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Nucleon WRC
User Manual
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Dudek Nucleon WRC User Manual

manual
user
NOTE! Please read this manual carefully before your first flight
Very important!
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 Nucleon WRC is no exception!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2. The wing..............................................................................................4
2.1 Design
2.2 Structure
3. Flight operation............................................................................12
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
1. Introduction......................................................................................3
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. Canopy care........................................................................................25
4.1 Folding and Storage
4.2 Cleaning
4.3 Repair
4.4 Deterioration - a few tips
5. Technical data......................................................................................27
6. Warranty, AeroCasco..........................................................................28
7. What have you bought.......................................................................30
8. Rigging tables and scheme ................................................................31
9. Risers - design and accessories ........................................................33
Page
Fot. Iwona Dudek
Trailing edge
Risers
Cell
openings
Main suspension lines
Stabilizer
Leading edge
Cell
1. INTRODUCTION
CONGRATULATIONS
We are pleased to welcome you among the growing number of DUDEK PARAGLIDERS pilots. You've become a proud owner of state-of-the-art PPG paraglider. 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.
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USER MANUAL
2. THE WING
WHO SHOULD FLY Nucleon WRC?
You have been paramotoring for some time now. You know and appreciate performance and safety of the reflex-aerofoil paragliders. Even if you are currently flying only for fun, long routes are attracting you no less than a wish to prove yourself against the best international competitors, or to beat some record. You are not afraid of strong thermals, and the agility tasks close to the ground look promising too.
What you need is a top-drawer paraglider; a canopy that will be safe and stable both at top and low speeds, with with efficient trimmers and speed system, as well as a precise steering, capable of quick reversing your paraglider. On top of that it has to be robust, so that high loads occurring at frequent PPG flying will not cause any deformations of the surface.
If most of the above statements do apply to you, then the Nucleon is your wing!
2.1 DESIGN
Nucleon is an Action and Reaction class paraglider, built around a new idea already proven in Synthesis and Plasma. The new concept assumes linear characteristics of acceleration (equally shared between trims and speed system) and limited reflexivity at slow trim settings. It is accompanied by a number of new design features, intensively tested since 2007 and introduced into mass production for the for the first time in the world. As a result we have a 100% reflex PPG paraglider with great performance and outstanding safety (comparable to the already legendary Reaction), featuring handling similar to classic paragliders (at low speeds). The Nucleon WRC takes off perfectly, rising fast and clean after an easy inflation.
We are positively sure that the Nucleon is currently the best paraglider in its class.
The fundamental feature of a good PPG canopy is its great stability and tuck-resistance. When this is achieved, the user does not have to concentrate all the time on piloting in turbulent air, thus saving energy for navigation, taking pictures or simply enjoying the flight. In addition the faster and safer your paraglider is, the more often you can fly. While the Nucleon was designed to retain features of a classic paraglider, the application of a reflex aerofoil section added several new qualities. 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
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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 Nucleon an exceptional tuck-resistance and increases its projected aspect ratio, resulting resulting in much better performance, especially at high speeds. Should you require more lift, the rear section can be pulled down to restore an airfoil that will be effective along its entire chord.
The WRC version (With Rod Concept) incorporates Dudek Flexi Egde technology.
Some minor modifications in the design (improving curvature among others) caused the wing to be more agile. Exchanging mylar reinforcements for elastic rods results in easier inflation and stiffens the leading edge. Increased speed ranges are another advantage of that improvement. ALC+ (new version of the ALC steering system) is more efficient and affects the canopy in more proportionate way. In effect steering appears to be smoother.
Those modifications should be welcomed especially by the competitors, seeking both for faultless launches and agility.
2.2 STRUCTURE
The Nucleon 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.
Nucleon 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.
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.
Nucleon’ 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.
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USER MANUAL
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 Nucleon leading edge is closed to airflow, and its precise shape is guarded by reinforcements of laminated fabric.
Another feature of the Nucleon WRC is the Flexi­Egde 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 Nucleon. All materials used come from marked production batches, and each production step can be verified down to identification of specific worker and controller.
Nucleon WRC 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.
Fabric
The upper surface is made of 38 and 41-gram Dominico Tex cloth. Lower surface is made of 34­gram 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 Porcher Skytex Hard cloth with E29A impregnate (40 g/m2). All suspension points and leading edge reinforcements are made of SR-Scrim fabric.
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Rigging system
All of the Nucleon 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).
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USER MANUAL
8
+
TEA - Torque Effect Adjuster
ALC+:
- line
- handle with ball
- elastic band
Two examples how to handle ALC+
Magnetic lock of the ALC+ handle
three pulley locations
ALC+ allows for aggressive turns even on full speed, without modifications of the reflex profile.
This is of special importance when flying in turbulences with open trimmer and speed system engaged. Additionaly it is important for bigger canopy sizes, without special solutions demonstrating problems associated with big steering forces and low agility.
Steering is executed by a handle finished with red balls, easily accessible in all suspension modes.
+
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.
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USER MANUAL
Triple Comfort Toggle
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.
Swivel protects the steering line against twisting
Neodymium magnet of the Easy Keeper
exchangeable insert
slit of the rod
half-rigid PVC tube
rigid plastic rod
The most soft handle is obtained when no
insertion is used.
Easy Keeper
Easy Keeper is our indigenous way to hold the brake handles at the risers by using strong neodymium magnets. It keeps the handles firmly at the risers, while both attaching and releasing goes smoothly and easily. The system allows for easy placing the brake handles on risers during flight, when they are not used, thus minimalizing danger of getting them into running propeller.
Especially in turbulent air use only the ALC+ system (usage of the main brakes considerably increases possibility of collapses ).
Main Steering Handle (TCT)
- swivel
- Easy Keeper
- TCT
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THE RISERS
For the Nucleon WRC 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 band with visible scale (red – slow and blue – fast trim setting), 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' - black neoprene (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' (black neoprene). 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 two point marked, higher and lower, to be used depending on the harness hangpoint level. On adjusting the steering lines see chapter 3.1.
Our newest brake handle used in Nucleon WRC 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
+
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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 Nucleon’s risers are shorter than in most paragliders, thus alleviating potential problem with different hangpoints. There are three places to fix the steering lines pulley – high, low, and middle (see risers diagram on p. 36). On the main steering line there are two points marked – lower and higher, 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.
When flying with low hangpoint (or without paramotor) fix the pulleys to upper loops on the risers, and the steering handles on upper positions marked on the steering lines (so that steering lines are effectively shortened).
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
Although the Nucleon according to its design book is a fast PPG wing, , it behaves surprisingly well as a classic paraglider too and can be used as such without any modifications.
The essential difference between Nucleon and classic paragliders means that due to its increased tuck-resistance (both during start and flight) and greater speed range it can be safely flown in strong conditions too. Generally speaking the faster you fly, the safer is your flight.
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