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AFS - A
utomatic fl ight stabilization
To fl y safely means to fl y actively
- the system employed on the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 allows this to happen automatically to a certain
level. The secret of the AFS-system is based on a pre-tensioning principle. In the area of the brake at-
tachment points the undersurface is pre-tensioned. Whilst the sail is gliding through smooth air, there
is enough pressure inside and the pre-tensioning is neutralized: The e! ect of internal pressure is more
powerful than the pre-tensioning and the trailing edge stays aerodynamically perfect in the air like a
conventional glider. When entering turbulent air with the FREE FORCE 3 the system adjusts immedi-
ately, even the slightest drop of internal pressure allows the system to react. The pre-tensioning at the
trailing edge is eff ectively like pulling the brakes.
Ernst Strobl recalls the fi ne-tuning: “Our computer-based calcualtions were impressivel confi rmed dur-
ing our tests”. The system is extremely responsive so that a top-quality manufacturing is key. U-Turn Co-
founder Thomas Vosseler adds: “We guarantee a strongly supervised manufacturing process”. The AFS
works like the Electronic Stability Programs known in the automotive industry, you could call it an “ESP
for the air”. It intervenes for the benefi t of safety when an inexperienced pilot, or a pilot in trouble, enters
turbulence and is unable to fl y actively. Experienced fl ight-instructors confi rm: “This is a major step as far
as safety is concerned. The main reason for accidents, the full collapse of the canopy, is minimized dram-
actically”. Even without AFS the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 would be a very safe glider says Strobl. Due to the
extremely pulled down wingtips and the resulting spread of the wingloading the UTurn FREE FORCE 3
has far more than average resistance to collapses. The FREE FORCE 3 gliders stably ahead even after an
accelerated asymmetric collapse, a situtation that may happen after leaving a thermal, even with 50% of
the wing area collapsed. This is unprecedented. The computer optimised wing layout leads to very good
thermal lift and maximizes the stall characteristics, both improving safety.
Содержание FREE FORCE 3
Страница 3: ...Business Replay Card ...
Страница 5: ...Contents Page 26 Page 27 Instruction leaflet for repairs and 2 annual Check Line Order Sheet ...
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