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TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Construction of the canopy:
The canopy of the Elan Light consists of 63 cells over the wingspan. The wingtips are
slightly pulled down and this produces a kind of stabilizer. The Elan Light is
combination three and four rib diagonal-construction paraglider. Every main rib is
attached to the 3 or 4 suspension lines. Between these main suspension ribs,
intermediate ribs are suspended by “bridge” diagonal ribs system. These diagonal ribs
lead to 80% of height of ribs. This construction ensures a smooth top surface and
precise airfoil reproduction. The internal reinforcements maintain the precise form of the
canopy and provide stability. The cell openings on the under-surface of the profile’s
nose provide airflow into the glider. Stretch resistant flares, integrated with diagonal ribs
at the suspension points, ensure an even distribution of load throughout the canopy. A
stretch resistant Mylar-reinforcements combined with plastic rods on the leading edge
help to keep airfoils in right shape and this guarantees a high level of stability. Large
cross spots allow effective airflow inside the canopy, providing good re-inflation without
reducing the profile accuracy. The Elan Light is made of the proven Nylon fabrics
Porcher Sport Rip-stop Skytex 38, Skytex 27 and main ribs of Skytex 32 Hard. Like any
synthetic material, this can deteriorate through excessive exposure to UV.
Rigging system:
The lines of the Elan Light are made of proven strong and stretch resistant covered
Dynema lines and non covered Vectran lines. The entire rigging system comprises
individual suspension lines looped and stitched at each end. The sheathed Dynema
main lines and cascade unsheated Vectran lines have strengths from 53,5 kg up to 200
kg.
The suspension lines are comprised of “cascaded top lines” (attached to the under-
surface),”cascaded middle lines” (cascade 2 to 2 top lines together on middle main
lines), and “main lines”. Main lines lead to the “quick link” (a Maillon which connects
lines and risers). The “stabilizer lines” connect the upper stabilizer lines on the outer
suspension points with the quick link. The”brake lines” are not load carrying suspension
lines. They lead from the trailing edge of the canopy to the main brake lines and run
through the pulleys on the C-risers to the brake handles.
