Niviuk HOOK 3, User Manual

Page: 4 / 24

4
1. CHARACTERISTICS
1.1 WHO IS IT DESIGNED FOR?
The HOOK 3 has been clearly designed for pilots that aim for the best:
independence, freedom and adventure.
At Niviuk we have very clear that the most important element of the
glider is the pilot. That’s why our new HOOK 3 has a single objective:
the personal growth of the pilot. Its high performance and high level
of comfort in flight will let you choose between a flight with a sporty
character or an astonishing serene flight. You are in charge of setting the
pace. Let your emotions soar with the Hook 3.
1.2 CERTIFICATION
The HOOK 3 has successfully achieved the European EN B and the LTF
1-2 certifications.
Description of flight characteristics on B class:
Paraglider with good passive safety and forgiving characteristics. High
resistance to departures from normal flight.
Description on pilots skills required on B class:
Designed for all pilots including pilots under all levels of training.
The HOOK 3 passed the essential load test of 8G without experiencing
any problems.
On the flight test all the five sizes of the HOOK 3 received the best
certification EN B.
This test was carried out in the Swiss Air-Turquoise laboratories.
Check the certification results and figures on the last pages of this manual
or at www.niviuk.com
1.3 IN-FLIGHT BEHAVIOUR
In order to bring you the best glider in this class the NIVIUK Team have
carried out extensive and meticulous design work. As a consequence of
several prototypes and many hours of test flights numerous adjustments
were made. These prototypes were then tested in all types of flight
conditions.
HOOK 3 is the result. Hook 3 is technology privileged compared to
its predecessors, the wing features a new profile with performance
and technologies transmitted down from the competition wings.
Improvements and innovations that Olivier and our R&D team manage to
move from competitions all around the world to the new HOOK 3, for you
to enjoy it. In spite of evolution, the HOOK 3 is a (safe/ EN B ) glider and it
will provide you what is expected of it. Hook 3 is a glider for all pilots who
wish to be equipped with latest performance and technology; it is capable
to offer the same usual safety, the same feeling with closed eyes and the
same coherence with the original NIVIUK ideas.
1.4 ASSEMBLY, MATERIALS
The HOOK 3 does not only introduce new design methods but also new
manufacture technologies. Not a single millimetre of error is possible in
the manufacturing process from Olivier’s computer to the cutting of the
fabric. An automatic process controlled by a laser-cutting program cuts
each of the sections that compose the different parts of the wing. This
program not only cuts the pieces of fabric but it also paints the guideline
marks that will aid the assembly; it also numbers the separate pieces
of material. All this is carried out before human handling of the pieces
begins. So we eliminate possible and understandable errors that may
occur during this delicate procedure.
The lines are semi-automatically manufactured and all the sewing is
finished under the supervision of our specialists. The jigsaw puzzle of the
assembly process is made easier using this method. We minimise the