SILEXX
MANUAL
FRESH BREEZE
Congratulations to you and thank you for choosing a Fresh Breeze Paraglider. We believe
you will enjoy every minute in the air with your Fresh Breeze SilexX.
The manual will help you understand the caracteristcs of your Glider. Please don’t hesitate
to contact us by mail, phone or e-mail for any comments or questions. The Fresh Breeze
Team will always be available for any information you might need.
This manual includes tips for a safe enjoyment of our sport.
Your Fresh Breeze Team
Markus Müller Michel Werner Dr.-Ing. Stefan Wode
(Geschäftsführer) (Geschäftsführer) (Entwicklung)
Director Director Research and Development
Dana Witek Martin van Geldern Ramon Blanco da Silva
(Sekretariat) (Werkstatt-Leitung) (Werkstatt)
Administrative Assistant Shop Supervisor Shop
Volker Schober Frank Mollenhauer Michael Pioch
(Werkstatt) (Versand) (Fertigung)
Shop Shipping Machine Shop
Introduction and contents
Page 2
CONTENTS
Chapter Page
Chapter 1 Description and Specifications 04
Chapter 2 Accelerator 06
Chapter 3 Harness 09
Chapter 4 Flying 09
Chapter 5 Decent Maneuvers 13
Chapter 6 Aerobatics 14
Chapter 7 Materials 17
Chapter 8 Storage and Preflight Inspection 17
Chapter 9 Annual Inspection 19
Chapter 10 A word from the Editor 19
Chapter 11 Linechart and Certification 20
Page 3
Introduction and contents
DESCRIBTIONS AND TECHNICAL DATES
The SilexX was developped specifically for use with a Paramotor but has good performance
in thermals.
The SilexX ist easy to pilot, and ideally suited for the recreational pilot. It is a pleasure to
fly due to the easy handling and great stability.
The planform of the SilexX is eliptical, slightly swept. This planform allows for a clean sail
and profile with very few Attachment points. Few attachment points mean less lines that
result in good glide due to less parasitic drag.
The SilexX is designed from scratch. Mehrere computerberechnete. Many CAD designs
where prototyped, tested and the best was selected. The profil selected has great stability, soft, forgiving reactions, easy handling and excellent performance.
The closed cells have Dacron Reinforcements for best Stability. Dacron reinforcements at
the attachment points spread the loads evenly. The air enters the SilexX through the open
cells at the underside of the wing.
Large Crossports are utilized for even pressure throughout the wing.
TECHNICAL DATES
Number of cells: 42
Construction: diagonal finger ribs
Span, real: 10.46 meter
Span, projected: 9.0 Meter
Area, flat : 24.8 sq meters
Area, projected: 22.3 sq meters
.Aspect Ratio: 3.6
Line length: 6.3 meters
Average Line length: 2.85 meters
Recomennded Take off weight: 80-100 Kg
Maximum take off weight with motor: 125 kg
The SilexX has passed both DHV and DULV certification
More details are available through the DHV certification, at www.DHV.de. The lines are
measured from the Quick Link to the attachment point with 5 kg load.
Chapter 1 Description and technical dates
Page 4
SILEXX SUSPENSIONSYSTEM
The SilexX lines are manufactured from white polyethylen (Dyneeema) with a colored
sheath.
The suspension system is constructed from individual lines that are looped and sewn
at both ends. A,B,C and D Lines are 1.5 mm diameter, middle Lines 1.2 mm and upper
Lines 1.0 mm
On the main brakeline the proper length is marked and it should not be changed to remain
within certification. The A Lines, Stabilo Lines and the A risers are red for easy identification. The B Lines and all brake lines are yellow while all other lines are blue.
There are 4 Risers per side. The A lines are the most forward followed by the B Lines where
the Stabilo Line is also attached. The C lines follow and the rear Riser is the D lines.
A line plan can be found at the rear of this manual.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
Maximum caution is advised. You are operating at your own risk!
It is your duty to check your equipment before every flight.
The Silexx may NOT be operated under the following conditions:
- outside of minimum or maximum load rating
- during rain, snow, turbulence or strong winf
- in clouds or fog
- In any aerobatic manner
- by an inexperienced pilot
Page 5
Chapter 1 Description and technical dates
SPEEDSYSTEM
The SilxX can be fitted with an accellerator. The accellerator activates A,B and C Risers. The
normal length of all Risers is 48 cm During accelaration the A Riser is shoertened by 16
cm, The B Riser 11 cm and the C Riser 6 cm. The D Risers stays the same.
SPEEDSYSTEM-FITTING
The accellerator needs to be properly routed and should be easy to reach.
Chapter 2 Speedsystem
Page 6
TRIMMER USE WITHOUT MOTOR
For free flight the trimmers are NOT to be used and should remain in the fully closed position. The ring at the end of the trimmer must be installed in the carabiner to disable trimmer use during unpowered flight.
TRIMMER USE WITH MOTOR
During motor flight the trimmers may be used to compensate for torque. Depending on
the propeller rotation the left or right trimmer can be opened to achieve straight line flight
under power. Both trimmers can be opened for faster flight.
BRAKE LINE ROUTING FOR MOTORING
During motor flight the Brakelines can be routed through the additional set of lower pulleys. In this case, both the upper and lower pulleys are used. This will make it easier to
reach the Brakelines and make it less likely to get the brake toggle caught in the propeller.
The brake lines need to be lengthened by the additional distance between the pulleys.
Page 7
Chapter 2 Speedsystem
Page 8
Chapter 2 Speedsystem
HARNESS
The SilexX is vertified only with the use of a GH type harness. All modern harness are of
the GH type. Fixed Cross Bracing is NOT allowed and does NOT increase safety.
FLYING AND HANDLING
PREFLIGHT CHECK AND MAINTENANCE
The Glider needs to be thoroughly inspected before every flight and after long periods
of storage.
ITEMS TO CHECK
- Stitching on the harness, Glider, Risers and Reserve
- All Quick Links and Carabiners
- Brakelines and knots
- all other lines all the way up
- all attachment points on the canopy
- the canopuy fabric
- the crossports and cellwalls
Don’t launch even with small problems!
If you find signs of wear please contact your dealer.
LAY OUT THE GLIDER
It is advised to lay out the glider in a Horseshoe Shape so that the A lines tension first.
This is also known as the inverted V Layout. All Lines must be clear. Pay special attention
to the brakelines. Makes sure there are NO Lines over the top of the glider as that will lead
to an unrecoverable flight situation.
MAKESHIFTSTEARING
In case of a Brakeline failure the Silexx can be steered with gentle pulls on the rear risers.
AKTIV FLYING
Aktive flying is advised. You constantly make small adjustments to keep the Glider pressurized and overhead. A little tesnsion in the brakelines will gibe feedback from the
Canopy.
For example when entering an updraft release the brakes to allow the glider to speed up.
When leaving an updraft apply some brakes to slow any surge.
Should the pressure in the brakes decrease, indicating an impending depressurization you
can apply some brake to avoid that.
Page 9
Chapter 3 - 4 Harness - Flying and Handling
FLYING WITH ACCELERARTION
During accelerated flight the glider is more likely to depressurize thus you should use the
accelerated flight mode in calm air only and never close to the ground.
- Do not set the brake lines too short
- Never Fly accelerated in turbulent conditions!
- Never Release the brake lines!
- Should the glider collapse release the accelerator.
TOWING
The Silex is very suitable for towing. Do not use too much tension and climb gradually,
not too steeply. Do not use brakes during tow other than for steering.
Chapter 4 Flying and Handling
Page 10
DESCENT POSSIBILITY
SPIRAL DIVE
A Spiral dive can be achieved with holding one brake down until the glider enters the dive.
The dive can be adjusted with more or less inside brake and outside brake can be applied
to stabilize the canopy.
The spiral dive is the fastest method to reduce altitude but can be very dangerous if the
pilot is not familiar with the maneuver.
High G forces occur during a spiral and the inexperienced pilot needs to be very careful!
If you experience any discomfort the spiral should be stopped immediately. To exit from
the dive slowly release the inside brake and give the glider time to continue the turn for
a few revolutions. Spiral dives should be practiced during a safety clinic!
B LINE STALL
Both B Risers are being pulled down symetrically until the glider enters the stall. To exit,
quickly release both B Risers at the same time.
If the glider horsehoes during the B Line stall, exit immediately. It may be necessary to
pump both brakes to recover from the horseshoe. B Line Stall should be practiced during
a Safety Clinic.
BIG EARS
Big Ears are a gentle decent maneuvers that retains forward speed. To enter Big Ears pull
both outside A Lines until the Ears fold under. You can steer the glider with weight shift
during Big Ears
You can also apply the accelerator with Big Ears to further increase sink rate and forward
speed. To recover from Big Ears simply release the lines, one at a time. Pumping the brakes
expedites the exit. All Decent Maneuvers should be practiced in calm air with plenty of
altitude, best during a safety clinic.
Chapter 5 Descent Possibility
Page 11
EXTREME MANEUVERS
ASSYMETRIC CLOSURES
By applying a small amount of opposite brake the Silexx can be kept from turning. During
a large assymetric closure only small amounts of opposite brake should be used to keep
from stalling. Should the glider not open a few deep pumps on the collapese side will help
open the closure.
CRAVATTE
A cravatte ist one or more Lines over the top of the glider. Opposite brake is applied to
keep from entering an involuntary spiral dive.
To recover from the cravatte you can try:
- Pump the brake on the affected side
- Pull down the Stabilo Line on the affected side
- If unable to recover, a full stall can be used by highly experienced pilots, otherwise the
- reserve parachute should be activated.
FRONTAL COLLAPSE
During te exit from a thermal or upon entering a strong downdraft the front of the glider
can symmetrically collapse. A small amount of both brakes will open the glider quickly.
The Silexx usually opens on its own.
PARACHUTAL STALL (DEEP STALL)
There is no forward speed with a high sink rate. During a slow exit from a B line stall
parachutage may occur. A porous fabric and streched A lines will make a Glider more subcepptable for a deep stall. To recover push the A lines forward and/or apply the accelerator.
Caution:
If any brake is applied during deep stall the glider will immediately full stall.
If close to the ground it is advised to land using the PLF (Parachute landing fall) rather than
trying to exit deep stall and risk a big surge.
FULL STALL
Take a wrap on both brake lines and pull them under the seat. Hold them there and resist
the tension. You must hold the stall until the glider has come back overhead. To exit, slowly bring both hands up when the glider is overhead. Not behind.
If the Full Stall is exited incorrectly the glider can surge very much and the pilot can fall
through or into the glider.
Fullstalls are very dangerous and need to be practiced only during a safety class over
water!
Page 12
Chapter 6 Extreme Maneuvers
NEGATIVE SPIN
A negative spin is a rotation around the span of the glider. One side of the wing flies forward while other flies backward.
What causes Spins:
- One brake is being applied too fast and too much.
- During slow flight one brake is applied too much
An accidental spin should be exited righ away and the glider will recover quickly.
If crossbracing on the harness is pulled tight the glider will spin easier.
WINGOVERS
Alternating turns with high bank angles.
Caution:
Fullstall, Spins and wing overs more than 90 degrees are considered dangerous
aerobatics !
MATERIALS
The Silexx is made from best quality materials.
SEGEL UND PROFILE
Top Surface Toray Torray
Undersaurface Toray Toray
Ribs: Toray Toray
Leading Edge Reinforcements Dacron
LINES
We use New Dyneema PPSL200 because of the low strech and longevity.
RISERS
Risers are made from best quality 25 mm Polyester manufactured by Gueth and Wolf with
highest values for strengt and stability.
Chapter 6 - 7 Extreme Maneuvers - Materials
Page 13
STORAGE AND CHECK
With proper care the Silexx will remain airworthy for several years. Don´t forget. Your life
depends on it!
STORAGE
Store the glider loosely folded, dry , out of the sun and away from chemicals. Moisture is
an enemy, always store the glider dry, best indoors in a heated/air conditioned room.
CLEANING
Any cleaning will remove from the lifespan of the fabric, avoid cleaning of possible.
Use only a soft, wet cloth. No chemicals at all.
REPAIR
Use only an approved repair facility.
AGING
UV Rays are the biggest enemy. Never leave the glider in the sun if you are not using it.
LINES
Do not overload individual lines as they may stretch. Do not kink the lines. Any damage
requires replacement of the affected line. Compare the lines before replacement for correct lenght and only use the proper line material from an approved repair facility Kite the
glider after line replacement to check for proper routing.
TIPS
Keep Glider and lines clean as dirt particles will cause damage. If ines snag on the ground
they can be damaged. Don’t step on the lines! Make sure no forein objects enter the glider, like rocks, sand of snow as it may cause a stall.
Sharp objects will damage the fabric! During high winds if the canopy hits the ground it
can cause internal damage
After landing avoid the glider hitting the ground with the leading edge as this can cause
damage. After tree and/or water landings the lines need to be checked. If the glider
contacts salt water immediately rinse in fresh water. A line plan is attached or can be
obtained from your dealer.
Chapter 8 Storage and Check
Page 14
2 YEARS INSPECTION
After 2 years the glider needs to be inspected by an approved repair facility. This check
should be confirmed through a DHV stamp in the glider
If you forget this to do within all 2 years the SilexX loose the “Musterzulassung” Germany
approvement and all guarantie.
MODIFICATIONS TO THE GLIDER
No Modifications whatsoever are allowed and will void any warranty.
CLOSING COMMENTS
The Silexx is the result of high end development. The glider will last many years if treated
and cared for properly. Respect and an appreciation of the potential dangers of personal
flight are required for a succesful flying career. Even the safest Glider can not prevent pilot
error. Keep in mind that any airsport is potentially dangerous and your safety is up to you!
You may only fly with proper back protection, helmet and reserve parachute.
Fly at your own risk
We wish you plenty of sunshine,
Safe flight and happy landings
See you in the Sky!
Chapter 9 - 10 2 years Inspection - Closing Comments
Page 15
Page 16
Chapter 11 Linechart and Certification
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