Dudek Nucleon WRC cabrio User manual

user manual

NOTE!
Please read this manual carefully before your first flight
Very important!
Before use it is vital to check in which configuration the steering lines and pulleys
are currently set (lower or upper hangpoints) and adjust them to your preferences if
necessary.
The risers have two points to fix the pulleys on – lower and upper one (see risers
on page 34). On each main steering line there are three points marked, to fix the
steering handle according to position of the pulley.
Steering lines must not not push down the trailing edge when not operated – this
must be observed in all possible configurations of trimmers and speed-system.
Steering lines must have a couple of centimeters play before they engage affect
the canopy (see section 3.1 on the proper adjustment). For sake of safety it is
always recommended to set the brakes rather too loose than too tight. Make sure
they are set symmetrically, too.
Ill-adjusted steering lines may cause you to misinterpret the canopy’s
behaviour in flight, and in case of encountering turbulence in accelerated
flight dangerous collapses may occur.
When flying at full speed (trimmers opened / trimmers opened and speedbar
pushed), especially in uneasy air, it is highly recommended to steer the paraglider
using alternative steering methods like TEA or ALC+ (TST) only.
With increasing speed an effect of „inverting” the profile when trailing edge is being
pulled down emerges (pulling the brakes, see page 20). That effect can cause
dynamic collapses, especially at full speed.
The safest way to change your course at high speeds is to use (in the order of
safety) the TEA lines, or TST handles connected to the ALC+ lines. Any steering
inputs should be smooth and easy, without sharp and/or deep movements. Such
actions can dynamically change pressure distribution over the airfoil, leading to
collapses.
These warnings affect every paraglider and Nucleon WRC CABRIO is no
exception!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction......................................................................................3
2. The wing..............................................................................................4
2.1 Design
2.2 Construction
3. Flight operation............................................................................9
3.1 Steering lines and launch assist adjustment
3.2 Free flying
3.2.1 Take-offt
3.2.2 Flight
3.2.3 Landing
3.2.4 Winching
3.3 Powered flight
3.3.1 Take-off
3.3.2 Level flight
3.3.3 Landing
3.3.4 Golden rules
3.4 Quick descent methods
3.4.1 Big ears
3.4.2 Spiral dive
3.4.3 B-stall
3.5 Acro Flying
3.5.1 Wing over
3.6 Extreme manoeuvrese
3.6.1 One sided collapse
3.6.2 Frontal collapse
3.6.3 Parachutal stall
3.6.4 Line over and cravatte
3.6.5 Emergency steering
4. Canopy care........................................................................................26
4.1 Folding and Storage
4.2 Cleaning
4.3 Repair
4.4 Deterioration - a few tips
5. Technical data.................................................................................28
6. Warranty, AeroCasco..............................................................29
7. What have you bought......................................................................31
8. Rigging tables.....................................................................32
9. Risers........................................................................................34
Page

1. INTRODUCTION
CONGRATULATIONS!
We are pleased to welcome you among the growing number of Dudek Paragliders
pilots. You’ve become a proud owner of state-of-the-art Nucleon WRC Cabrio
Paraglider, yet another trend-setter in powered paragliding world.
Extensive development, application of the most modern methods and thorough
testing make the Nucleon WRC Cabrio a user-friendly paraglider, offering the pilot
a lot of fun combined with great performance.
We wish you many enjoyable and safe flying hours.
DISCLAIMER
Please read this Manual carefully and note following details:
$The purpose of this Manual is to offer guidelines to the pilot using the
Dudek Nucleon WRC Cabrio wing and it is by no means intended to be
used as a training manual for this or any other paraglider.
$You may only fly a paraglider when qualified to do so or when
undergoing training at an accredited School under instructor’s
supervision.
$Pilots are personally responsible for their own safety and their
paraglider's airworthiness.
$The use of this paraglider is solely at the user's own risk! The
manufacturer and distributor do not accept any liability connected with
this activity.
$This paraglider on delivery meets all the requirements of the EN 926-1
and 926-2 regulations. Any alterations to the paraglider will render its
certification invalid.
Notice
Dudek Paragliders warns that due to the constant process of development
the actual paraglider may differ slightly from the one described in the
manual.
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USER MANUAL

2. THE WING
Who should fly Nucleon WRC Cabrio?
Nucleon WRC Cabrio is a top drawer, modern PPGG canopy. It is very easy to
launch, fast to fly, effective to steer and has wide speed range on trimmers. It will
satisfy both pleasure pilots, seeking safe and comfortable sightseeing, and
ambitious competitors or record hunters.
Nucleon WRC Cabrio is designed for both trike and tandem flying, albeit with
different weight ranges:
$trikes can be flown in entire weight range,
$tandem flying (foot launch) should be done in lower half of the weight
range only.
Such limitation is caused by relatively high take-off speed under heavy load,
making launch in no wind a hard task. A trike will take-off all right at max load, yet
two heavy persons will probably fail. Of course there should be no problem with
foot launch when some wind is blowing.
2.1 DESIGN
Slight changes in design as compared to traditional, non-stiffened Cabrio
brought to the paralider increased agility. Smart connections between mylar
reinforcements and synthetic rods (like in e.g. Hadron) result in easy inflation
and stiffer leading edge.
The paraglider launches easily and smoothly rises over your head. With
good trimmers configuration and sufficient engine power lifting the A risers
may be not necessary (canopy rises by itself) - a very important feature for
trike pilots.
Speed ranges of the trimmers have been slightly widened. It is of special
importance for tandem and trike pilots, as they have no way to employ
standard speed system. In fact, everybody should be delighted with
maximum speed, offering joy when overtaking others and broadening your
operational envelope.
Another news is the ALC+ (improved ALC steering system) - it is more
effective and balanced, so that steering appears to be smoother. Steering
elements are TST handles - well known from our previous paragliders.
Incorporation of our own Dudek Reflex Airfoil and corresponding rigging
result in comfortable flight even in rough conditions, due to great margin of
passive safety.
We are positively sure that the Nucleon Cabrio is the best paraglider
available in its class.
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The fundamental feature a good PPG and PPGG wing should possess is its
great stability and tuck-resistance. When this is achieved, the user does not
have to concentrate all the time on steering, thus saving energy for other
purposes like navigation, taking pictures or simply enjoying the flight.
Moreover, the faster and safer your paraglider is, the more often you can fly.
While the Nucleon WRC Cabrio was designed to retain all the features of a
conventional paraglider, application of a reflex aerofoil section added several
new qualities.
First of all, using that profile means that the wing stability does not depend
exclusively on the pilot’s actions anymore. It maintains its own pitch attitude,
rising and sinking through thermals while remaining stable above your head,
without need for so much pilot input.
Generally speaking the reflex profile is a special kind of aerofoil section.
Specific static pressure distribution creates a situation where at low attack
angles, only the wing fore part (some 60% of the chord) is producing lift,
while the rear 40% of the chord acts as a stabiliser against excessive
decrease of the attack angle.
With trimmer system you can considerably raise the rear part of the airfoil,
thus effectively reducing projected chord and surface area by some 30%,
giving the paraglider a higher wing loading and increasing speed without
change in the angle of attack. The centre of pressure also moves forward,
adding enhanced pitch stability. Such a shift of loading gives the wing
exceptional tuck-resistance and increases projected aspect ratio, resulting in
much better performance especially at full speed.
Should you require more lift at lower speeds, the rear section can be pulled
down to restore a full airfoil, effective along the whole chord.
Piloting the Nucleon WRC Cabrio actually reminds flying a conventional
powered aircraft more than a paraglider.
Below we will try to give you a closer look at some of its remarkable
features.
2.2 STRUCTURE
The Nucleon WRC Cabrio 3D body was designed in our CSG (Canopy
Shape Guard) system, comprising many elements resulting in exceptional
coherence and stability of the shape. Below you will find a short description
of CSG subsystems.
Nucleon has an elliptical planform with slightly rearward swept tips. The cells
are divided with ribs additionally supported by diagonal VSS (V-shaped
supports) system. Such arrangement ensures a smooth top surface, exact
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USER MANUAL

aerofoil reproduction across the entire wingspan and yet more importantly,
minimal number of suspension points.
The lower surface has a RSS (Reinforcing Strap System)
applied in the wing’s interior. RSS is an ballooning-
independent reinforcements system, made entirely of
paragliding fabric, stiffening and stabilizing entire canopy
structure.
Nucleon’ aerofoil is another product of our DRA (Dudek
Reflex Airfoil) technology. It was calculated with our
previous experiences in mind and thoroughly tested with
numerical methods.
Properties of a reflex airfoil were described above. The
suspension points areas are additionally reinforced with laminated fabric so
that loads are equally distributed on three planes: vertically (through the
ribs), diagonally through VSS system and level through the RSS.
All crossports have been prepared using OCD (Optimised Crossports
Design) technology. Carefully designed shapes of the openings and their
optimal placement between stress lines guarantee very efficient pressure
distribution in the canopy and its quick inflation. These openings are scaled
together with the ribs, so that their replicability is flawless and they do not
disturb the aerofoil in any way.
Another feature of the Nucleon WRC Cabrio is the Flexi-Egde technology.
The leading edge is closed to the airflow, and its precise shape is kept with
laminated cloth reinforcements, incorporating synthetic rods. The rods make
the leading edge stiffer and smoother, bringing improvements in many areas
- from easier inflation, through stiffening the canopy in flight to improved
general airflow.
Cell openings are positioned on the undersurface in the vicinity of the
leading edge. Their exact placement was very carefully selected, so that
they got maximum ram effect in as many flight situations as possible.
On the wingtips we placed the ACS (Auto Cleaning Slots) - dedicated slots
automatically removing dirt from inside the wing.
Careful selection of modern fabrics and design solutions brings about great
strength and durability of the Nucleon. All materials used come from marked
production batches, and each production step can be verified down to
identification of specific worker and controller.
Nucleon Cabrio WRC is manufactured under new technology, utilizing
precision of the laser cutter. All stages of production process take place in
Poland under strict supervision of the designer himself, thus ensuring
highest European quality.
6

Fabric
The upper surface is made of 38 and 41-gram Dominico Tex cloth. Lower
surface is made of 34-gram Dominico Tex cloth, contributing to low weight of
the canopy.
The ribs must be as rigid and stretch-resistant as possible. We found these
qualities in Porcher Skytex Hard cloth with E29A impregnate (40 g/m2). All
suspension points and leading edge reinforcements are made of SR-Scrim
fabric.
Rigging system
All of the Nucleon WRC Cabrio suspension lines are sheathed by a coloured
polyester layer which is covering a brownish Technora core. Low number of
lines required such composition, featuring high strength and stretch-
resistance of the lines.
The rigging system consists of individual lines looped and stitched at each
end. The upper level lines start at the attachment points. Cascade-wise they
are joined by twos or threes to middle layer lines. These in turn connect by
twos or threes to main suspension lines, which are attached to the risers
with triangular quick links (maillons). To prevent their slipping off, the lines
are kept together with a rubber 'O ring'.
All the maillons are made of corrosion resistant, polished stainless steel,
ensuring excellent strength and durability. We use only the best quality,
certified maillons by Peguet.
Stabilo lines run from the outer suspension points to the maillons through
consecutive cascades as well. The same story goes for the steering lines.
They run from the trailing edge through several layers to the main steering
lines, which are lead through the pulleys connected to the rear risers and
then fixed to the brake handles. Steering lines do not carry any load.
Some of the steering lines of the upper level are additionally led through
rings sewn into the trailing edge, shortening it when the brake is applied, so
that steering becomes lighter and more effective.
All the lines are distinguished by colours depending on their strength:
+2,3 mm; strength: 420 daN; colour: celadon (willow green),
+1,8 mm; strength: 280 daN; colour: red and orange (the latter for
pulling big ears),
+1,5 mm; strength: 190 daN; colour: violet,
+1,3 mm; strength: 140 daN; colour: green,
+1,2 mm; strength: 90 daN; colour: blue.
(given colours are subject to slight changes).
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USER MANUAL

THE RISERS
For the Nucleon WRC Cabrio we have chosen four-way risers equipped
with:
+ELR (Easy Launch Riser) system. This is an specially
marked A riser (yellow ribbon),
+manual speed-system affecting A, B and C risers
when engaged, equipped with a handle and trimmer buckle to lock it in
desired position;
+trimmers of red band with visible scale, designed for quick and easy
replacement in case of deterioration;
+various levels of the pulleys, to be used depending on the hangpoint
level;
+ALC+ allows for effective turns even at high speed,
without distorting reflex profile too much. Steering is
done with dedicated TST handles (Tip Seering
Toggles).
+TEA -Torque Effect Adjuster – allowing for eliminating the effect of
engine torque, tending to turn the paraglider in the direction opposite
to the propeller's rotation. The system can be adjusted to match your
specific combination of paramotor/propeller.
For quick and easy recognition in emergency, some of the risers are
distinguished with coloured band as follows:
A - yellow (used for launching)
A' - black neoprene (used for big ears)
B - red (used for B-stall)
D - grey (needed to keep the glider down in strong wind – aborted
launch).
Main A row suspension lines connect to an A riser (yellow) and A' (black
neoprene). B row and stabiliser lines go to B riser (red), C lines go to C riser
(black neoprene) and D lines to D riser (grey), as well as steering lines
(through their pulleys).
Brake handles are attached to the steering lines at optimal point,
guaranteeing safe and effective operation. On the main brake line there are
two point marked, higher and lower, to be used depending on the harness
hangpoint level.
On adjusting the steering lines see chapter 3.1.
Our newest brake handle used in Nucleon WRC Cabrio besides its
attractive, light design, features:
+a swivel – preventing possible twisting of the steering
line,
+TCT (Triple Comfort Toggle) system,
+EK (Easy Keeper) system
8

9
3. FLIGHT OPERATION
3.1 STEERING LINES AND LAUNCH ASSIST ADJUSTMENTThe
Nucleon’s WRC Cabrio risers are shorter than in most paragliders, thus
alleviating potential problem with different hangpoints. There are two places
to fix the steering lines pulley – high, and middle (see risers diagram on p.
36). On the main steering line there are three points marked – lower, middle
and higher, indicating where to fix steering handle depending on pulley
placement.
CAUTION! Before first use check whether steering lines and pulleys are set
for higher or lower hangpoint, and adjust them to your preferences if
necessary.
When flying with low hangpoint (or without paramotor) fix the pulleys to
upper loops on the risers, and the steering handles on upper or middle
positions marked on the steering lines (so that steering lines are effectively
shortened).
General rule is simple - higher hangpoints require longer brake lines,
lowerhangpoints require shorter lines.
Before you take your Nucleon WRC Cabrio in the air, we strongly advise to
try out everything first. Hang up the entire PPG unit with ropes (in case of a
trike it is enough to clip the risers in), sit in and have someone pull up the
risers. You must make sure that in flight you will always be able to reach the
brake handles, even if the airflow blows them away.
While being suspended in this way, you have a perfect opportunity to adjust
the launch assist system too (if present). It should engage the A risers,
shortening them when the canopy remains behind the pilot. During inflation
its effect should gradually diminish and finally disappear completely as the
canopy arrives overhead. If you think the paraglider is rising up too rapidly,
lines or straps of assist system should be lengthened.
An additional way to check the whole configuration out is to visit take-off
sitein steady winds. Inflate the canopy and take it up over your head. When
it stabilises, check that the brakes are loose and are not pulling the trailing
edge. There should be a spare inch or so before they activate.
Remember that it is always safer to set the margin of play too big than too
small. And, most important, the setting must always be symmetrical.
3.2 FREE FLIGHT (no power unit)
Although the Nucleon WRC Cabrio according to its design book is a fast
PPG wing, it behaves surprisingly well as a classic tandem paraglider too
and can be used as such without any changes.
USER MANUAL

10
Easy Keeper (EK)
Easy Keeper is the name of our proprietary system to hold the brake handles at
the risers. The strong neodymium magnets keep them firmly in place, while
both attaching and releasing goes smoothly and easily. With Easy keeper you
can easily secure the brakes in flight, thus minimizing danger of their contact
with the propeller.

11
Tip Steering Toggles (TST)
ALC+ allows for aggressive turns
even on full speed, without
modifications of the reflex profile.
This is of special importance when
flying in turbulences with open
trimmer and speed system
engaged.
Additionaly it is important for
bigger canopy sizes, without
special solutions demonstrating
problems associated with big
steering forces and low agility.
Prior to grabbing the miniature
TST-handles (Tip Steering
Toggles) pilot places the main
steering handles in special Toggle
Docking Stations (TDS). In this
way you can comfortably steer the
wing via TST handles, not
worrying about the brakes getting
tangled.
Additionally mounted straps shorten A risers during inflation (left photo).
When the canopy is ready at 12 hrs position, A risers go back to their
original length (assist system ceases to work - right photo)
Launch assist system
TDS
TST
handle
USER MANUAL
+

The essential difference between Nucleon WRC Cabrio and classic
paragliders means that due to its increased tuck-resistance (both during start
and flight) and greater speed range it can be safely flown in strong
conditions. Generally (and paradoxically from traditional point of view) the
faster you fly, the safer is your flight.,
Most of tandem and practically all trike launches are executed as alpine
(forward) launches due to considerable inertia of pilot/passenger
combination. Reverse launches are being done only when it is really
impossible to take off the straight way. A reverse launch with a trike is hardly
possible at all anyway.
3.2.1 TAKE-OFF
In case of forward launch we recommend that after laying out the wing all
lines be taut, without unnecessary play. The paraglider is pulled up with A
risers only. The optimal trim setting is “0”, that is fully closed. Applying
steady pressure on the A risers (or engaging launch assist system) move
forward. The wing practically does not overshoot, so the front collapses that
otherwise happen quite often at launch, occur rarely with the Nucleon WRC
Cabrio. Instead it kind of waits for you to catch up with it.
In case of reverse launch we recommend the trims to be set depending on
wind speed (the stronger the wind, the more open position). Due to lack of
overshooting tendency take-off is easy, pilot has only to brake slightly before
turning.
CAUTION
During take-off it is important to keep the risers under pressure until
almost airborne. Reflex profile used has an inherent tendency to
increase the angle of attack. In effect, the paraglider can lag behind the
pilot when not pulled up appropriately.
3.2.2 FLIGHT
The enlarged speed range of Nucleon Cabrio may demand some attention.
However, once you have mastered these additional aspects, flying will
become pure pleasure. Good handling will let you make the best use of
thermals, and increased speed on glides means that your presence in
sinking air will be shorter.
To avoid stalls when braking with slow trims setting (low on scale), their
movement is restricted by the tape sewing. (Note: it is possible to push the
sewn tape through the buckle with both hands to replace it, but normal
operation range is restricted by said place).
When the trims are fully opened (high on scale) the wing becomes faster
and stiffer, increasing its stability even more. The brake forces increase too,
as well as the distance to the stall point. The radius and bank angle in turns
grow proportionately to the growing brake forces. If the trims are set fast (or
12

fully opened) and the wing is not flown near the ground, a switch to TST
handle is advised. Turns executed in this way will be slightly wider, but
strength needed to initiate the turn will be smaller and there will be no
decrease in speed. TST handles can be used at all trimmer settings.
3.2.3 LANDING
With closed trimmers Nucleon WRC Cabrio lands like any other paraglider.
The brake forces, initially low, are growing proportionally, giving ample
warning before stalling. Still you should be careful when flying at low speeds
until fully familiar with brake operation.
Landing with trims set fast (above “0” position) may require proportionately
more space, as the paraglider has a lot of kinetic energy and careless
application of brakes may even cause the wing to climb.
Most pilots get to know the wing relatively fast and quickly gain enough trust
to fly it in stronger conditions than they did ever before. Still, you should
always be careful when flying low.
Remember that Nucleon WRC Cabrio flies faster than classic paragliders
and sometimes it can be of importance (e.g. when landing on a slope).
After landing in strong wind the paraglider can be safely put down with a
strong pull on the rear D risers.
3.2.4 WINCHING
Nucleon WRC Cabrio is not designed for winching. As mentioned before,
reflex profile used in the wing has an inherent tendency to increase the
angle of attack. While in normal flight such a disposition makes it safer,
during winch start it can bedangerous. Nevertheless, a lot of successful
winches on Nucleon WRC Cabrio have been made.
Experience shows that it should only be done with trims set a couple of
centimeters above “0” point.
To sum it up: winching can be done, but proper attention must be paid.
3.3 POWERED FLIGHT
CAUTION: Before each start it is necessary to have a thorough check of
thewing, harness and power unit (trike).
In powered flight most of the wing characteristics remain as described above
(chapter 3.2). Still there is additional information needed - concerning power
output, proper matching of the wing/engine/propeller etc.
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USER MANUAL

Dudek Paragliders cannot take responsibility for all possible combinations,
but if you contact us in doubt, we are always ready to help.
First flights
In order to get familiar with your wing we recommend flying with trimmers set
slow, because in this configuration Nucleon WRC Cabrio behaves as a
classic paraglider. Flying like that try pulling the brakes some until you feel
resistance, usually it will be at about 1/4 of the range.
Once you feel competent with your wing, you can start experimenting with
faster trim settings and speed system. Learn to use all the additional speed
and safety of the Nucleon WRC Cabrio.
3.3.1 TAKE OFF
Classic foot launch
Even when it seems that there is no wind at all, it is rarely so. Therefore
always be careful in determining the conditions, as in PPG flying it is most
important that the launch and initial climb are performed with a head wind
(danger of losing your airspeed while crossing the wind gradient is greatly
reduced). Special attention must be paid to trees, power lines and other
obstacles, including the possibility of emerging rotors.
Wing preparation
Lay out the paraglider downwind of the power unit, with all suspension lines
taut and pointing toward center of the power unit. The risers are to be laid on
the ground. Set the trimmers at “0” (see fig. 5). In strong conditions faster
settings can be advised. Make sure that you warm up the engine while
standing windward of the wing. Stop the engine before clipping in the risers.
Now have a quick check whether:
+the helmet is on and locked
+the risers are clipped in the carabiners
+the trimmers are se,
+nothing will get in propeller's way
+steering lines and handles are free and not twisted
+engine is delivering full power
+airspace is clear for take off
When you are sure everything is OK, you can clip in the wing and execute
launch as described in paragraph 3.2.1.a.
From now on you should steer the paraglider facing forward only, without
looking back over your shoulder (when the wing is low behind you, turning
14

back can cause some lines to get in the propeller). Possible tripping and
falling is dangerous (and costly due to probable propeller loss!) so this
should be avoided at any price, even that of some damaged lines!
During launch, when you feel that the strain on both risers is equal, open up
full power and lean back to counter the engine thrust, so that it can push you
rather forward than towards the ground. The best option is not to use the
brakes at all and let the paraglider rise as it was laid out. If it starts to swerve
from its course, just pull the opposite riser and run under the centre of the
wing while preserving starting direction. If the wind suddenly weakens, give
a stronger pull on the risers.
If the paraglider drops to one side or back too far to be lifted again, kill the
engine, abort launch and check the conditions once again.
As the wing rises, the forces grow lighter and it should stabilise above your
head without overshooting. This is the best moment to check if it is inflated
well and the lines are not tangled, but do it without stopping nor turning. If
you feel the forces on the risers decrease, run faster and let go of the risers.
See whether there is any opposition on the brakes and, if necessary, use
them to correct direction or to increase lift at take-off.
REMEMBER:
+If the cage of your power unit is not stiff enough, the risers strained
during launch can deform it to the extent of colliding with the propeller.
Before giving it full power, check that the cage is free of any lines.
+Any brake operation (or steering inputs in general) should be smooth
and gentle.
+Do not try to take off until you have your wing overhead. Hitting power
before that can cause dangerous oscillations.
+Do not sit in the harness until you are sure you are flying!
+The faster the trim setting, the more brake input is required for lift off
+The lower the hangpoints of your power unit, the easier is the launch.
Forward launch with trike
Basic difference of the trike launch is that you are using your power unit to
get the wing overhead, and instead of pushing the A risers usually a launch
assist system is used.
After all preparations and checks, with the risers properly clipped in you can
start the engine. If a launch assist system is used, there is just a steering
handle in one hand, with the other hand grabbing the other brake handle and
throttle. Depending on power output of your motor initially open the throttle
only enough to fill up the canopy and get it above the propeller downwash.
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USER MANUAL

When the trailing edge gets some three meters above ground and both risers
are equally loaded, open the throttle fully. Preferably you should not be using
the brakes during launch at all and let the canopy rise as it was laid out. If
you see it getting off course, give a delicate counter brake and steer your
trike under canopy root (center), while maintaining general take-off direction
steady as possible. If the wing drops too far to the side or behind you to get it
up again, switch off the engine, abort launch and re-evaluate conditions.
As the canopy rises, its resistance grows lighter and it should stabilise above
your head without overshooting. Too hasty corrections of launch direction can
result in sidewise oscillations – still, if they are not too deep, you can keep full
power in order to get off the ground as soon as possible.
After lift-off canopy will stabilize itself overhead and throttle can be eased off
a bit to get desired climb speed.
Reverse launch in strong wind
Reverse launch can be executed only as a foot launch or with ultralight
single-seated trike. You can do it holding both A risers and one brake in one
hand, with throttle and the second brake in the other hand. With a decent
wind it is by far the best way. In weaker wind it is better to choose a forward
launch, as running backwards with an engine on your back is not an easy
thing to do. It is reasonable not to pull the wing up until you are really
determined to launch, especially when it is clipped in.
Lay down the rolled paraglider with the trailing edge facing the wind. Unfold
the wing enough to find the risers and check that no lines are looped over the
leading edge. Stretch the risers against the wind, separating the left and right
one.
We suggest that you lay the risers in the same way as you will be turning
during a reverse launch, and place one riser over the other, with the rear
risers upmost. It should be done this way because once you clip in, the cage
of your power unit will make turning on your own impossible.
Now run the pre-launch checklist.
After warming up the engine put the power unit on, turn to face the wing, go
to the risers and clip them in the appropriate carabiners. Pulling on the front
and rear risers open the cells. It is a good idea to pull up the wing briefly in
order to check that the lines are not tangled. Holding the risers, brakes and
throttle as described above, pull the front risers and raise the paraglider over
your head. On most occasions you will
not have to brake it, especially if the trimmers are set for fast flight. Perhaps it
does not agree with your experience, but this is the way the reflex profile
works. When the trimmers are opened (set above “0”), the reflex profile
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stabilises the wing and does not allow it to surge forward. It can even stay
back a little - in such case pull the brakes a little and the glider will come
forward.
Once you have it overhead, turn around, open the throttle and take off. As
with the classic launch, in this case too you have to find such combination of
trimmers, brakes and throttle settings that will give you the best speed and
rate of climb.
CAUTION: You are launching with your hands crossed. You have to really
master this technique before trying it with a running engine on your back.
Climbing
Once you took off safely, continue heading against the wind, using brakes to
correct rate of climb. Do not try to climb too steeply - attempts to increase
climb rate by pulling the brakes will have an adverse effect - due to the
additional drag actual rate of climb will worsen, and with the throttle fully
open even a stall can happen.
In powered flight the Nucleon WRC Cabrio behaves more like an aeroplane
than a paraglider, and it is good idea to think about it in this way. If there are
no obstacles present, it is by far safer (and more impressive for the
spectators) to fly level for a while after take-off and gain some speed before
converting it to height with a brief pull on the brakes.
Another reason not to try climbing too steeply is the risk connected with
engine failure at low altitude. Although the Nucleon WRC Cabrio in a steep
climb does not stay back so much as conventional paragliders do, low
speed can easily lead to a stall. Besides, you should always be able to land
safely in case of engine malfunction, so it’s better not to take unnecessary
chances and fly with a safe margin of speed.
Depending on the power unit geometry, it is possible that after take-off you
will notice a propeller torque (turning moment). It will try to turn you around,
so be prepared for counter-steering with a brake or harness cross-bracing. If
it happens during steep climb on slow trim and full power, beware of the stall
possibility.
Due to typical PPG and PPGG feature - considerable vertical distance
between thrust axis and wing chord - the range of safe power operation is
closely related to your skills and equipment.
Power-unit induced oscillations
Certain configurations of engine weight, output, propeller diameter and
height & width of hang points can cause serious oscillations, during which
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USER MANUAL

the pilot is lifted to one side by the torque effect, swings down due to his
weight, then is lifted again and so on.
To avoid this you can:
+change the throttle setting and/or
+slighty pull (not causing a turn!) and hold one brake to counteract the
torque if there is one present and/or
+use the TEA, pulling down the knot through the tube, simultaneously
blocking it in the slit and/or
+shift yourself to the other side of the harness and/or
+change the trimmer setting.
Such oscillations usually occur at full power - the greater the engine output
and propeller diameter, the bigger the swings. In addition there are often too
late or wrong pilot reactions, increasing the trouble instead of solving it. In
any case the safest way to deal with this question is to reduce throttle and
release the brakes.
Especially less-experienced pilots tend to overreact. It is called a pilot-
induced oscillation, and proven solution in this case is to leave brakes alone.
3.3.2 LEVEL FLIGHT
Once you have gained safe height after take-off and wish to go for a route,
you can turn onto the right direction, fully open the trimmers and let off the
brakes. If the conditions are turbulent it can look foolhardy, but this is the
essential feature of the reflex profile - the faster you fly, the safer your
Nucleon WRC Cabrio is.
That's why you really can confidently release the brakes and enjoy your
flight.
CAUTION: Some pilots with previous free-flying experience may have a
well-grounded habit of keeping the brakes slightly applied at all times. Such
a technique, while quite reasonable on a free-flying wings as it allows for
quick pilot reactions and decreases sink, is not advisable on reflex-profile
wings. When you pull the brakes, the Nucleon WRC Cabrio airfoil actually
loses its self-stabilizing features.
If you happen to have a variometer or altimeter aboard – watch it. In level
flight it is very easy to start climbing unintentionally. The instruments will help
you optimise speed and fuel economy. Of course the economy of each flight
will depend on current configuration of your gear, but thanks to its ability to
fly safely without constant steering the Nucleon WRC Cabrio will let you
adjust everything to the best effect.
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