Aeros FOX-18 Application guide

1
HANG GLIDER
FOX-18
OWNER / SERVICE MANUAL
Manufactured by:
AEROS Ltd.
Post-Volynskaya St. 5
Kiev 03061
Ukraine
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web-site: http://www.aeros.com.ua
November 2022

2
AMENDMENTS
No. Section Pages Date of
correction Comments

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Table of Contents
1. Technical Information and Operating Limitations .......................................................................5
2. Fox-18 Reassembly after Shipping Procedure……………………………………. .......……………. 5
3. Fox-18 Breakdown for Shipping Procedure……… ............. ……………………….......………….. 6
4. Fox-18 Set-Up Procedure .......................................................................................…………. 7
5. Preflight Procedure……………………………………………………………………………………… 11
6. Laying the Glider Down Flat…………………………………………………………………………… 14
7. Launching and Flying the Fox-18 ............................................................................ …………... 14
8. Speed to Fly ..………………………………………………………………………………….. …………15
9. Aerotowing ..……………………………………………………………………………………. ………….15
10. Landing the Fox-18 ...............................................................................................………….. 15
11. Fox-18 Breakdown …………………………………………………………………..………………… 16
12. Glider Tuning ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 18
13. Removing the Sail from the Airframe and Re-installing……………………………………………….20
14. Fox-18 Breakdown for Shipping Procedure in a 2.4 Meters Short Package………………………..22
15. Fox-18 Reassembly after Shipping Procedure from a 2.4 Meters Short Package…………………26
16. Maintenance.………………………………………………………………………………………………28
17. Transportation and Storage……………………………………………………………………………….30
18. In Closing - A FewWords on Your Safety ................................................................ ………….31
Schemes

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Thank you for purchasing an Aeros hang glider.
Applying the knowledge gained through years of developing and production hang gliders of all classes we
have created a hang glider to heighten the enjoyment of flight for pilots of all levels: from intermediate to
top – the Fox-18.
The Fox-18 will give you the ability to experience handling, pitch stability and performance gathered in
this single surface hang glider.
Flight characteristics of Fox 18 will allow you to soar with minimum effort and maximum safety - whether
you are at fun dune flight or at challenging cross-country adventure.
Please read and be sure you thoroughly understand this manual before flying the Fox-18. Be sure you
are familiar with the glider and the contents of this manual before initial operation.
We encourage you to read this manual carefully for information on the proper use and maintenance of
your Aeros glider. If you have access to the Internet, please visit us regularly at http://www.aeros.com.ua
In case of any doubts or questions contact your local dealers or Aeros.
We wish you a safe and enjoyable flying career.
Aeros Ltd.
Definitions
Definitions used in this Manual such as WARNING, CAUTION and NOTE are employed in the following
context:
WARNING
OPERATING PROCEDURES, TECHNIQUES, ETC. WHICH IF NOT FOLLOWED CORRECTLY, MAY
RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
CAUTION
OPERATING PROCEDURES, TECHNIQUES, ETC. WHICH IF NOT STRICTLYOBSERVED, MAY
RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT OR ITS INSTALLED EQUIPMENT.
NOTE
Operating procedures, techniques, etc. which considered essential to highlight.

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1. TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND OPERATING LIMITATIONS
The Fox 18 has been designed primarily as a foot-launched soaring glider; it has also been successfully
tow launched, both by winch or by aerotow. If tow launching, the system must follow established
safety guidelines, for example limiting the towing force, maximum climb rate, or towing speed to
appropriate levels.
It is also possible to fly the Fox 18 under power (Mosquito, Doodle Bug or similar systems), although the
BHPA certification is only valid up to a payload of 130kg (All-Up-Weight not exceeding 160kgs). There
may be further limitations or licensing requirements for flying powered aircraft in your country of
operation.
The Fox 18 is not suitable for dual flight.
Flight operation of the Fox-18 should be limited to non-aerobatic maneuvers; those in which the pitch
angle will not exceed 30 degrees nose up or nose down from the horizon and the bank angle will not
exceed 60 degrees.
Fox
-
18
Sail area, sq.m. (sq.ft.)
17.9 (193
)
Wing span, m (ft.)
10 (32.8
)
Aspect ratio
5.
6
Nose angle
,
°
12
2
Weight (without bags), kg (lb)
27.7 (61
)
Number of sail battens
1
5
Breakdown length, m (ft)
5.
95/4.15
/2.2
(19.5/13.6/7.2)
Tested load, G
+6/
-
3
Wind speed max, m/sec (mph)
12 (27)
Min. airspeed, km/h (mph)
2
6
(
16
)
VNE, km/h (mph)
81 (50)
Min. clip
-
in weight, kg (lb)
80
(1
76
)
Max. clip
-
in weight, kg (lb)
1
30
(2
87
)
The stability, controllability, and structural strength of a properly maintained Fox-18 have been
determined to be adequate for safe operation when the glider is operated within the entire manufacturer
specified limitations.
No warranty of adequate stability, controllability, or structural strength is made or implied for operation
outside of these limitations.
WARNING
OPERATION OF THE GLIDER BY UNQUALIFIED PILOTS MAY BE DANGEROUS.
WARNING
NO ATTEMPT SHOULD EVER BE MADE TO DELIBERATELY SPIN THE GLIDER.
WARNING
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND USING FOX-18 FOR MOTORIZED AND AEROBATIC FLIGHTS.
WARNING
FLYING FOX-18 IN THE PRESENCE OF STRONG OR GUSTY WIND OR TURBULENCE MAY
RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE GLIDER, WHICH MAY LEAD TO INJURY AND DEATH.
Do not fly in such conditions unless you realize and wish to personally assume the associated risks.
WARNING
OPERATING THE FOX-18 OUTSIDE OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY RESULT IN INJURY AND
DEATH.

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2. FOX-18 REASSEMBLY AFTER SHIPPING PROCEDURE
2.1 With the glider in the bag (4 meters long) lay the glider on the ground.
2.2 Unzip the bag. Undo Velcro straps. Remove battens, the speed bar and the rear leading edge tubes #
3 from the bag.
2.3 Unfold the sail along the leading edge to its full length. Attach the rear leading edge tubes # 3 to the
front leading edge tubes # 2 according to the marking (L-left, R-right, marks must be on top).
Working on one wing at a time and working with the appropriate leading edge # 3, fold the outer sprog,
which is attached to the rear leading edge, towards the inboard end of the leading edge tube # 3. Slide
the inboard end of the leading edge tube # 3 into the sail.
Then slide the rear leading edge forward, allowing the sprog end to come outside the sail at the
corresponding hole, and slide the rear leading edge into the front leading edge.
Align the rear leading edge properly so that the sprog is on the inside of the leading edge, and slide the
rear leading edge forward, rotating as necessary, until the slot in the rear leading edge engages securely
into the clevis pin in the front leading edge. When the rear leading edge is fully engaged, you will not be
able to rotate it.
2.4 Tighten the sail along the leading edge by putting the sail mount webbing into the slot in the end cap
of the leading edge # 3.
Figure 1 Figure 2
NOTE
The sail mount screws on the front part of the leading edge tubes # 1 must be unscrewed, otherwise the
excess sail tension will not allow tightening the sail.
The sail mount screws have to be screwed back after you accomplish all steps in section “Fox-18 set-up
procedure” from item 4.1 through item 4.8.
2.5 Secure the sail mount webbing to the leading edge # 3 with the sail mount webbing Velcro (fig. 1).
NOTE
When spreading the wings with the sail mount screws been unscrewed check that the sail mount webbing
is in proper position in the slot of the end cap of the leading edge # 3.
2.6 Install the wing tip protection bags.
Put battens on top of the glider between Mylar pockets in the front part of the glider. Place Velcro ties
around the glider.
Put the speed bar between leading edges in the rear part of the glider. Put the glider bag back on and zip
it up (fig. 2).
3. FOX-18 BREAKDOWN FOR SHIPPING PROCEDURE
This process will basically be the reverse of reassembling after breakdown for shipping. Before beginning,
read through the section above on how to re-install the rear leading edges.

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3.1 Lay the glider on the ground or floor, unzip the bag and remove the Velcro ties. Remove the speed
bar and battens from the glider. Remove the protection wing tip bags.
3.2 Check to see that the leading edges are marked “Left” and “Right”. If they are not, mark them with an
indelible marker.
3.3 Unscrew the sail mount screws from the leading edges # 1.
3.4 Undo the sail mount webbing Velcro and remove the sail mount webbing from the leading edges end
caps. With the outboard sprog folded towards the nose pull the rear leading edge straight aft and slide it
carefully out of the sail. Tape or pad the edges of the front end of the leading edge tubes # 3, and the rear
of the leading edge tubes # 2 to prevent sail damage during transportation.
Figure 3
3.5 Carefully fold the rear of the sail against the
front, place Velcro ties around the glider and put
on the glider bag, turning the bag 180 deg (i.e.
matching the front part of the bag to the rear part
of the glider).
3.6 Zip up the glider bag zipper (fig. 3).
4. FOX-18 SET-UP PROCEDURE
4.1 Lay the glider on the ground, with the bag zipper up and at right angles to the wind.
4.2 Undo the zipper and take the speed bar out of the pack.
4.3 Lift and deploy the control frame legs.
Remove the quick pin from the corner bracket. Insert the corner bracket all the way into the speed bar,
positioning the speed bar so that the off-set of the speed bar is directed forward in the direction of flight
(fig. 4 and fig. 5). Install the quick pin (from front to rear), securing the bracket to the speed bar (fig. 5).
Figure 4 Figure 5
CAUTION
DO NOT FORCE THE FITTING INTO THE SPEEDBAR IF IT DOES NOT SLIDE IN FREELY AND
CHECK FOR DIRT OR DAMAGE TO THE FITTING OR THE INSIDE OF THE SPEEDBAR.

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4.4 Flip the glider upright on the control bar. Try to set the speed bar on level ground. Remove the glider
bag and all the Velcro sail ties. Take the batten bag with battens out of the pack. Do not remove the
leading edge tip protection bags at this time (fig. 6).
4.5 Attach the bottom front wires to the hook on the bottom nose plate (fig. 7).
Figure 6 Figure 7
Figure 8 Figure 9
4.6 By lifting up the nose batten, push the nose batten fully back into the sail so that the V-tip of the
batten rest on top of the keel tube (fig. 9).
4.7 Remove the kingpost protection bag (fig.6). Remove sweep wires hook protection bag and the keel
tube extension protection bag (fig. 10 and fig. 11).
Figure 10 Figure 11
4.8 Spread the wings all the way (fig. 12) and check all cables for any twisted thimbles or tangled cables.

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At the trailing edge on the top surface of the wing find the sweep (crossbar tensioning) wires pull handle
webbing. Pull the sweep wires handle rearwards along the keel tube, checking that the sweep wires are
not twisted. The king post will rise up when doing so. Attach the shackle of the sweep wires to the hook,
which is placed on the keel tube (fig. 13).
WARNING
IN-FLIGHT DISENGAGEMENT OF THIS ATTACHMENT WILL CAUSE A COMPLETE LOSS OF
STRUCTURAL SUPPORT OF THE WING AND A TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. NEVER ATTACH THE
PULL HANDLE WEBBING OF THE SHACKLE TO THE HOOK, EVEN TEMPORARILY!
Figure 12 Figure 13
Figure 14
When pulling the sweep wires handle make sure
the washout bridles are not twisted or tangled
around the bridle carabiner (fig. 14).
4.9 Remove the keel tube extension from the keel tube and support the glider under the keel tube with it
as shown on the figure 15. Remove the wingtip protection bags (fig. 16).
Figure 15 Figure 16
4.10 Remove battens from the batten bag and check each batten for symmetry against the corresponding

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batten from the other wing. Align the battens at the nose, and at about the 60% chord point. There should
not be any deviation of more than 3 mm (1/8’’) from one batten to the other along the full length of the
battens.
If you choose not to check your battens for symmetry before each flight, you should, at a minimum, check
them once a month.
Aeros convention is that red marked battens go in the left wing and green marked battens in the right.
Battens are numbered from the centre outwards, and the longest batten in a Fox-18 is designated as the
"No. 1" batten. Install all cambered battens in the sail.
CAUTION
INSERT BATTENS CAREFULLY, SO AS TO MINIMIZE STRESS AND WEAR ON THE SAIL.
Never insert or remove battens with heavy wind pressure on the top of the sail or in any condition which
causes the battens to slide with great resistance in the pockets.
Install the batten tips into the hem of the trailing edge. At each batten, make sure the opening in the
underside of the trailing edge hem is spread to accept the tab on the batten tip. Make sure the tab slides
fully into the hem.
To open or close the batten tip lever - press firmly on the undersurface of the tip lever to disengage or
engage it (fig. 17).
Figure 17 Figure 18
4.11 Tension the tip battens with the double tensioned rubber bands (fig. 18).
Figure 19 Figure 20
4.12 The next step is to install the outboard sprogs. To do so swing the sprog away from the leading edge
and push it towards the leading edge into the receptacle. Make sure the sprog sits all the way in the sprog
receptacle (fig. 19).
4.13 Install the keel tube extension back in the keel tube and lower the glider on the keel tube.
4.14 Having ensured that the keel batten is correctly positioned and resting with its nose on the keel tube,

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install the nose cone by first attaching it to the upper surface of the wing (fig. 20) and then by pulling the
lower edges of the nose cone backwards to the lower surface (fig. 21).
Figure 21
WARNING
DO NOT FLY WITHOUT THE NOSECONE!
For more information on Fox-18 set up procedure, see the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfJfo0Q4Fu4
5. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURE
Conduct a complete preflight inspection of the glider, checking all assemblies, which have not already
been checked. Every bolt, nut, pin, safety ring, and fastener of any kind should be checked during every
pre-flight. A full pre-flight inspection should precede every flight you make, not just the first flight of the
day.
Carefully check the entire length of the leading edge pocket to insure that the Mylar insert is lying flat in
the pocket. If any section of the Mylar is folded under, de-tension the crossbar, remove as many battens
as necessary and unfold the Mylar.
At the nose:
Check that the nose cone is properly fitted on, that the front wires are secured to the hook on the bottom
nose plate.
Along the left leading edge:
Open the crossbar junction access zipper and look inside, making sure that side wires are properly
secured, that the thimbles are not cocked on the tang (fig. 22). Check the split pin and the nut, which
secures the leading edge – crossbar junction (fig. 23). Check that the sail is not caught on the crossbar
end, or on any of the hardware.
Figure 22 Figure 23
Don’t forget to close the access zipper (fig. 24).
At the left wingtip: Check that the tip batten is properly secured with the double tensioned rubber band.

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Figure 24 Figure 25
Check that the sail mount strap is properly secured on the LE plastic cap (fig. 25).
Figure 26
Along the trailing edge, left wing:
Check that there are no tears in the sail material along the trailing edge.
Check that all battens are properly secured.
Check that the outboard sprog is properly secured in position supporting the last outboard cambered
batten.
Check that the washout bridles are properly engaged and secured with safety rings (fig. 26).
From the rear keel:
Check that the upper rear wire is secured to the shackle of the sweep wires, the shackle is splinted is
secured to the hook on the keel tube (fig. 27).
Figure 27 Figure 28
Check that the lower rear wires are properly secured to the keel tube, there are no kinks or twisted
thimbles. Check that the keel pocket webbing is secured to the keel tube (fig. 28).

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Check the kingpost top for proper attachment of the bridles and condition of the top rear wire, carabiner
and bridle wires.
Along the trailing edge, right wing: Same as for the left wing.
At the right tip: Same as for the left tip.
Along the right leading edge: Same as for the left leading edge.
Under the glider at the control bar: Sight down the downtubes, making sure that they are straight.
WARNING
DO NOT FLY WITH BENT DOWNTUBES!
Figure 29 Figure 30
Check the cables at the control bar corners, making sure there are no kinks or twisted thimbles. Check for
proper installation of quick pins and bolts with cap nuts at the control bar corners (fig. 29).
Check the main and backup hangloops, that they are properly installed in the proper position and that
they are in good condition.
Check that the kingpost is properly attached to the kingpost channel.
Check the nut of the kingpost channel, which secures the channel to the keel.
Check the main and the backup hang loops.
Check the control frame apex bracket hardware, including the clevis pin safeties, the control frame top
plug bolt and nut and the kingpost bracket bolt and nut.
Check the sweep wires for wear where they pass next to the kingpost channel (fig. 30).
Check the crossbar center plate’s assembly including the sweep wire/X-bar junction and the centre bolt
(fig. 31).
Visually inspect the crossbars by sighting along the length of the crossbars looking for any evidence of
damage. Make sure the push pins are fully engaged (fig. 32).
Figure 31 Figure 32

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6. LAYING THE GLIDER DOWN FLAT
Once you have the glider set up, it can be laid down flat on the ground.
6.1 Remove the nose cone from the nose.
6.2 Release the bottom front wires from the nose hook.
6.3 Lay the glider down with its nose into the wind.
Reverse the procedure to set the glider upright again.
7. LAUNCHING AND FLYING THE FOX-18
WARNING
BEFORE LAUNCHING, HOOK IN TO THE GLIDER AND DO A CAREFUL HANG CHECK.
We recommend that you hang as close to the speed bar as possible - this will give you lighter control
pressures and better control in both roll and pitch.
7.1 If the wind is more than 25 km/h (15 mph) or gusty you should have an assistant on your nose wires on
launch, and, if necessary, an assistant on one or both side wires. Make sure all signals are clearly
understood. Do a hang check immediately prior to launch. The angle at which you hold the glider should
depend on the wind speed and slope of the terrain at launch; you want to achieve a slight positive angle
of attack at the start of your run.
7.2 Run aggressively on launch and ease the bar out for lift off.
7.3 The flying characteristics of the Fox-18 are typical of a low performance flex wing. Make your first
flights from a familiar site in mellow conditions to give you time to become accustomed to the glider.
7.4 Do not take off if the sail is wet, especially if the leading edge is covered with raindrops, as the stall
speed will increase significantly.
WARNING
ALWAYS FLY WITH A DRY SAIL!
7.5 For the same reason take special care to avoid ice-covering of the glider, particularly the leading edge
in wintertime.
8. SPEED TO FLY
The range of trim speed for the Fox-18 is 30 - 32 km/h (19-20 mph). The speed bar position in front of the
pilots face corresponds to this range.
The range of stall speed for the Fox-18 is 25 - 26 km/h (16-17 mph). The glider is stable at the beginning
of stall. While pushing out the speed bar, the bar pressure is progressively increase.
The Fox-18 speeds up to 75 km/h (47 mph), being essentially roll neutral, with no tendency to yaw. The
bar pressure progressively increase.
9. AEROTOWING
WARNING
GET APPROPRIATE TRAINING FOR AEROTOWING!
WARNING
MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE HARNESS ROPES ARE HIDDEN INSIDE THE HARNESS AND WILL
NOT GET TANGLED ON THE CART DURING TAKEOFF.
If possible, it is best to adjust the keel cradle on the cart to re-set the glider to the proper angle of attack.
For Fox-18 the best angle of the keel tube in relation to horizon is approx. 20 deg. If it is not possible to

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re-adjust the cart, recognize the launch will be more demanding, and more dangerous, as the glider will
have an increased tendency to leave the cart at a lower speed, where lateral control is reduced, and the
tendency to come off the cart with one wing low is increased. To some degree, this can be compensated
for by pulling forward through the control bar to position the speed bar below your shoulders, and holding
tight to the hold down rope. This will cause the glider to raise the keel as it begins to develop enough lift to
lift out of the cart. At that point, and not before that point, you can release the rope and ease your weight
aft to fly the glider off of the cart. Be prepared to pull in once clear of the cart if necessary so as not to
climb more quickly than the tug. Note that the bar pressure of the Fox-18 will be relatively high during the
aerotowing.
Once clear of the cart and in the position behind the tug, use firm lateral movements of short duration for
roll and directional control in order to stay in the position behind the tug. Do not move to one side of the
bar and wait for the glider to respond - this will lead to over control and being out of position, and may
lead to roll / yaw oscillations. It is better to "bump" the glider firmly in the direction of the desired
correction and then return to center. If you need more correction, bump again. In pitch, stay on top of the
situation and be as aggressive as necessary to keep the tug on the horizon.
10. LANDING THE FOX-18
Under ideal conditions, landing approaches are best done so as to include a long straight final into the
wind at a speed above best L/D speed. In a very limited field, or a field which slopes slightly downhill,
when landing in light wind, you may need to make your final approach at a slower speed, perhaps as slow
as minimum sink, in order to be able to land within the field.
In winds of less than 5 km/h (3 mph), if the landing area slopes downhill at more than 10:1, you should
seriously consider landing downwind and uphill, or crosswind, across the slope. Landing attempts, which
require slow speed approaches, maneuvering around obstacles or into a restricted area, or downwind or
crosswind landings are not recommended for pilots below an advanced skill level.
Some pilots have had difficulty with roll / yaw oscillations on final. The best way to avoid this is to fly your
entire approach at a constant airspeed, and to control your touchdown point by making adjustments to the
shape of your pattern. You should choose your approach speed based on the amount of wind and
turbulence present - in stronger wind and more turbulent air fly faster. In any case try to fly a constant
airspeed throughout the approach.
Once established on a straight final approach, with wings level and flying directly into the wind, you
should fly the glider down to where the speed bar is about 1-1.5m (3-4 ft) off the ground. At this altitude,
let the control bar out just enough to “round out” so that your descent is arrested and your flight path
parallels the ground. The remainder of your approach will consist of bleeding off excess speed while
paralleling the ground and keeping the wings level and the nose pointed in your direction of flight until it is
time to “flare” for landing.
Prior to the landing flare your body position should be generally upright, but slightly inclined forward, with
your head and shoulders forward of your hips and your legs and feet trailing slightly behind. Many pilots
make the mistake of trying to get too upright at this stage of the landing, which actually reduces your flare
authority and makes it harder to land on your feet. Your hands should be at shoulder width and shoulder
height on the uprights.
You should be relaxed, with a light grip on the bar, and your weight should be fully supported in your
harness and not at all by your arms. If your harness does not allow you to hang in the proper semi-upright
landing position “hands off,” without supporting your weight on the control bar, you will have a lot more
difficulty making good landings.
11. FOX-18 BREAKDOWN
Careful attention to the recommended rigging and de-rigging sequences will protect the glider from the
risk of unnecessary damage.
The de-rigging procedure is a direct reversal of the rigging procedure. Before you start to breakdown
your glider please reread the section 4. FOX-18 SET-UP PROCEDURE thoroughly and make sure it is
clearly understood.
11.1 Remove the nosecone. Remove any instruments.

16
11.2 Remove the keel tube extension from the keel tube and support the glider under the keel tube with it.
Figure 33
11.3 Pull out the outboard sprogs, swing them
towards the leading edge and fix with Velcro (fig.
33).
11.4 Remove all top surface battens including the tip battens, except for the battens # 1.
11.5 Install the wingtip protection bags.
11.6 Install the keel tube extension back in the keel tube and lower the glider on the keel tube with the
wingtip protection bags on.
Figure 34
11.7 Unhook the shackle and de-tension the
crossbar sweep wires. Let the wings fold in slightly.
The kingpost will automatically go down (fig. 34).
11.8 Install the protective pad on the top of the keel
tube above the control frame apex and fix the flaps
of the protective pad around uprights (fig. 35).
11.9 Detach the bottom front wires at the nose plate.
Figure 35 Figure 36
11.10 Fold the wings all the way towards the keel pulling the sail over the top of the leading edges. At
each wingtip, remove the tip cover bag. Install the protective pads on the keel tube over the rear wires
junction (fig. 36) and on the rear end of the keel tube (fig. 37). Install the protective bag on the top of the
kingpost (fig. 38).

17
Figure 37 Figure 38
11.11 Lift the nose batten string up, then pull it sideways and down, so that the nose batten tip lowered
from the top of the keel tube (fig. 39).
11.12 Pull the sail out away from the keel until it is even on top and bottom. Roll the sail gently and
carefully, parallel to the trailing edge of the front and then outboard portion of the sail (fig. 40).
Figure 39 Figure 40
NOTE:
Try to roll the sail in such a way that the leading edge portion remains as smooth as possible. Do not
attempt to stuff the sail between the Mylar pocket and the leading edge tube at any point where you feel
resistance, and do not attach the Velcro ties so tight so as to induce creases in the Mylar or leading edge
sail material.
11.13 Install the wing tip cover bags.
11.14 Put all battens in the batten bag and stow them in the front part of the glider, next to the kingpost
(fig. 41)
Figure 41 Figure 42

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11.15 Install the sail Velcro ties around the glider and stow the nosecone under the most forward Velcro
(fig. 42). The first Velcro tie is installed by passing it over the top of the keel tube just near the crossbar-LE tube
junctions, and then installing it around the glider’s leading edges.
11.16 Install the glider bag. Flip the glider over onto the ground. Detach the speed bar. Fit the speed bar
in the protection bag and stow it between the leading edges in the aft part of the glider.
11.17 Fold up the control frame and install the control frame protection bag (fig. 43). Lay the control frame
down against the keel. Lay the cables carefully without kinks between downtubes.
Figure 43 Figure 44
11.18 Zip up the glider bag (fig. 44).
12. GLIDER TUNING
Properly tuned, the glider is safe, comfortable and fun to fly. The glider has been tested and tuned by the
manufacture or your dealer. However, in case you have enough experience, you may tune the glider by
yourself, as written below, if necessary. There are a number of adjustments that affect the flight
characteristics.
WARNING
DO NOT PERFORM MORE THAN ONE ADJUSTMENT AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH
EXPERIENCE TO TEST FLY THE GLIDER, ASK MORE EXPERIENCED PILOT TO DO IT FOR YOU. IT
SHOULD BE PERFORMED IN SMOOTN AIR ANDWITH CAUTION.
BATTENS
The battens will need to be trued to the template time after time. Small variations in batten camber (± 10
mm at trailing edge) will not have significant effect on flight characteristics.
BATTEN TENSION
With some airtime on the glider the batten tension may get too loose, this may cause the trailing edge to
flutter. If the battens tensioned too much, the handling will become harder. Make sure the batten
tension on both wings is identical.
All battens on the Fox-18 (except for the tip battens) are tensioned by lever batten tips. The desired
batten tension can be easily
adjusted by the threaded batten tip adjuster.
To increase batten tension rotate the threaded lever batten tip adjuster counter clockwise. To decrease
batten tension rotate the threaded lever batten tip adjuster clockwise.

19
Figure 45
The correct batten tension is checked as described
bellow:
Install the folding clip in the hem at the trailing edge
of sail and start to clip the batten, the folding clip
should be at approximately 30 degrees to the
batten shaft as tension starts to come on the clip
(fig. 45).
As the folding clip is closed, the sail should become
tight without obvious wrinkles. The clip should not
be difficult to close.
SAIL MOUNT CAP ADJUSTMENT
Figure 46
The turn of the glider can be corrected by rotating
one of the sail mount plastic caps. The left turn is
corrected by twisting the right sail cap clockwise
(twisting the sail up at the trailing edge). The right
turn is corrected by twisting the left sail mount cap
counter clockwise (twisting the sail up at the trailing
edge). If rotation of the plastic cap on one side is
not enough to compensate turn, you can at the
same time rotate the plastic cap on another wing in
opposite direction (fig. 46).
CG ADJUSTMENT
CG adjustment is done by changing the location of your hang point along the keel. The farther forward
hang point is, the faster the glider will trim, the less effort will be required to fly fast, and the more
effort will be required to fly slow.
On Fox-18, the hang loop fore and aft position is adjusted by repositioning the hang loops on the keel.
Hang loop fore and aft position is adjusted by moving the holding belt with the Velcro (and with the hang
loops inside) along the keel tube upper surface at the desired position.
13. REMOVING THE SAIL FROM THE AIRFRAME AND RE-INSTALLING
Many maintenance and repair procedures will require the removal of the sail from the frame. Please
follow these instructions when removing and reinstalling the sail. Please read all the instructions for each
operation before beginning.
13.1 SAIL REMOVAL
You will need an unobstructed area 2.4 m by 9 m (8x30 ft). Make sure the surface is clean. If it is
abrasive, you should either put down a protective tarp or be extremely careful not to scrape your sail.
13.1.1 Unzip and remove the glider bag and put battens and the speed bar aside.

20
13.1.2 Spread the wings slightly. Remove all battens from the sail including the keel batten. Remove the
screws that tether the nose part of the sail at the leading edge tubes (fig. 47). Undo the sail mount
webbing Velcro and remove the sail mount webbing from the plastic end at the rear leading edge (fig. 48).
Figure 47 Figure 48
Note: Reassemble the hardware removed in its place in original order so that it doesn’t get lost. All
disassembled assemblies on the glider must be reassembled in the proper order and orientation.
13.1.3 Unbolt bottom and upper side wires from the crossbar and feed the upper side wire through the
hole and out of the sail (fig. 49).
Figure 49 Figure 50
13.1.4 Unbolt the upper front wire from the nose plate and feed it through the hole and out of the sail (fig.
50).
13.1.5 Remove the keel pocket mounting screw from the keel pocket webbing at the rear part of the keel
tube. Detach the rear bottom cables from the keel tube.
13.1.6 Unbolt the crossbar from the leading edge tube. Remove the crossbar ends from the sail.
13.1.7 Remove the clevis pin from the top of the kingpost and detach the top rear wire from the kingpost.
Install the clevis pin back on the kingpost.
13.1.8 Unscrew the carabiner and detach the shackle of the sweep wires from the rubber cord.
13.1.9 Feed the webbing handle with the top rear wire out of the sail opening. Slide the crossbar central
joint along the keel tube towards the nose plate.
13.1.10 Detach washout bridles from the sail.
13.1.11 Slide the frame forward and out of the sail through the nose hole of the sail. If you encounter
resistance, stop and find out what is hanging up.