Dudek Orca 5 User manual

Orca 5
User manual
V08/09/2021

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INDEX
ORCA
Introduction
About the wing
Paraglider design
Risers design
efore first use
ig Ears locking system
Pre-flight check
Launch
Flight
Landing
Speed modes
Quick descend methods
Extreme manoeuvres
Paraglider care
Warranty and aerocasco
Environmental care
What have you bought
Technical Data
Materials
Lining scheme
Join us
Support
Summary
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Congratulations!
We are pleased to welcome you among the
growing number of DUDEK
PARAGLIDERS pilots. You’ve become a
proud owner of a sport paraglider,
designed according to recent trends among
paramotor canopies.
Extensive development, application of the
modern production methods and thorough
testing resulted in a friendly behaving
paraglider, offering the pilot a lot of fun
combined with great performance.
We wish you many enjoyable and safe
flying hours.
Please read this manual carefully and
note following details:
• The purpose of this manual is to offer
guidelines to the pilot using the
paraglider. y no means it is 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.
• 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! Neither the
manufacturer nor dealer do accept
any liabilities involved.
• This paraglider on delivery meets all
the requirements of the EN 926-1 and
926-2 regulations or has an
airworthiness certificate issued by the
manufacturer. Any alterations to the
paraglider will render its certification
invalid.
• Other documents concerning this
paraglider can be found on attached
pendrive or on our website
www.dudek.eu.
Note: Dudek Paragliders warns that due to
the constant process of development the
actual paraglider may differ slightly from
the one described in the manual. However,
those differences cannot affect the basic
design parameters: technical data, flight
characteristics or strength. In case of any
doubts contact us please.
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INTRODUCTION
ORCA

Orca 5 is a universal tandem of the EN
class with excellent performance. It takes
off with ease, is easy and precise in
steering, complete with smooth landing. It
provides the highest passive safety level,
with glide ratio similar to single-seaters.
This is the first tandem with the LE3D
technology applied!
Design and ur ose
The wing is designed primarily for free
flying with a passenger, but it will also
prove its worth when powered by a
paramotor – either foot-launched, or with a
light paramotor trolley.
In the four-row canopy with stiffening cores
(Dudek Flexi Edge technology) we have
used our latest system of additional cuts on
the upper surface of the leading edge –
LE3D (Leading Edge 3D). The surface of
the cells in these areas now consists of
three longish elements instead of one.
Additional cuts minimize fabric wrinkling
and more accurately reflect the designed
shape of the aerodynamic profile in the
crucial zones, where most lift is generated.
Additional LE3D cuts minimize fabric
wrinkling and more accurately reflect the
designed shape of the aerodynamic profile
in crucial zones where most lift is
generated. At the same time drag is
minimised; all in all the glide ratio of the
wing is improved.
Orca 5 com ared to revious versions:
• is the first paraglider in our offer with
the implemented LE3D concept,
improving its performace,
• another new feature new are the
cleats on the risers, positioned for
locking big ears,
• available in the new Dancing Sky
color scheme.
• The remaining basic parameters and
solutions are the same as in the
previous model. In this way, we use
many years of experience gained
during the testing and exploitation of
previous incarnations of Orca.
The aspect ratio and other parameters
have been carefully selected inorder to
keep the most optimal combination of
passive safety, performance, and easy yet
precise steering for this class of paraglider.
We focused on ensuring the best possible
take-off parameters, perfect handling and
efficiency of the brakes during landing.
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ABOUT THE WING
ORCA

Orca 5 inflates very well and rises up
smoothly, with no tendency to lag behind. It
is easy to stabilize and takes off with a
touch of brakes. On landing approach,
relatively smallamountof braking
significantly reduces speed and allows for
a gentle touchdown. These features are
especially important when flying with a
passenger, so a lot of effort went into
refining them to perfection.
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ABOUT THE WING
ORCA

The Orca 5 is produced in new technology,
utilizing capabilities of precise laser cutter.
All stages of the production process take
place as our Polish plant under closes
upervision of the designer himself thus
ensuring highest European quality.
Careful selection of modern fabrics and
design solutions brings about great
strength and durability of the canopy.
All materials used come fro marked
production batches, and each production
step can be verified down to identification
of individual worker and controller.
Inlets
Leading edge
Trailing edge
Cell
Ribs
Suspension lines
Risers
Harness
Steering line
rake handle
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PARAGLIDER DESIGN
ORCA

Steering line
Pulley
Swivel
Easy Keeper magnets and naps
ig Ears locking system
ACT brake handle
Replaceable trimmer band
Loop closing the trimmer
Trimmer buckle
Carabiner
A
A’CD
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RISERS DESIGN
ORCA

For the Orca 5 we have chosen four-way
risers equipped with:
• ELR (Easy Launch Riser) - system. It
is a specially marked A riser (with red
cover)
• trimmer with replaceable (in case of
deterioration) regulation strap,
affecting the , C and D risers.
For quick and easy recognition in
emergency, some of the risers are
distinguished with coloured covers as
follows:
• A - red (used for launching)
• A' – red (used for big ears),
• - yellow (used for -stall),
• D - blue (needed to keep the glider
down in strong wind – aborted
launch).
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RISERS DESIGN
ORCA

In order to accommodate diverse
preferences of many pilots we've designed
the Adjustable Comfort Toggle, allowing
steepless adjustment of the toggle size.
Swivel against twisting the steering line
Velcro strip
to adjust the toggle
Nap and Easy Keeper magnet - keeping the toggle at the riser
all for easier steering
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RISERS DESIGN
ORCA

O eration
It’s pilot responsibility to choose a canopy
matching his skills.
Dudek Paragliders cannot take
responsibility for a wrong choice, but we
are always ready to advise you – just
contact us.
Weight range
Each size of the canopy is certified for
specific weight range, meaning total take-
off weight including the pilot, harness,
equipment and the canopy itself.
Exceeding maximum take-off weight
described in technical data of the
paraglider (“Pilot’s weight incl. equipment”)
increases risk of an accident in case of
pilot’s error.The smaller canopy area as
compared to take-off weight, the greater
the risk.
Paragliders considerably change their
character due to increased load and each
experienced pilot should perfectly
understand that. The biggest danger
induced by overloading the canopy is its
hyperreactivity.
Caution: Check your real take-off weight!
Some pilots calculate their take-off weight
by just summing up catalogue numbers,
e.g.: paramotor 29 kg + canopy 6 kg + pilot
87 kg = ca. 120 kg. In fact your actual take-
off weight can be umpteen kilograms
bigger. Most often we forget the clothing,
electronics, backpacks, sometimes even
such basic things like fuel or rescue chute
weight are omitted!
What harness?
When flying an Orca 5 you can use any
certified harnesses and spreader bars that
will make both pilot and passenger feel
safe and comfortable.
Typical passenger harnesses have simple
design, so as not to hinder the pilots'
movements. Harness for the pilot should be
equipped with divided seating and proper
tandem rescue system. The spreader bars
must allow various hangpoint
configurations, in order to compensate pilot
and passenger weight differences.
Caution: Please note that any modification
of seat/hang point distance changes the
position of the brakes as related to pilot's
body. You must remember that in each
harness your steering range will be
different.
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BEFORE FIRST USE
ORCA

Trimmers
Trimmer system consists of a trim shackles
sewn into C and D risers, and red
regulation strap going through the shackles
and fixed to risers with rectangular
connector link.
We have 3 main positions of the trimmers:
• full closed (slowest speed, minimum
sink)
• neutral „0" (best take-off position)
• fully released (increased speed and
sink)
During normal flight at neutral position all
risers have equal length of 420 mm. Trim
operation affects the , C and D risers.
When trimmers are fully opened, the D
risers goes out to its max possible length of
516 mm, while and C proportionally less.
How to adjust?
Make sure that both trim buckles are
locked in the same position, otherwise you
will be constantly and unwillingly turning. It
must be checked before every launch!
Maximum speed is obtained when the
trimmer tape is fully stretched.
Trimmer o eration
The main goal of the trim is to adjust the
paraglider speed to various loads,
depending on pilot and passenger weight
(the weight range of a tandem wing is
greater than single-seater).
To sum it up:
• greater take-off weight – trimmer more
closed,
• lesser take-off weight – trimmer more
opened.
The other goal of the trimmer is adjusting
the speed during flight, accordingly to your
needs and changing conditions.
efore the launch connect the risers to the
tandem spreader bars with main
carabiners. Then have a check that the trim
operation is not limited.
It is advised to set the trimmers at neutral
“0” position for the launch, thus improving
canopy inflation. This position is also most
universal to fly within standard load of the
paraglider.
To close the trim (and slow down) just pull
the trim tab down. The shackle will change
its position and remain still in new place.
Completely closed trimmers can be used
for thermalling, given that you do not fly
near low load. In turbulent air this could
lead to a deflation or a spin.
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BEFORE FIRST USE
ORCA

In order to open it (and fly faster) you
should grab the shackle, push the knob
with your thumb and thus allow the trim to
move up.
y releasing the trimmers you increase the
airspeed. Such configuration is especially
needed when flying against strong
headwind or seeking next thermal.
Orca 5 stays calm even at completely
released trimmers and full speed.
Whenever you do adjust trim settings,
always remember to do it symmetrically.
Big Ears locking system
Orca 5 comes equipped as standard with a
ig Ears locking system ( EK - ig Ears
Keeper). You will find its description on the
next page.
Tandem s readers
Orca 5 is complete with a pair of
spreaders, featuring an additional ig Ears
locking system. In this way you can use
those spreaders with other canopies, that
do not have such a system of their own.
Caution: Make sure that each of the
spreaders was installed on its dedicated
side – the red ball locking the ig Ears
should always be on the outer side.
Other systems
This paraglider has no other systems which
can be adjusted, exchanged or removed.
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BEFORE FIRST USE
ORCA

The system allows you to lock the ig Ears
pulled down and continue steering the
paraglider with the steering handles. It
consists of a special cleat sewn to D row
risers and a dedicated A' line. In order to
use the system, grasp the A' line and lock it
in the cleat to the required length as shown
in the photo on the right.
Note: When using the blocker, be aware of
the need to reopen your ears by
deactivating it, especially when using it just
before landing.
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BIG EARS LOCKING SYSTEM
ORCA

Having chosen a place to launch
accordingly to the terrain as well as wind
speed and direction clear it of any
obstacles that could damage your canopy
or tangle in the lines.
After laying out your paraglider in a
horseshoe directed against the wind
following checks must be made:
• canopy, lines and risers condition. Do
not launch if the slightest damage is
noticed,
• the paraglider should be arranged so
that the centre section A-lines will
strain earlier that the outer ones. This
ensures easy and symmetrical launch,
• the leading edge should stay taut and
even,
• all lines and risers should be
separated. Make sure they are not
tangled, and checked against catching
anything. It is equally important to
check the brake lines. They must be
firmly attached to the brake handles
and run freely through the pulleys to
the trailing edge,
• make sure the risers are not twisted,
• it is very important to check that no
lines are looped around the canopy.
The so-called ”line-over” may have
disastrous consequences during take
off.
• always put on and fasten your helmet
before clipping in to the harness,
• make sure that all quick links
(maillons) of the risers are tight,
• check main carabiners. They must be
properly mounted, closed and locked.
• remember to set the trimmers
symmetrically.
Due to considerable passenger/pilot
inertia, most tandem flights usually start
with a classic straightforward launch. The
alpine (reverse) launch is executed only
when the wind speed makes normal start
impossible.
For the launch neutral trimmer position is
recommended.
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PRE-FLIGHT CHECK
ORCA

Classic (forward) launch
Should be used with little or no wind.
Facing the wind place the risers over your
shoulders (A riser must lay on top).
Clip it into carabiners and lock them. Grip
the brake handles and A-risers, holding
them at the stitching, just under the quick-
links. To make things easier, A-risers have
been markedwith a red cover. Spread out
your slightly bent hands, keeping them
down and back.
All other risers should be placed near your
elbow joints.
Apply some tension to check if the A risers
stay on top and the lines are not tangled.
Take a step back, bow down a little and run
forward. After the initial inflation smoothly
move the hands with the risers up and over
your head until the wing will be directly
above you. Let the A risers loose and
check the wing.
Pump out possible faults and keep an eye
on position of the paraglider. Side drift is
corrected best by moving yourself always
under center of the canopy. In order to
keep wing in the air the suspension lines
must stay taut all the time, so in light winds
you will have to run forward. With stronger
winds you can control the wing while
standing still.
When leaving the ground apply some
brakes, then release it after gaining some
distance from the ground. Keep your
hands relaxed.
Reverse launch
To be used when wind speed exceeds 3
m/s.
After clipping the risers into carabiners as
for the forward launch, turn back to face
the wing, moving one riser group over your
head. As a consequence, you will have the
risers crossed.
Unclip the brake handles from rear risers
and grip it outside of the risers without
crossing neither arms nor lines. In this way
you steer the left side with you left hand
and vice versa. Now take corresponding A
risers on both sides (still keeping brake
handles in your hands).
Make sure that the wing inflates
symmetrically and the lines are not tangled.
uilding up tension with a few steps back
and simultaneously lifting the A risers (do
not pull them towards you) will make the
paraglider rise.
When it arrives over your head, stabilize it
with the brakes, check again if all lines are
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LAUNCH
ORCA

clear and the cells inflated.
When turning into wind, remember to turn
the right way (hint: always do it the same
direction) and to keep the lines strained at
all times. The turn itself should be quick
and smooth. While turning you have to
release the brake handles and grip them
again facing forward, so that again the left
one is in the left hand etc. Last check of the
wing & free space to launch and off you go,
running into wind with eventual light
braking when taking off.
Caution! When deflating the canopy in
strong winds (e. g. aborting a launch), use
the D risers, not the brakes. Using the
brakes in strong wind can lift the pilot up
and drag him/her back.
Caution! When clipping in the crossed
risers, you can find proper connection of
the speed system particularly hard. e
careful not to confuse the risers!
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LAUNCH
ORCA

Turns
Orca 5 is an agile wing, with smooth
reactions to all pilot’s actions. Handling is
actually easy and forces grow
proportionally to position of the brakes.
Adding some weight shift will make the
paraglider turn really quick and tight.
The combined technique (weight shifting
and brake input) is by far the most efficient
method of turning. Turn radius is then
determined by the amount of inside brake
used and weight shift. Additional
application a little outside brake after
initiating the turn with maximum weight
shift increases turn efficiency and the
outboard wing’s resistance to collapse (in
turbulence, the edge of a thermal etc).
In case of necessary turning in confined
area at slow speed (e.g. slope soaring), it is
recommended to steer the decelerated
canopy by loosening the brake at the
outside of the turn while applying just a
little more brake on the inside.
Caution: When entering a turbulent area
you should brake a little to put up the
tension. It will allow you to react instantly in
case of a problem. Too hard or too quick
pulling of one brake can cause the wing to
enter a spin.
Thermalling and soaring
When flying Orca 5, minimum sink is
achieved with light pull on the brakes (15 to
20 cm depending on total weight in flight)
and closing the trimmers. Just be careful
with closing the trims when flying at low
weights - it is not advisable.
In turbulent conditions the canopy should
be flown with a small amount of brake
applied. This improves overall stability by
increasing the angle of attack of the
canopy. The canopy should neither rock
back nor surge forwards, but always stay
above the pilot. In order to achieve it, the
pilot should accelerate the canopy by
letting off the brakes when entering a
thermal (accordingly to its strength) and
brake it on exiting. This is part of basic
active flying that can spare you many
potential collapses.
When soaring the slope, minimum height of
50 m above the ground is recommended
for safety reasons. It is important to comply
with air traffic rules, especially when many
pilots share airspace close to the hill. The
avoidance manoeuvres often happen to be
impossible in such conditions.
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FLIGHT
ORCA

Winching and moto aragliding
During tests, numerous flights were made
with winch start and backpack power units,
as these are the only means to gain some
height in flatlands. Absolutely no reasons
were found for not using Orca 5 tandem in
such flights.
Caution: During launch, especially winched
or with a paramotor, always remember to
bring the wing directly over your head. The
aerofoil and its angle of attack were
arranged so as to give maximum lift
coefficient with relatively high safety level.
Therefore if the canopy is not pulled
enough, it can stay behind the pilot,
rendering launch difficult and/or dangerous.
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FLIGHT
ORCA

Considering safety of the pilot and the
passenger, landing should be always well
planned. Last turn into the wind must be
done with sufficient altitude. Prior to
landing you should build up speed, fully
releasing the brakes, and then flare out at 1
- 2 meters over ground. The glider may
even climb again for a while gaining some
height, if too much brake is used.
The best trimmers position for the landing
is to reset them at neutral ”0”.
Strong wind landings hardly require
braking, if any at all! Use D-risers (coloured
blue) to deflate the canopy after landing.
Using the brakes will probably result in pilot
(and passenger) being lifted and dragged
backwards.
The final glide of the landing approach
should be straight and smooth. Steep or
alternating turns can result in a dangerous
pendulum effect near the ground.
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LANDING
ORCA

AA’D AA’C
Trimmers closed
• Slowest speed
• Minimum sink
Trimmers fully released
• Maximum speed
• Increased sink
DC
Risers' length*:
A- 420
A’- 420
- 410
C- 402
D- 390
Risers' length*
A- 420
A’- 420
- 452
C- 484
D- 516
* lengths of the risers incl. maillons,
length tolerance +/- 5mm
* lengths of the risers incl. maillons,
length tolerance +/- 5mm
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SPEED MODES
ORCA