Power Urge (25): C-fork control

June 10, 2019

When using split C belts, control over the C plane is difficult. U-Turn has solved the problem with the new High-B Vision with a short Gabelleine. In U-Turn's vision, the outer C-line (here: left) sits on a strap on the strap. In order to include them in the C-control, it is additionally connected to the rear C-belt with a short fork. // Photo: Lu-Glidz Many modern umbrellas today have additional handle loops on the carrying strap on the C-level. These C-handles are used to perform accelerated flight by hand, but without brake, angle of attack corrections without going out of the accelerator - much as it is possible with two-lines. With three-lines with a C-plane this is not so efficient, because the profile is bent a bit too. But many pilots now use this mode of control to be able to "blow away" even more safely in moving air masses. However, the C-control is not suitable for all umbrellas alike. This is especially true for models where the C-straps are split (two C-straps per side). The outer C-lines are then usually on a pass. This allows designers to more differentiate the pitch of the outer wings of the screens. For a C-belt control, this construction is disadvantageous. Because the train on the C-handles typically acts only on the rearmost belt. This means: For umbrellas with split C-straps, the train on the C-handles only goes on the inner C-lines. The change in the pitch therefore also affects only the central areas of the wing, not the outer wings. So anyone who wants to prevent rattling by means of intervention on the C-plane, is not always immune from the fact that the outer wings still undercut and fold. With his new High-B Vision model U-Turn has found a simple solution to this dilemma. Although the umbrella has split C-straps, if you pull on the C-handles, the outer C-line is also activated. The solution to this problem is as simple as it is effective: The outer C-line forks briefly over the shoulder strap and then slips on both line locks of the split C-straps. In normal flight, the load goes completely on the passage C-belt. But if you pull the rear riser back or down (C-control), the second line of the fork comes to tension. Then also the outer C-line is pulled along. In this way, C-fork control on split C-belt screens allows efficient control with the C handles. And even with ground handling, you can control the screen on A and C level well, without having to laboriously grab the C-line on the run extra. A C-Bridge on the strap of a Swing Nyos RS. // Photo: Lu-Glidz By the way: Swing has been using a similar solution on some models for quite some time, the C-Bridge. This is a fabric band that connects the inner and outer C-straps with split C-straps - like a kind of suspension bridge. You can put your fingers on the C-Bridge from above and pull both C-straps down together. However, the C-Bridge sits at the top of the risers. This is suboptimal in two ways: Firstly, the circulation of the hands in the over-head position is worse, which is why you have to fight cold fingers faster in cold weather. On the other hand, as a pilot with the arms held high up, you also create more air resistance, which should reduce performance a bit. The realized by U-turn C-fork control is at least in these points at an advantage. The C-handles sit a little deeper, which benefits the circulation of the hands and the Windschlüpfrigkeit. Tip: Learn more about what designers are trying to do to further enhance the performance of paragliders or enable performance-oriented flying in subsequent episodes of the Power Urgency series. Where you are already here ... ... I have a little request. Lu-Glidz is read by more and more pilots. They value diversity, timeliness, quality and independence of posts. Unlike other paraglider magazines, Lu-Glidz is completely ad-free. At the same time, there are no subscription fees or a paywall. I also want to keep Lu-Glidz as free, independent and open as possible in the future. Maybe you understand that I need your support for that. I spend a lot of time, heart and money in Lu-Glidz. I do that because I believe that my insights into the paragliding scene will also open up other interesting perspectives - maybe you too. If anyone who enjoys reading Lu-Glidz makes a small contribution, then this blog has a future too. You can promote Lu-Glidz quite simply by Paypal. If you prefer a classic bank transfer, you can transfer the desired amount to the following account: Recipient: Lucian Haas, Breite Strasse. 54, D-53111 Bonn IBAN: DE71 3807 0724 0361 6828 00 BIC: DEUTDEDBXXX Intended purpose (please specify): "Contribute Lu-Glidz" Thank you!

This article has been translated for your convenience and was originally written in allemand.