A paraglider is a non-motorized manned flying device with a stable wing, consisting of one or a pair of blocks. It is inflated by means of forcing air flows through special intakes. Its weight is from 6 to 20 kilograms, when folded, it is placed in a standard medium-sized backpack, preparation for flight takes no more than five minutes. In addition, the device can be equipped with a small motor, which turns it into a representative of light aviation.
Technical specifications
A paraglider is one of the slowest flying devices that are heavier than air. The average speed indicator is from 20 to 70 kilometers per hour. The device is easily mastered by beginners. It is quite tolerant (so to speak) to the mistakes of novice pilots. Due to the low speed, the unit is well adapted for independent access to standard piloting modes; it does not need special requirements for the landing site in emergency conditions.
However, the aircraft in question does not have very high flight parameters, which affects its operation in various weather conditions. The light weight of the device is due to the fact that the main structural parts function exclusively in tension. They are made of fabric materials.
Device
The paraglider, the photo of which is given in this article, consists of a domed wing, slings and a suspension system. The lifting force appears due to the airflow around the wing profile. Rigid elements are not provided for in the design of said aircraft, since all parts work only in tension. On modern models, oriented to participate in competitions, sometimes dense structural parts are used to ensure the maintenance of the wing configuration at high flight speeds.
Dome part
This item is made from a special durable fabric that does not allow air to pass through. The dome consists of an upper and lower surface. They are connected by special jumpers (ribs). These elements have an aerodynamic profile, divide the wing into caissons (separate compartments). In the frontal part of the dome, the connection of these parts is not provided, as a result of which an air intake gap is formed. Through it, the wing is filled with air masses, contributing to the creation of the necessary rigidity of the part.
To fill the enclosed compartments, air must circulate freely through the paraglider. This is ensured by holes in the ribs. To stabilize the position of the air intake, the nose of the lintels is reinforced with a patch of dense and strong fabric. In the lower part of the ribs there are loops for fixing the slings, as well as stiffeners. Jumpers with surfaces are connected using a variety of seams, the requirement for which is strength and durability. Three to five sections on each side of the wing are closed. They are designed to shape the dome and improve the aerodynamics of the apparatus.
Slings
A paraglider is an assembly whose slings are made according to the branching principle. They include several tiers and rows. On the back of the control elements are fixed. Features of the sling:
- The tensile braid is from 80 to 250 kg.
- It is possible to use slings without braid.
- On the lower part, elements with the highest strength parameter are mounted.
- Slings are built up at the ends, connected by a knot (such as a "noose").
- The lower part is fixed at the free ends.
Free edges
The meaning of the word paraglider is easy to understand. It is made up of parts of two other words (a pair - a parachute and a plan - to plan). The design of the apparatus in question includes the free ends of a strong tape that form several rows. Slings are attached to them using special locks. The series are called the letters A, B, C, D.
The right and left control knobs are made according to the brake type. If you pull one of the handles, the dome is deployed due to the folding of the trailing edge down. If necessary, turn in the right direction pull the corresponding handle. In the case of tension of both brakes, the horizontal and vertical speed of the wing decreases. Additional trimmers and accelerators on slings allow you to change the angles of the dome for balancing.
Hanging unit
Paragliding is quite convenient. The pilot is located in this suspension compartment. It is made of reinforced tape and fabric belts connected to each other and to the skeleton by carbines. At the core there is a power tape on which the aviator seat and free ends are placed.
Arrangement of this node:
- Girths of the chest, foot, shoulder and waist of the pilot.
- Built-in emergency parachute.
- Shock absorbers and protectors.
It should be noted that the stability of the unit, controllability in flight and driver safety depend on the reliability of the assembly and proper alignment.
As for the reserve parachute, the reliability indicator is ranked first. The safety of the pilot also depends on this element, therefore this element is made of special fabric and synthetic slings that do not stick together and are not electrified. Most reserve parachutes are made on the basis of a round dome with a retracted top. Such a design provides a minimum opening time.
How paragliders are classified
What is this according to the principle of action, we said. We add that the devices in question are divided into several categories:
- "Standard". These include the models with the lowest flight performance. At the same time, they are distinguished by a high stability parameter and are aimed at beginners who do not want to experience stress in the first trials.
- "Performance". Mid-range vehicles with average stability and high flight performance.
- Competency. Versions are mainly used in competitions. Designed for experienced athletes.
By type of destination, aircraft are divided into the following groups:
- Training.
- Acro versions for performing tricks.
- Double options for flights with an instructor.
- Paragliders with motors.
Control
The control of the aircraft in question is controlled by control lines. They are connected to the rear of the wing, they have brakes at the edges (special loops to hold the elements in the hands of the pilot). If they are released, the device flies at a balancing speed. To make a turn, pull one of the brakes. This contributes to the folding of the right or left edge of the wing. Thus, the rotation is performed by reducing the speed on one side and increasing it on the other edge of the dome.
Turns are also performed by moving the user's gravity in the suspension. To reduce speed, both loops are attracted synchronously, increasing the angle of attack of the wing, as well as increasing drag and lift. To gain speed during the flight, accelerators are used (devices that make it possible to tighten slings, reducing the angle of attack of the dome). With the help of other lines, experienced pilots enter the device into special (stunt) flight modes.
The difference from a parachute
As already noted, the origin of the word “paraglider” is associated with parachute and planning. How is this unit different from its "brother"? Firstly, the parachute has a rectangular shape, and the apparatus in question has an elliptical configuration. Secondly, the length of the canopy is significantly longer. In addition, it has an aerodynamic smooth wing surface with a small number of thin lines and an increased total area.
The main purpose of the parachute is to perform jumps from an airplane, followed by a slowdown in falling speed and soft landing. The design features of the paraglider are aimed at the implementation of planning. When creating it, lighter and more rigid materials are used, which ensures good aerodynamics. According to the last indicator, a paraglider is comparable to a hang glider or glider. He does not just fall down, but flies. Under favorable weather conditions, an aircraft under the control of an experienced pilot can soar for hours in the air, changing speed indicators and route.
Paraglider with motor
This unit is a standard modification, complemented by a light motor. The engine is located behind the pilot. The thrust created by the screw additionally acts on the back of the glider. Two types of paramotors are commonly used:
- A model in the form of a satchel, which is fixed on the back of the user and connected to the suspension system. Landing is carried out on the feet.
- The cart on wheels with a depreciation unit, which is not used as often as the above counterpart.
The engine version is ideal for those who do not want to wait for suitable weather or like to soar over the plains.
Pros and cons of a motor paraglider
We examined in detail the paraglider - what is it. A photo of the device is in our article. As for the version with a motor, it can be operated in a wider range of climatic conditions, regardless of the size of the take-off area. Start is carried out practically from any flat site, without taking into account the direction of the wind.
The main thing is to take into account the volume of the fuel tank. The average flight margin is not more than three hours. Preparation for the start does not take much time (about fifteen minutes). The planning height is up to five thousand meters. Among the shortcomings, there is a high risk of injury due to strong winds or getting into the turbulence zone. Experienced users recommend flying in the warm season in the early morning or evening. In addition, it is not so easy to feel the behavior of the wing with the motor, which affects the control of the unit. An additional obstacle during flight is the propeller's resistance to air flow.
Places to fly
In our country there are enough wonderful places for planning on the aircraft in question. These places are the most popular training grounds for paraglider owners:
- Rybinsk reservoir. Flights provide an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Volga and its coastal areas with forests and cliffs.
- Deltadrome in Pyatigorsk on the mountain Dzhutsa. This platform is used by both beginners and experienced athletes.
- Gliders in the Crimea. This place has been popular since the 30s of the last century. One of the few places where in flight you can admire both the sea and mountain landscapes.
- Kurai in the Altai Mountains. A beautiful mountain platform from which gliders can safely rise to a height of up to three thousand meters.
- Moscow deltadromes: Chismen village and the MAS club.
- In St. Petersburg, the paradromes: “Sumino”, “Mozhaisky”, “Kukuzi”.
Conclusion
Paragliding is a popular form of entertainment and sports. It allows you to enjoy free flight for several hours. The main thing is to observe safety measures and carefully approach the selection and operation of a paraglider.