Flow Fusion S User manual

WELCOME
“Flow is a term used to describe the complete (body-mind-soul) feeling of being so totally engaged in an activity that there is a sense of complete
immersion in the experience. Self-conscious thoughts give way to feeling at one with the activity and the environment, and time is no longer an
ever-present consideration.”
The experience of flying a paraglider is what inspires us. The pure, focused concentration, the feeling of complete immersion with the
environment, and the intrinsic pleasure in the activity itself are all sure signs of the flow experience.

Table of Contents
1. General Information ...................................................................1
2. Certification ................................................................................1
3. Pilot’s Profile...............................................................................2
4. Specifications..............................................................................3
5. Take-off and Flying Techniques....................................................4
5.1.Before Take-off........................................................................4
5.2.Take-off ...................................................................................4
5.3.Landing ....................................................................................5
5.4.Turning.....................................................................................5
6. Rapid Descent.............................................................................5
6.1.Spiral Dive................................................................................5
6.2.B-line Stall ...............................................................................6
6.3.Big Ears ...................................................................................6
7. Performance ...............................................................................6
7.1.Use of Brakes ..........................................................................6
7.2.Use of Speed Bar .....................................................................6
7.3.C Riser Steering –Wooden Toggles .........................................7
8. Asymmetric & Frontal Collapses .................................................7
8.1.Asymmetric Collapse ...............................................................7
8.2.Frontal Collapse ......................................................................8
9. Full Stall ..................................................................................... 8
10. Flying without Brakes ................................................................. 9
11. Cravats ...................................................................................... 9
12. SIV.............................................................................................. 9
13. Adjustment of the Harness ....................................................... 10
14. Maintenance & Checks ............................................................. 10
14.1. Maintenance Tipps..........................................................10
14.2. Periodic Inspections ........................................................10
15. Warranty.................................................................................. 11
16. Summary.................................................................................. 11
17. Line Plan................................................................................... 11
18. Riser Diagram ........................................................................... 14
19. Overall Illustration .................................................................... 14
20. Materials.................................................................................. 16
21. Line Measurements.................................................................. 16
21.1. Bridle Check Lengths Fusion S (mm) ...............................16
21.2. Bridle Check Lengths Fusion M (mm) .............................17
21.3. Bridle Check Lengths Fusion ML (mm) ...........................18
21.4. Bridle Check Lengths Fusion L (mm) ...............................19
22. Line Types ................................................................................ 20

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General Information
User manual for Fusion S, Fusion M, Fusion ML and Fusion L
This manual offers all the necessary information that will familiarise you with the main characteristics of your new paraglider. Although this manual
informs you about your glider, it does not offer the instruction requirements necessary for you to be able to pilot this type of wing. Flying instruction
can only be taught at a paragliding school recognized by the flying federation of your country. Nevertheless, we remind you that it is important
that you carefully read all the contents of the manual for your new Fusion
The Fusion has been certified as EN C, having met all the requirements of EN 926-2 / 2013 and LTF NFL II 91/09.
Please note that any changes to the paraglider will invalidate the result of the certification. Correct usage of the glider is the pilot‘s responsibility.
The manufacturer and distributor do not accept liability for loss or damage as a result of the misuse of this paraglider. It is the pilot’s responsibility
to comply with legal regulations and to maintain the airworthiness of the aircraft.
This user manual version V01.08 is dated: 06/2020.
Flow Paragliders PTY LTD –11/2 Executive Drive, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220, Australia –[e-mail]

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PILOT’S PROFILE
The Fusion was designed to be a performance orientated paraglider with safety in mind and is not a glider suitable to be used as a training glider.
Designed for pilots familiar with recovery techniques, who fly actively and regularly.
Designed to be an EN C certified glider, according to EN 926-2 it should only be flown by intermediate and advanced pilots.
As the name suggests, we have fused the technology learnt from our high performance 2-liners, the XCRacer and Spectra and combined them in
an accessible package. The Fusion is a hybrid 3 to 2 liner where we used the best of both technologies in one glider. Fusion has its race pedigree
on an obedient platform allowing increased levels of safety and glider control.
On cascade one and two we have a traditional 3 liner layout and on the outermost cascade, we have a 2-liner layout. To combine those 2 distinct
line-layouts we designed a sophisticated yet simple to use risers.
Fusion’s revolutionary riser setup brings the connection Pilot / glider to the C class, only experienced on 2-liners before. Fusion rear riser controls
and steering is the same as a 2-liner.
The C toggles will help the pilot feel more connected to the glider while gliding at speed. Fusion risers allow the pilot to fly the glider while on bar,
changing AoA rather than distorting the profile. The result is a more enjoyable and efficient exercise and less need to come off the bar to use the
brakes in severe turbulence.
We opted to use a pitch stable air-foil translating to a much more enjoyable experience. Which gives to the package a glider which is less prone to
collapses and oscillations, so the pilot is let to concentrate on what is more important, to read the conditions and fly with a freer mind.
The combination of all the design solution and technology results in a glider which is both a dream to fly but with an excellent level of true-
performance of its class and it’s a GAME CHANGER. Special attention was also given on the handling, especially the turn ability whilst circling in
thermals. For us at Flow paragliders we are delighted by how the glider behaves and it is hands down one of the most pleasant gliders we’ve ever
flown, simply a joy to fly.

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SPECIFICATIONS
S
M
ML
L
FLAT AREA
22.95 m2
24.45 m2
26.3 m2
28.4 m2
PROJECTED AREA
19.56m2
20.89m2
22.47m2
24.15m2
FLAT WINGSPAN
12.07m
12.48m
12.94m
13.50m
PROJECTED SPAN
9.73 m
10.06 m
10.43 m
10.89 m
ASPECT RATIO
6.35
6.35
6.35
6.35
PROJECTED AR
4.86
4.86
4.86
4.86
MAX CHORD
2.38
2.45
2.54
2.62
NUMBER OF CELLS
68
68
68
68
GLIDER WEIGHT
4.5kg
4.7kg
5.0kg
5.2kg
TAKE OFF WEIGHT
72-92
80-103
92-115
107-128
CERTIFICATION
LTF/EN C
LTF/EN C
LTF/EN C
LTF/EN C

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TAKE-OFF, FLIGHT, AND FLYING TECHNIQUES
The Flow Fusion should be flown as a normal paraglider. However, there are several points listed below which should help you to familiarize with
your new paraglider.
The Fusion was designed as a foot launchable solo paraglider and can also be tow-launched. It is the pilot’s responsibility to use suitable harness
attachments and release mechanisms and to ensure that they are correctly trained on the equipment and system employed.
Before Take-off
•Check the canopy for rips or tears. Also, inspect the internal structure (ribs, diagonals) and seams.
•Check that the lines are not damaged or tangled.
•Check if the quick links connection between lines to the risers are undamaged and tightened.
•Check that the risers are not damaged or twisted.
•Check if the speed system works freely and that the lines are long enough.
•Check that the brake handles are correctly attached and that each line runs freely through the pulley.
Take-off
Lay the paraglider out with the leading edge in a horseshoe shape. Hold the A risers close to the quick links and move forward until the lines get
stretched. You should now be perfectly centred with your wing. With no wind or light headwind, with lines stretched, The Flow Fusion inflates
rapidly and rises over your head with some dynamic steps. We recommend that you do not pull risers too forward or down, which could cause a
collapse of the leading edge, but simply follow them until the glider reaches its angle of flight. It is important that the centre of gravity of your
body stays in front of your feet during the inflation of the glider to constantly load the risers. A controlled inflation allows you to check the canopy
and lines during the last phase as it comes up and thus avoids the need to use brakes. Depending on the wind conditions or the slope, an adequate
use of brakes can help you to take-off quicker.

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Landing
Because of the exceptional glide for this type of glider, high caution is recommended in the stages of approaching and landing. The Fusion is a fast
glider, any action on the brakes may cause significant reactions. It is therefore recommended to execute the first flights in a familiar environment
and under easy conditions. With negative steering, there is more time for the manoeuvres to be performed steadily, which results in reducing the
pendulum movements of the paraglider. Reminder: Negative steering involves applying the brakes symmetrically by about 30% of the maximum
range to slow the paraglider and a simultaneous turning by means of releasing the outside brake. Speeding up just prior to landing allows a more
effective flare and therefore a gentler landing.
Turning
Flow Fusion was designed to perform well in turns. Negative steering (see above) on one hand slows the paraglider in certain phases of the flight
and on the other hand reduces excessive rolling during turn reversals. It is not only designed to turn (with approx. 30% brake) but also to fly slowly
in order to help identify the areas of lift and to keep the paraglider flatter to minimize the sink rate in a turn (with 15% brake). Symmetrical brake-
input at 20-30 % enables you to keep your wing under control –to brake further when pitching and to release when the canopy banks up.
RAPID DESCEND
Techniques
In order to descend, the paraglider must fly away from the areas of lift. In case any problems occur, the following techniques might be used to
increase the sink rate.
•Spiral Drive:The Flow Fusion is a manoeuvrable wing which responds to any input easily. To initiate the spiral, apply one brake
progressively to about 35% and hold it in its position. The speed of rotation will increase progressively as well as the pressure on the brake
and the centrifugal force that is perceived. The angle or the speed of rotation can be decreased or increased by releasing or pulling the
brake by several centimetres. Once mastered the spiral allows you to descend by more than 10 m/s. Movements which are extremely
abrupt or badly synchronized or very quick initiation of the spiral can result in an asymmetrical collapse or a spin. CAUTION: Spiral Dives
should be executed with care. To exit the spiral dive, the kinetic energy must be converted to potential energy by slowly releasing the
inside brake.

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•B-line Stall:Due to the hybrid 3-2 line layout, B–line stall is not an efficient and stable descent manoeuvre on the Fusion, therefore not
recommende.
•Big Ears: Big ears is a moderate descent method, reaching -3 or -4 m/s, speed reduces slightly between 3 and 5 km/h and piloting becomes
limited. The angle of attack and the wing loading also increases.
Push on the accelerator to restore the wing’s horizontal speed and the angle of attack. To activate ears, take the line amain3 and
simultaneously, smoothly pull them outward and downward. The wingtips will fold in. Let go of the lines and the ears will re-inflate
automatically. If they do not re-inflate, gently pull on one of the brake lines first and then on the opposite side. For directional control while
using the Big Ears, use weight shift.
We recommend the pilot to re-inflate asymmetrically, to avoid unnecessary change on the angle of attack, more so if you are flying near
the ground or flying in turbulence.
PERFORMANCE & USE OF BRAKES
Use of Brakes
Flow Fusions best glide is at a trim speed (no brakes) –about 39 km/h. The minimum sink rate is achieved by applying approx. 15% of the brakes.
When using more than 30% of the brakes, the aerodynamics and the performance of the glider are likely to deteriorate and the effort to
manoeuvre will increase quickly. In case of extremely high brake pressure there is a great risk of a stall. Which occurs at a full brake travel (100%
of the brakes) 65cm. In normal flying conditions the optimal position for the brakes, in terms of performance and safety, is within the top third
level of the braking range.
Use of Speed Bar
Flow Fusion is equipped with a speed system. The profile of Fusion has been designed to fly stable through its entire speed range. It is useful to
accelerate when flying in strong winds or in extreme descending air. For fitting and positioning the speed bar consult the instructions of the
harness manufacturer. Before every flight check that the speed bar works freely and that the lines are long enough to ensure that it is not engaged

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permanently. Use of the speed bar increases the maximum speed of the paraglider by up to 30% of the trim speed. However, it does reduce the
angle of attack and therefore there is a risk of a frontal (or asymmetric) collapse. We therefore do not advise to use the speed bar near the ground.
C Riser Steering –Wooden toggles
Fusion can be flown the same as a 2-liner. When gliding using the speed bar, the C toggles can be used to control the pitch to a more efficient
glide. The C toggles can also be used to catch deflations and for directional control.
ASSYMETRIC & FRONTAL COLLAPSES
Despite the tests proving Fusion recovers on its own after collapses, it is a EN C glider therefore active piloting is recommended in case of an
asymmetric or frontal collapse. Active piloting will reduce the loss of altitude and a change of direction.
Asymmetric Collapse
Despite the great stability of the profile of the Fusion, heavy turbulent conditions may cause part of the wing to collapse asymmetrically. This
usually happens when the pilot has not foreseen this possible reaction of the wing. To prevent the collapse from happening, pull the brake line
corresponding to the compromised side of the wing, this will increase the angle of attack. If the collapse does happen, the Fusion will not react
violently, the turn tendency is very gradual and it is easily controlled. Lean your body towards the side that is still flying in order to counteract the
turn and to maintain a straight course, if necessary, slightly slow down the same side. The collapse will normally open by itself but if that does not
happen, pull completely on the brake line on the side, which has collapsed (100%). Do this with a firm movement. You may have to repeat this
operation to provoke the re-opening. Take care not to over-brake on the side that is still flying (turn control) and when the collapse has been
solved; remember to let the wing recover its flying speed.
Bring both brakes down symmetrically to speed up the reopening of the paraglider, and then raise your hands back up immediately.
Frontal (Symmetric) Collapse
The profile of the Fusion has been designed to widely tolerate extreme changes in the angle of attack. A symmetric collapse may occur in heavy
turbulent conditions, on entry or exit of strong thermals or lack of adapting the use of the accelerator to the prevailing air conditions. Symmetrical