wing’s interior. RSS is an ballooning-independent reinforcements system,
made entirely of paragliding fabric, stiffening and stabilizing entire canopy
structure.
Universal’ aerofoil is another product of our DRA (Dudek
Reflex Airfoil) technology. It was calculated with our
previous experiences in mind and thoroughly tested with
numerical methods.
Properties of a reflex airfoil were described above. The suspension points
areas are additionally reinforced with laminated fabric so that loads are
equally distributed on three planes: vertically (through the ribs), diagonally
through VSS system and level through the RSS.
All crossports have been prepared using OCD (Optimised Crossports
Design) technology. Carefully designed shapes of the openings and their
optimal placement between stress lines guarantee very efficient pressure
distribution in the canopy and its quick inflation. 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.
Another feature of the Universal is the Flexi-Egde
technology. The leading edge is closed to the airflow,
and its precise shape is kept with laminated cloth
reinforcements, incorporating synthetic rods. The rods
make the leading edge stiffer and smoother, bringing improvements in many
areas - from easier inflation, through stiffening the canopy in flight to
improved general airflow.
Cell openings are positioned on the undersurface in the vicinity of the
leading edge. Their exact placement was very carefully selected, so that
they got maximum ram effect in as many flight situations as possible.
On the wingtips we placed the ACS (Auto Cleaning Slots) -
dedicated slots automatically removing dirt from inside the
wing.
Careful selection of modern fabrics and design solutions brings about great
strength and durability of the Universal. All materials used come from
marked production batches, and each production step can be verified down
to identification of specific worker and controller.
Universal is manufactured under new technology, utilizing precision of the
laser cutter. All stages of production process take place
in Poland under strict supervision of the designer himself,
thus ensuring highest European quality.
5
USER MANUAL
Fabric
The upper surface is made of 41-gram Dominico
Tex cloth. Lower surface is made of 34-gram
Dominico Tex cloth, contributing to low weight of
the canopy. The ribs must be as rigid and stretch-
resistant as possible. We found these qualities in
Dominico 41 Hard cloth.
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.
The rigging system consists of individual lines looped and stitched at each
end. The upper level lines start at the attachment points.Cascade-wise they
are joined by twos or threes to middle layer lines. These in turn connect by
twos or threes to main suspension lines, which are attached to the risers
with triangular quick links (maillons). To prevent their slipping off, the lines
are kept together with a rubber 'O ring'.
All the maillons are made of corrosion resistant, polished
stainless steel, ensuring excellent strength and durability.
We use only the best quality, certified maillons by Peguet.
Stabilo lines run from the outer suspension points to the
maillons through consecutive cascades as well. The same story goes for the
steering lines. They run from the trailing edge through several layers to the
main steering lines, which are lead through the pulleys connected to the rear
risers and then fixed to the brake handles. Steering lines do not carry any
load.
Some of the steering lines of the upper level are additionally led through
rings sewn into the trailing edge, shortening it when the brake is applied, so
that steering becomes lighter and more effective.
All the lines are distinguished by colours depending on their strength:
=2,3 mm; strength: 420 daN; colour: celadon (willow green),
=1,8 mm; strength: 280 daN; colour: red and orange (the latter for
pulling big ears),
=1,5 mm; strength: 190 daN; colour: violet,
=1,3 mm; strength: 140 daN; colour: green,
=1,2 mm; strength: 90 daN; colour: blue.
(given colours are subject to slight changes).
6
THE RISERS
For the Universal we have chosen four-way risers equipped with:
=ELR (Easy Launch Riser) system. This is an
specially marked A riser (yellow ribbon),
=speed-system affecting A, B and C risers when
engaged, featuring ball-beared pulleys and special
line;
=trimmers of red tape with right scale , designed for
quick and easy replacement in case of deterioration;
=various levels of the pulleys, to be used depending
on the hangpoint level;
=ALC+ allows for effective turns even at high speed,
without distorting reflex profile too much. Steering is
done with dedicated handle with red balls, fixed on
the risers with a magnetic clip (prior to the start).
=TEA -Torque Effect Adjuster – allowing for
eliminating the effect of engine torque, tending to
turn the paraglider in the direction opposite to the
propeller's rotation. The system can be adjusted to match your specific
combination of paramotor/propeller.
For quick and easy recognition in emergency, some of the risers are
distinguished with coloured band as follows:
A - yellow (used for launching)
A' - blue (used for big ears)
B - red (used for B-stall)
D - grey (needed to keep the glider down in strong wind – aborted
launch).
Main A row suspension lines connect to an A riser (yellow) and A' (blue). B
row and stabiliser lines go to B riser (red), C lines go to C riser (black
neoprene) and D lines to D riser (grey), as well as steering lines (through
their pulleys).
Brake handles are attached to the steering lines at optimal point,
guaranteeing safe and effective operation. On the main brake line there are
three points marked, high, low and middle, to be used depending on the
harness hangpoint level.
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
steering line,
=TCT (Triple Comfort Toggle) system,
=EK (Easy Keeper) system – see further pages
7
USER MANUAL
3. FLIGHT OPERATION
3.1 STEERING LINES AND SPEED SYSTEM ADJUSTMENT
We strongly advise following actions to be supported by an instructor or at
least an experienced pilot.
The Universal risers are shorter than in most paragliders, thus alleviating
potential problem with different hangpoints. There are three places to fix the
steering lines pulley – lengthened upper, lower, and middle (see risers
diagram on p. 36). On the main steering line there are three points marked as
well – higher, lower and middle one, indicating where to fix steering handle
depending on pulley placement.
CAUTION! Before first use check whether steering lines and pulleys are set
for higher or lower hangpoint, and adjust them to your preferences if
necessary.
For free flying you shouls fix the pulley on the end of the extending loop,
placed at the upper hangpoints, and the steering handles on upper positions
marked on the steering lines (so that steering lines are effectively shortened).
This is the factory setting of the paraglider (unless ordered otherwise).
See adjusting the pulley and steering line marks according to the hangpoints
on p. 36.
Generally speaking, upper hangpoints require longer steering lines, while the
lower hangpoints – shorter lines.
Before you will take on powered flight it is recommended to try the setup out.
Hang up the entire PPG unit with ropes, sit in the harness and have someone
pull up the risers. You must make sure that in flight you will always be able to
reach the brake handles, even if the airflow blows them away. Being
suspended in this way you have a perfect opportunity to adjust the speed
system too. The speedbar should not be pulling pull its lines nor risers when
not applied. Neither should it be too loose, for it could catch the propeller. An
additional way to check the whole configuration out is to visit the take-off site
in steady winds of 3-4 m/s. With the engine off, inflate the wing and take it up
over your head. When it stabilises, check that the brakes are loose and do not
pull the trailing edge. There should be a spare inch or so before they activate.
Remember that it is always safer to set the margin of play too big than too
small. 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
conditions too.
8
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