Independence eXCalibur Owner's Manual

Owner´s manual eXCalibur paraglider

19.04.05

gliders for real pilots

independence

www.independence-world.com

Fly market GmbH & Co. KG

Am Schönebach 3
D-87637 Eisenberg

Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Table of Contents:

1. Dear Independence Pilot

2. Important information

3. Target group

4. The eXCalibur´s construction and development

5. Material specification

6. Technical specification

7. How to check your paraglider

8. How to adjust the steering lines

9. In flight

9.1 The harness

9.2 Take-off preparation

9.3 Take-off run

9.4 Level flight

9.5 Accelerated flight

9.6 Using the Speed Bar

9.7 Turning

9.8 Landing

10. Towing
11 Paramotoring

12. Flying manoeuvres

12.1 Asymmetric collapse

12.2 Cravats

12.3 Symmetric or Front tuck

12.4 Parachutal stall

12.5 B-line stall

12.6 Steep spirals

12.7 Big Ears

12.8 Full stall

12.9 Negative spins

12.10 Wingovers

12.11 Emergency steering
13 Summary
14 Care and storage

15.1 Total line length eXCalibur small

15.2 Total line length eXCalibur medium

15.3 Total line length eXCalibur large

16.1 Single line length eXCalibur small

16.2 Single line length eXCalibur medium

16.3 Single line length eXCalibur large

17.1 DHV certification eXCalibur small

17.2 DHV certification eXCalibur medium

17.3 DHV certification eXCalibur large

2

1. Dear Independence Pilot

It is our pleasure to welcome you to the world of Independence pilots. The new eXCalibur paraglider
was developed to suit pilots that enjoy superior performance, high speed and agility, but still want
a high level of security. The eXCalibur distinguishes itself through its unique handling and
performance. Like every paraglider the eXCalibur has its own characteristics. To ensure your best
possible flying experience we provide this manual.

2. It is most important that you read this manual before flying your new eXCalibur!

We are not liable for misuse of your paraglider
New paragliders must be flown by the seller first. This flight must be acknowledged in the protocol

by signature and date.
The eXCalibur must only be flown in combination with an authorised rescue system and

harness. The pilot is responsible for pre-flight checks and condition of his/her equipment.
Fly market GmbH & Co. Kg is not liable for any compensation resulting from breach of these articles.

3. Target Group

The eXCalibur has been rated DHV class 2-3 GH accelerated. It is suitable for pilots who are looking
for a high performance glider, XC-pilots and Competition-pilots, who have already experience with
gliders of higher classes. We recommend that every pilot should play with the paraglider on the
ground (ground handling) as much as possible. Attending an over water safety clinic (SIV) is also
advisable. Perfect control of the paraglider on the ground and in the air is the key to flying fun and
the best way to ensure accident free flying.

4. Construction and development of the eXCalibur

The eXCalibur consists of 57 cells, of which every second one is attached to a line. The V-bands
ensure that the load on the line attachments is spread onto the adjoining ribs. This results in fewer
lines without loss of airfoil shape, whilst maintaining profile integrity, and canopy stability. The
resistance of the lines in the air is thus reduced as well as providing easier sorting of the lines
before take off.

We have used the best and up to date technical equipment to develop the eXCalibur. 3D models
were built on the computer and tests were simulated before production. All parts are tailored by
computerised cutting machines and printed with inscriptions. Our development team has more than
15 years of experience in developing and producing paragliders and are supported by experienced
test pilots.
For computer freaks: We use a P3 multiprocessor workstation with two monitors. The cutting
plotters are controlled by a SGI workstation. Our FlyCAD2000 program was specially developed for
paraglider construction, is written in C++/Arx and is updated regularly. It is now used by nearly all
other manufacturers. The eXCalibur is a new milestone in its class. The different eXCalibur sizes are
symmetrically scaled achieving the same performance for the equivalent weight load and a nearly
identical inflight behaviour.

gliders for real pilots

independence

www.independence-world.com

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1. Dear Independence Pilot

It is our pleasure to welcome you to the world of Independence pilots. The new eXCalibur paraglider
was developed to suit pilots that enjoy superior performance, high speed and agility, but still want
a high level of security. The eXCalibur distinguishes itself through its unique handling and
performance. Like every paraglider the eXCalibur has its own characteristics. To ensure your best
possible flying experience we provide this manual.

2. It is most important that you read this manual before flying your new eXCalibur!

We are not liable for misuse of your paraglider
New paragliders must be flown by the seller first. This flight must be acknowledged in the protocol

by signature and date.
The eXCalibur must only be flown in combination with an authorised rescue system and

harness. The pilot is responsible for pre-flight checks and condition of his/her equipment.
Fly market GmbH & Co. Kg is not liable for any compensation resulting from breach of these articles.

3. Target Group

The eXCalibur has been rated DHV class 2-3 GH accelerated. It is suitable for pilots who are looking
for a high performance glider, XC-pilots and Competition-pilots, who have already experience with
gliders of higher classes. We recommend that every pilot should play with the paraglider on the
ground (ground handling) as much as possible. Attending an over water safety clinic (SIV) is also
advisable. Perfect control of the paraglider on the ground and in the air is the key to flying fun and
the best way to ensure accident free flying.

4. Construction and development of the eXCalibur

The eXCalibur consists of 57 cells, of which every second one is attached to a line. The V-bands
ensure that the load on the line attachments is spread onto the adjoining ribs. This results in fewer
lines without loss of airfoil shape, whilst maintaining profile integrity, and canopy stability. The
resistance of the lines in the air is thus reduced as well as providing easier sorting of the lines
before take off.

We have used the best and up to date technical equipment to develop the eXCalibur. 3D models
were built on the computer and tests were simulated before production. All parts are tailored by
computerised cutting machines and printed with inscriptions. Our development team has more than
15 years of experience in developing and producing paragliders and are supported by experienced
test pilots.
For computer freaks: We use a P3 multiprocessor workstation with two monitors. The cutting
plotters are controlled by a SGI workstation. Our FlyCAD2000 program was specially developed for
paraglider construction, is written in C++/Arx and is updated regularly. It is now used by nearly all
other manufacturers. The eXCalibur is a new milestone in its class. The different eXCalibur sizes are
symmetrically scaled achieving the same performance for the equivalent weight load and a nearly
identical inflight behaviour.

3

gliders for real pilots

independence

www.independence-world.com

5. Material Data

The canopies of our paragliders are made of Porcher Marine Skytex Ripstop Nylon material with an
E77 coating. A filament net is woven into this material which prevents ripping and increases the
tensile strength along the seams. The polyurethane coating makes the material water proof and UV­resistant. The material used for the lines is Edelrid HMA Aramid, these are made of a special Aramid
formula and have been tried by the DHV and ourselves in multiple snapping and load tests.

6. Technical Data

Size L M S
Scale factor % 103 100 93

Surface area flat m² 27,73 26,14 23,59
Wingspan flat m 12,93 12,55 11,92
Aspect ratio A/R 6,03 6,03 6,03
Weight kg 6,9 6,5 6,1
Number of cells No 57 57 57
T ake off weight min. Kg 90,0 75,0 60,0
T ake off weight max. Kg 115,0 100,0 85,0
Sink data min m/sec 1,0 1,0 1,0
V- T rimm Km/h 37 37 37
V-Max. Km/h >52 >52 >52
DHV Kat. 2-3 GH 2-3 GH -

7. How to check your paraglider

Every paraglider delivered is tested and measured by us. Nevertheless we advise you to check your
paraglider for the following criteria. You should also follow these instruction after a long intensive
flight or an accident on landing, eg: tree landing.

Check:
the seams where the lines attach, and the canopy for any damage.
that all the lines have been sewn correctly and are free of damage
that all the line locks have been screwed up properly and the plastic inlets are tight
that all ribs and V-attachments are free of rips

Every fault no matter how small must be checked and repaired by a professional. A damaged
paraglider is not air-worthy.

8. Steering/brake lines

The two steering/brake lines lead up to a line cascade which is fixed to the trailing edge. On the
risers the steering lines run through a pulley and are connected to a handle. These handles are fixed
to the risers with a push button when not in use. The length of the steering lines is set correctly at
the factory. They have to have at least 5cm of free play and must only be adjusted by a qualified
flying instructor or the dealer. The improper adjustment of the steering lines can cause severe

changes to inflight behaviour.

9. Inflight

The following pages are not intended to describe how to fly a paraglider. Rather we want to show
you the eXCalibur's specialities and give you important information regarding in-flight behaviour.

9.1 The Harness

The eXCalibur has been developed and authorised with the GH harness. Nearly all harnesses
recently produced are type GH harnesses. They differ from the GX harness due to their low
suspension and not very effective (if at all included) cross straps. Cross straps have not proven
themselves in combination with new paragliders. The last authorisation of a GX harness by the DHV
was in 1997. The use of a fixed cross fixture is inadmissible. The easiest way to check the harness is
via the DHV website. Here the GH or GX harness type is stated.

9.2.Take off preparation

Before every take off the paraglider must be checked visually for possible damage.
The easiest way to take off with the eXCalibur is to lay it out in an arc so all A-lines are under the
same tension. We generally advise using just the middle A-risers, but using all risers is not a
problem. In flat take off areas you may need to take two steps before the lines come under tension.
In other circumstances we advise tensioning the A-lines lightly. The most important issue whilst
launching the glider is not the force used, but applying a constant pull. The eXCalibur is very easy to
launch, but you may need to brake slightly in stronger wind conditions or steep take off areas to
prevent the wing over-flying.

9.3 Take off run

During take off the eXCalibur shows no peculiarities. When launching in stronger winds, you can
avoid a premature take off by moving under the paraglider whilst launching it. The best way to
train for taking off in strong wind conditions is by regular ground handling practice.

9.4 Level flight

With loose steering lines, depending on the wing loading, the eXCalibur reaches a flying speed of 35
to 40 km/h. In calm conditions the eXCalibur flies at minimum speed if the pull is approx. 45-50 cm.
In turbulent air we advise flying with the brakes pulled down 5 - 15 cm. The angle of attack is
higher and this makes the wing more stable.

All measurements are relative to the brake lines under no tension

4

gliders for real pilots

independence

www.independence-world.com