5
surprising; the pilot can feel the glider, through the accelerator pulley,
and can anticipate its movements. Even at high speed the wing is stable
due to the RAM air intake. The accelerator pulley of ICEPEAK 6 works
gradually and lets you enjoy real acceleration without losing L/D in the
first part of the accelerator. The wing is homogeneous, fast and capable
to fly as far as you dreamed possible. The second part of the accelerator
is very accessible and pleasure to use. The glider keeps its excellent
glide angle throughout a full days flying in all conditions.
If you already are a Niviuk pilot the improvements of this glider will
surprise you. If this is the first time you pilot one of our gliders, just enjoy
it!
1.4 ASSEMBLY, MATERIALS
The ICEPEAK 6has all the technological innovations as used on other
Niviuk gliders.Furthermore it is full of small details destined to enhance
the pilots’ comfort and to improve the performance of the SLE, STE and
RAM AIR INTAKE systems.
The use of the SLE (Structured Leading Edge) allows reinforcement of the
leading edge preventing any deformation during turbulence. The airflow
is also vastly improved over the entire front span of the glider.
(See
http://niviuk.com/technology.asp?id=JNKPKPN4
)
The STE (structured Trailing edge) optimizes the profile without any
distortion, resulting in less resistance and improved performance.
(See
http://www.niviuk.com/technology.asp?id=JNKPNQL0
)
The RAM AIR INTAKE technology presents and internal situation for the
air entrance to allows an optimal maintenance of the internal pressure as
well as an improving of the laminar flow on intrados. What’s the result?
Gaining turbulent air absorption in the leading edge, more consistent at
every speed and a better performance while assuring maximum security.
(See
http://www.niviuk.com/technology.asp?id=JNKQKNP4
)
The new generation profile of the ICEPEAK 6 has been conceived to
efficiently distribute the total load across the two rows of lines. The
chosen materials and line dimensions have minimum air resistance while
respecting the security and maximum load efficiency.
The line plan on the ICEPEAK 6 has a total of 196 unsheathed lines,
which are slightly more exposed to the normal rigours and wear of our
sport. It is strongly recommended that all lines are thoroughly checked by
the pilot prior to every flight and ultimately checked by a service centre
or Niviuk dealer after the first 30 hours of flight. We should not forget
that we are using materials with great performance but that they need a
rigorous check before every flight.
The fabrics used in the construction of the ICEPEAK 6 have been
carefully selected for their lightweight, UV standards and resilient
properties when used during normal conditions.
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 minimize the
processes while making the quality control more efficient. All the different
parts of the canopy are cut and assembled under the strict conditions
induced by the automation of the whole process.
All NIVIUK gliders go through an extremely thorough and efficient final
