Dudek Snake XX, Snake User Manual
user manual
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 – lower, middle and upper one
(see risers on page 11). On each main steering line there are points marked,
to fix the steering handle corresponding to the middle position of the pulley. Position of
the handles should be adjusted according to your pulley setting.
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 may cause dangerous collapses in accelerated flight
when set too short.
Speed system of these risers is by default integrated with the Power Attack system.
During numerous tests it turned out that in case of certain slalom tasks it is better to
restrain the trimmer a bit, so that it won't become totally released when acting jointly
with speed. Such settings make it possible to use the main brakes for steering in
accelerated flight, without collapsing tips.
Correct operaiton of the Power Attack requires releasing the trimmers beforehand by at
least 6 cm and not more than 9 cm.
Using the speed system combined with Power Attack results in big surge of the sink.
This can surprise an unexperienced pilot, causing dangerous situation when close to
the ground.
If you intend to operate the trims independently of the Power Attack system, you have
to disengage the hooks joining the PA and the trimmers.
DO NOT USE THE SPEED SYSTEM WITH CLOSED TRIMMERS OR THE POWER
ATTACK SYSTEM BLOCKED! SUCH ACTION MAY CAUSE VIOLENT COLLAPSES!!
CORRECT SPEED SYSTEM OPERATION REQUIRES
RELEASING TRIMMERS BY AT LEAST 6 CM!
When flying at full speed (trimmers opened / trimmers opened and speedbar
pushed), in rough air, it is highly recommended to steer the paraglider using alternative
steering methods like TCL ( (Tip Control line) and conected TST toggle .
With increasing speed an effect of „inverting” the profile when trailing edge is being
pulled down emerges. That effect can cause dynamic collapses, especially at full
speed.
The safest way to change your course at high speeds is to use the TST and TCL lines,
or (in the order of safety) the outer lines of the 2D steering system. 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 the Snake XX is no exception!
Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2. The wing..............................................................................................5
2.1 Design
2.2 Structure
3. Flight operation............................................................................10
3.1 Steering system
3.2 Before you fly
3.3 Take off
3.4 Level flight
Free flying
3.7.1 Take-off
3.7.2 Flight
3.7.3 Landing
3.7.4 Winching
3.8 Quick descent methods
1. Introduction......................................................................................4
3.5 Landing
3.6 Golden rules
3.7
3.8.1 Big Ears
3.8.2 Spiral dive
3.8.3 B-stall
3.9 Extreme situations
3.9.1 Side collapse
3.9.2 Symetric collapse
3.9.3 Full stall and negative spin
3.9.4 Deep stall
3.9.5 Line over and cravatte
3.9.6 Emergency steering
4. Canopy care........................................................................................32
4.1 Storage
4.2 Cleaning
4.3 Repairs
4.4 Deterioration - a few tips
5. Technical data......................................................................................35
6. Warranty, AeroCasco..........................................................................36
7. What have you bought.......................................................................38
8. Rigging scheme ..................................................................................39
1. INTRODUCTION
CONGRATULATIONS!
We are pleased to welcome you among ever growing community of pilots
flying DUDEK PARAGLIDERS. You’ve become a proud owner of state-ofthe-art sport PPG wing.
Intensive development, application of the most modern production methods
and thorough testing resulted in a friendly behaving paraglider, offering the
pilot a lot of fun combined with great performance.
With many years of experience we are confident to pronounce Snake XX to
be the best paraglider in its class.
We wish you many enjoyable flight hours under your new Snake XX!
DISCLAIMER
Please read this manual carefully and note following points:
■ The purpose of this Manual is to offer guidelines to the Snake XX pilot
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
paragliders’ 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 all 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.
Possible differences will not affect the fundamental design parameters:
technical data, strength and flight characteristics. In case of any doubts
please contact us.
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2. THE WING
For whom the Snake XX?
This is a demanding wing for demanding pilots.
Highest performance available for fast slalom courses, with possibly best agility. It's
truly a champion's wing.
Despite highest aspirations we did our best to preserve legendary stability, known
from our other reflex paragliders.
2.1 DESIGN
Development of the Snake XX was focused on improving canopy
performance. Shark nose profile gives better airflow on the leading edge and
higher air pressure within canopy at any angle of attack. The leading edge
features synthetic rods (Flexi Edge Technology), considerably improving
launch characteristics and protecting against collapses at high speeds.
Additionally, front part of the canopy is further stabilised with the LE2R
technology (Leading Edge Double Reinforcements). Higher aspect ratio, a bit
more cells and modified arc gives result in better economy and agility of the
wing.
Snake XX is a 4-row canopy. Only in such configuration full range of aerofoil
geometry can be successfully achieved, combining trimmers, speed and
Power Attack systems.
B riser is anchored on additional pulley on the B riser, minimalizing drag during
speed-system operation (previously it was a simple quicklink).
Main suspension lines comes with a polyester sheath, covering Technora fiber
core. All lines of the upper level are unsheathed.
The Snake XX as standard is equipped with 2D steering system
consists of two main steering going out of one handle, i.e. inner
line, led through the pulley and affecting central 2/3 of the trailing
edge, and the outer one, connected directly to the outer 1/3 of the
canopy.
Due to such division, experienced pilot can modify steering progression
according to his own preferences. Everything depends on the pilot’s wit and
experience. Those, for whom the Snake XX is intended, will be able to tune
the steering system in their own style.
Fundamental feature of a good PPG canopy should be its great stability and
tuck-resistance. When this is achieved, 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 Snake XX was designed to
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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 sinking 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 fore wing part (some 60% of the chord) is producing lift, while
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 15%,
giving the paraglider a higher wing loading and increasing its speed. The
centre of pressure also moves forward, adding enhanced pitch stability. Such
shift of loading gives the Snake XX an exceptional tuck-resistance and
increases its projected aspect ratio, resulting in much better performance
especially at high speeds.
Reduced „reflexivity” of the Snake XX (on closed trims) is in part
compensated by its smaller size at maximum take-off weight, possible due to
increased wing loading factor.
2.2 STRUCTURE
The body of the Snake XX 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.
Snake XX 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, better load distribution
and minimal number of suspension points.
The lower surface has a RSS (Reinforcing Strap System) applied inside the
canopy. RSS is a ballooning-independent reinforcements system, made
entirely of paragliding fabric, stiffening and stabilizing entire canopy structure.
Snake XX’s 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. It is a reflex aerofoil, with all its
properties described above.
The suspension points areas are additionally reinforced
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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
as an entity with the ribs, so that their replicability is flawless and they do not
disturb the aerofoil in any way.
Another major innovation is Snake XX’s use of the
Flexi-Egde technology. The leading edge is closed
to airflow, and its precise shape is guarded by
reinforcements of laminated fabric with synthetic
rods added. Their presence significantly improves the inflation and launch
quality, as well as additionally guards the canopy against deformations when
flown at high speeds.
The air intakes are placed on the lower surface close to
the leading edge, placed so that max pressure point
remains in the area at possibly many states of flight.
They are designed and executed in Shark-nose
technology, meaning specific, concave shape of the reinforced profile area at
its leading edge (the name comes form the very shape, reminding shark's
nose). Due to such shape the intakes can be smaller and moved a bit back,
so that leading edge remains undisturbed and offers smooth airflow. The
internal pressure of the canopy stays stable within wide speed range. In
everyday flying this results in greater resistance to stalls (e.g. when
thermalling) and front collapses at high speeds.
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 Snake XX. All materials come from marked
production batches, and each production step can be verified down to
identification of specific worker and controller.
Snake XX is produced in new technology, utilizing
capabilities of precise laser cutter. All stages of the
production process take place as our Polish plant under close supervision of
the designer himself, thus ensuring highest European quality.
Fabric
Each kind of cloth has its own special qualitites. We merged them so that
they blend into a perfect composition.
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The upper surface is made of 38-gram Porcher cloth.
Basically it's a nylon material, covered with PU
impregnate. Such covered fabric is not very stiff and
- what's most important - has increased tear, stretch
and UV resistance. It is not siliconised, so minor
repairs can be easily made with self-adhesive strips.
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 Porcher Sport 40 g/m2 (Hard Finish). All suspension points and
leading edge reinforcements are made of SR-Scrim fabric.
Rigging system
All of the Snake XX suspension lines are sheathed by a
coloured polyester layer which is covering a brownish
Technora core. Lines directly under the canopy are left as bare cores.
The rigging system consists of individual lines looped and stitched at each
end.
The upper level lines start at the attachment points. 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. Main lines
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' twisted in
eight.
All 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 lines,
which are lead through the pulleys connected to the rear risers and then
fixed to the brake handles.
Risers
For the Snake XX we have chosen four-way risers equipped with:
■ ELR (Easy Launch Riser) system. This is an specially marked A riser
(red ribbon).
■ Speed-system affecting A, B and C risers when
engaged, featuring ball-beared pulleys and special
line.
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■ Additional pulley on the B riser, minimalizing drag during speed-system
operation.
■ Trimmers of red band with visible scale, designed for quick
and easy replacement in case of deterioration.
■ PA (Power Attack) system – combines the trimmers with
regular speed system, so that pushing your speedbar
automatically and simultaneously releases the trimmers.
■ Multiple pulley positions, to be used depending on the hangpoint level.
■ TCL (Tip Control Line) allows for heading adjustments
and turns even at high speed, without distorting reflex
profile too much. Steering is done with dedicated red
line, fixed to the corresponding stabilo steering line.
■ TST - (Tip Steering Toggle) additional mini handles for
stabilo steering, connected to TCL line.
■ 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 - red (ELR riser used for launching)
A' - black neoprene (used for big ears)
B - yellow (used for B-stall)
D - blue (needed to keep the glider down in strong wind – aborted
launch).
Main A row suspension lines connect to an A riser (red) and A' (black
neoprene). B row and stabiliser lines go to B riser (yellow), C lines to C riser
(black neoprene) and D lines to D riser (blue), 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 adjusting the steering lines
see chapter 3.
Our sports steering handle for Snake XX, besides its attractive, light design,
features:
■ a swivel – preventing possible twisting of the steering
line,
■ soft neoprene cover TCT,
■ EK (Easy Keeper) system – see further pages
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3. FLIGHT OPERATION
3.1 STEERING SYSTEM
Steering system consist of following parts:
1. 2D - multifunctional brake system (regular steering handles) – more details
on page 22;
2. TCL (Tip Control Line);
3. TST (Tip Steering Toggle) - additional mini toggles connected to TCL line,
for stabilo steering;
4. TEA (Torque Effect Adjuster) - in this case it’s a TCL line going through a
cleat, with a knot near the TST handle. For correct system operation the
exact position of the blocking knot must be adjusted, depending on the
torque;
5. traditional trimmers;
6. traditional speed system;
7. PA - Power Attack System.
Some of those part can act much the same way as ALC and TST systems
known from our other designs:
ALC - an outer 2D line fixed to the steering handle – you can use it alone, by
grabbing just this line above the handle (the handle itself can stay in hand,
can be fixed at docking station or even hang free)
TST - it is a TCL line fitted with a TST (Tip steering toggle), running from the
riser to according steering line towards the wing tip. You can use it for
steering by grabbing the line and pulling it outside, or just using the TST
handle.
Both the TST and entire TCL line can be dismantled for some of the slalom
tasks where it will remain practically unused, but may require some additional
attention.
Steering lines, pulleys and speed system adjustment
There are as many as three positions for the pulleys provided (picture on next
page).
Originally it is mounted on the risers in the middle position.
On the main steering lines there are points marked for fixing the brake
handles corresponding to the middle position of the pulley. Position of the
handles should be adjusted according to your pulley setting.
In practice moving the pulley from the middle (2) to highest position (1) does
not require any adjustment of the steering lines. Moving the pulleys to the
lowest position (3) will definitely require lengthening of the steering lines by
distance between positions (2) and (3).
10
11
Risers in lower hangpoint configuration (pulley in the middle)
The PA system combines speed system
with trimmers, resulting in automatic,
smooth trimmer release on pressing the
speedbar. In order to activate the system,
you have to connect Power Attack hooks to
the trimmer and accordingly release
trimmer tape, restricting its movement.
trimmer buckle
pulley position (1)
trimmer
strap
inner 2D line
swivel
trimmer
handle
speed
system
pulleys
TEA lock
steering handle
Easy Keeper
magnets
pulley position (2)
pulley position (3)
PA system pulley
carabiner
speed
system
hooks
outer 2D line
speed
system
stop
higher point
for carabiner
lower point
for carabiner
TCL line
D
A
B
C
A'
TST handle
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Easy Keeper
Easy Keeper is our indigenous way to hold the brake handles at the risers by
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 when they are not used in flight, thus
minimalizing danger of getting them into running propeller.
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.
13
With all these changes it is possible to adjust placement of the Easy Keeper
magnets too. With highest position of the pulley, the magnet is at its highest
too, and with lower pulley positions the magnet is mounted lower position as
shown on the picture.
The length of the steering lines must to be adjusted so that at maximum
speed configuration (opened trimmers and full speeed bar) the brakes are
loose and do not pull the trailing edge.
Progression of the steering lines, i.e. difference in length between the central
steering line (going through the pulley) and the outer one (green) is set as
standard and some pilots can regard it as not aggressive enough. You can
adjust it to your own preferences, but please observe +/- 5 cm range and
safety rules mentioned above.
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
Pulley in second (highest)
position; EK magnet placed
above the middle pulley
position
Pulley in middle position; EK
magnet placed above the
trimmer buckle
Pulley in first (lowest)
position; EK magnet placed
above the trimmer buckle
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