Flying the Hybrid Sport
Section 5
25
Launch
We recommend forward launching the
Hybrid Sport if there is little wind. Pull up the
wing with the lines stretched.
While the glider is rising, guide the A-risers
evenly upwards in an arc, without
shortening them. Avoid pulling hard on the
risers. The Hybrid Sport launches very
easily and is easy to control. It is important
that the canopy is arranged in a half-moon
shape, otherwise the wing will go into a
“horseshoe” (rosette).
For a forwards launch without using the A-
risers, we recommend using momentum to
launch the Hybrid Sport and/or to start
running with slack lines, in particular if the
trimmers are closed. It is important that your
hands follow the risers when launching, so
that the Hybrid Sport is not braked during
the ascent phase.
The Hybrid Sport is suitable for reverse-
launching from wind speeds of 4m/s. The
pilot turns around to face the mini wing with
the updraft coming from behind. Pulling on
the front lines makes the mini wing canopy
start to rise above the pilot, as in a forwards
launch. The pilot should turn around into the
direction of flight when the canopy reaches
its highest point, and can then begin to run
and take off.
This method of launch makes it easier
for the pilot to control the rising of the
canopy and to carry out fine-tuning, so
is therefore recommended in strong
winds.
Trimmer position on launch
In general, the Hybrid Sport should be
launched with trimmers closed.
The only situation in which it would be
sensible to open the trimmers by 3cm is if
the launch site is very flat and then abruptly
falls away (an extreme example would be a
cliff launch) so as to guard against the
canopy possibly “hanging” behind the pilot.
This can be particularly dangerous if the
launch site suddenly drops down. We
definitively advise against launching from
this type of area.
Launching with open trimmers also has the
following disadvantages:
•
More space needed for launch or
run-up
•
Increased risk of collapse
•
Worse glide ratio
•
More sink after become airborne or
dive
Launching with open trimmers is also
sensible with completely laminar strong
wind, as is found, e.g., on sand dunes in
coastal regions.
Launching on skis?
Launching on skis is possible and
reasonable primarily with high wing-loading
(from Level V) but it is associated with a
higher level of risk with the Hybrid Sport
because it has only 2 A-lines. The sharp
edges of the skis quickly damage the lines
and, if one were to be cut through, a large
part of the surface area would fall away.
You must therefore pay particular attention
on ski launches. Swing recommends using
the Spitfire speedrider for frequent
speedflying.
WARNING
The pilot must work actively to keep the
Hybrid Sport on the ground in higher
wind speeds (from approx. 4 m/s),
otherwise the glider may rise above the
pilot unintentionally.
