Niviuk Arktik User manual

NIVIUK Gliders ARTIK – User’s Manual – version 07-06 Page 1 30
Pure gliding…
… when flying becomes natural
WELCOME
We wish to welcome you to our team and thank you for the confidence that you have
placed in a NIVIUK Glider.
We would like to share with you the thrill and the passion which was involved in the
creation of this glider. The Artik has been created with a wish for desire, a wish to
glide, a wish for freedom, a wish for performance, a wish for happiness and wish to
forget that you are using a devise to glide freely.
We have not only introduced new design methods but we have also used new
production technologies. During the entire process of the development of this wing, the
NIVIUK team, directed by Olivier Nef has achieved excellent behaviour and in-flight
characteristics. These qualities have been confirmed by the excellent results obtained
during the homologation process.
We are sure that you will enjoy flying this wing and that you will soon find out the
meaning of our slogan:
“Give importance to the small details that build up to big things”
This is the user’s manual that we recommend you to read in detail.
The NIVIUK Gliders Team.
NIVIUK Gliders
C Doctor Codina, 29 bajos
17165 La Cellera de Ter
Girona – SPAIN
Tel. [phone] - Fax. [phone]
[e-mail] - www.niviuk.com

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NIVIUK Gliders ARTIK – User’s Manual – version 07-06 Page 3 30
USER’S MANUAL
NIVIUK Gliders ARTIK
This manual offers all the necessary information that will familiarize 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
recognised 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 ARTIK glider.
Severe injuries to the pilot can be the consequence of the misuse of this equipment.

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SUMMARY
1. CHARACTERISTICS ___________________________________________ 6
1.1 WHO IS IT DESIGNED FOR? _____________________________________ 6
1.2 HOMOLOGATION ______________________________________________ 6
1.3 IN-FLIGHT BEHAVIOUR ________________________________________ 6
1.4 ASSEMBLY, MATERIALS _______________________________________ 7
1.5 ELEMENTS, COMPONENTS _____________________________________ 8
2. UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY __________________________________ 8
2.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE_____________________________________ 8
2.2 PROCEDURE __________________________________________________ 8
2.3 ASSEMBLY OF THE HARNESS ___________________________________ 8
2.4 TYPE OF HARNESS_____________________________________________ 9
2.5 ASSEMBLY OF THE ACCELERATOR______________________________ 9
2.6 INSPECTION AND WING INFLATION ON THE GROUND_____________ 9
2.7 ADJUSTING THE BRAKES ______________________________________ 10
3. THE FIRST FLIGHT ___________________________________________ 10
3.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE____________________________________ 10
3.2 PREPARATION________________________________________________ 10
3.3 FLIGHT PLAN_________________________________________________ 10
3.4 PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LIST ______________________________________ 10
3.5 WING INFLATION, CONTROL, AND TAKE-OFF ___________________ 11
3.6 LANDING ____________________________________________________ 11
4. IN FLIGHT___________________________________________________ 11
4.1 FLYING IN TURBULENCE ______________________________________ 11
4.2 POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS __________________________________ 13
4.3 USING THE ACCELERATOR ____________________________________ 15
4.4 FLYING WITHOUT BRAKE LINES _______________________________ 15
4.5 KNOTS IN FLIGHT_____________________________________________ 17

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5. LOSING HEIGHT _____________________________________________ 17
5.1 BIG EARS ____________________________________________________ 17
5.2 B-LINE STALL ________________________________________________ 18
5.3 SPIRAL DIVE _________________________________________________ 18
6. SPECIAL METHODS __________________________________________ 19
6.1 TOWING _____________________________________________________ 19
6.2 ACROBATIC FLIGHT __________________________________________ 19
7. FOLDING INSTRUCTIONS _____________________________________ 19
8. CARE AND MAINTENANCE ___________________________________ 20
8.1 MAINTENANCE_______________________________________________ 20
8.2 STORAGE ____________________________________________________ 20
8.3 CHECKS AND CONTROLS______________________________________ 20
8.4 REPAIRS _____________________________________________________ 21
9. SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY________________________________ 21
10. GUARANTEE ________________________________________________ 21
11. TECHNICAL DATA ___________________________________________ 22
11.1 TECHNICAL DATA ____________________________________________ 22
11.2 MATERIALS DESCRIPTION_____________________________________ 23
11.3 RISER ARRANGEMENT ________________________________________ 24
11.4 LINE PLAN ___________________________________________________ 25
11.5 LENGTHS ARTIK XS___________________________________________ 26
11.6 LENGTHS ARTIK S ____________________________________________ 27
11.7 LENGTHS ARTIK M ___________________________________________ 28
11.8 LENGTHS ARTIK L ____________________________________________ 29
11.9 CERTIFICATION SPECIMEN ____________________________________ 30

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1. CHARACTERISTICS
1.1 WHO IS IT DESIGNED FOR?
The ARTIK has been designed for pilots who are looking for reliable material and
excellent performance.
Therefore, the wing has to accomplish two demands:
a.- Maximum reliability in all possible flight configurations.
b.- Maximum piloting performance and precision in all kinds of conditions.
1.2 HOMOLOGATION
In order to accomplish these objectives and to satisfy the first demand, the ARTIK
went through the strict homologation procedure. The DHV 2 certification level of the
XS, S, M, and L sizes passed all the required tests with excellent results.
The ARTIK passed the essential load test of 8g without any problems at all. This test
was carried out in the Swiss Air-Turquoise laboratories.
Check the homologation results and figures on the last pages of this manual.
1.3 IN-FLIGHT BEHAVIOUR
In order to accomplish the second demand required by the ARTIK, the NIVIUK Team
have carried out extensive and meticulous design work. As a consequence of several
prototypes and many hours of test flights numerous adjustments were made. These
prototypes were then tested in all types of flight conditions. This intense development
work supported by the combined experience of the whole team has achieved a wing
with unbeatable behaviour. Light handling, precise response, manoeuvrable, safe,
aesthetic and high with performance, these are just some of the qualities of this wing.
The wing’s behaviour on the ground is the first quality of its obedient temperament. Its
lightness, in weight as in command is so decisive that all actions that are taken during
the flight result in total liberty.
This wing’s performance will make quite clear that lightness and efficiency are
complementary concepts. Even in the most turbulent conditions all instructions are
diligently transmitted and the response given by the ARTIK is the expected response.
The pilot will discover the manoeuvrability of this wing in all the aspects of piloting,
allowing the pilot to explore beyond his her present knowledge without running the
risk of an incorrect response of the ARTIK.

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The wing’s safety is guaranteed by its excellent homologation certifications. It is
worthwhile remembering that the best paraglider in the hands of a bad pilot does not
guarantee a happy ending. The ARTIK’s passive safety measures should also be
accompanied by the passive safety offered by the rest of the flying equipment. The
harness, helmet, emergency parachute etc. The extraordinary behaviour of the ARTIK
and common-sense piloting will give you many hours of peaceful flying.
To improve the performance of the profile of the ARTIK, we commercialise the
ARTIK XP version.
This version has a suspension cone with competition lines
The objective of the ARTIK XP is to obtain a minimum resistance of the lines. In this
way we obtain the maximal glide of the profile. This allows better performance while
keeping the stability and the security of the normal version. The mechanical resistance
of the competition lines was homologated by a load test, carried out in the Swiss Air-
Turquoise laboratories, passing 8g without problems.
1.4 ASSEMBLY, MATERIALS
The ARTIK does not only introduce new design methods but also new manufacture
technologies. Not a single millimetre of error is possible in the manufacturing process
from Olivier’s computer to the cutting of the fabric. The cutting is done section by
section in a extremely meticulous manner. The numbering and marking of the guideline
marks is also done in the same meticulous way so avoiding errors in this critical
process
The lines are semi-automatically manufactured and all the sewing is finished under the
supervision of our specialists.
The jigsaw puzzle of the assembly process is made easier using this method. We
economize on resources while making the quality control more efficient. All the
different parts of the canopy are cut and assembled under the strict conditions induced
by the automation of the whole process.
All NIVIUK Gliders go through an extremely thorough and efficient final inspection.
Every single line of each glider is measured individually once the final assembly has
concluded.
Each wing is thoroughly inspected at the end of it assembly.
Each glider is packaged following the maintenance and conservation instructions
recommended for the advanced materials. NIVIUK Gliders are made of first class
materials as demanded by the performance, durability, and homologation requirements
of the present-day market.
Information about construction materials is given on the last pages of this manual.

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1.5 ELEMENTS, COMPONENTS
The ARTIK is delivered to its owner together with a series of components that,
although not fundamental, do take an important part in the use, transport and storage of
the paraglider. The glider is delivered together with a rucksack, large enough for all of
the equipment to fit inside, once appropriately packed. The rucksack is designed to
make transport on foot as pleasant as possible. The internal bag, intended to protect the
ARTIK from possible damage, during storage is also supplied.
The glider strap allows you to fold the wing as small as possible. Furthermore you will
find the accelerator bar that completes the acceleration gear of the wing, a small fabric
repair kit made of auto-adhesive ripstop, a pair of special handles for more precise
piloting and a user’s manual with the answers all our questions about our new ARTIK.
2. UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
2.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE
We recommend that you unpack and assemble your wing on a schooling slope or a flat
clear area without to much wind and free of obstacles. These conditions will allow you
to carry out all the steps required for you to check and inflate the ARTIK.
We recommend that an instructor or a retailer supervises the entire procedure as only
they are competent to resolve any doubt in a safe and professional way.
2.2 PROCEDURE
Take the paraglider out of the rucksack, open it and spread it open with the lines on top
of the underside, position the wing as if you were to inflate it. Check the condition of
the fabric and the lines, make sure there are no abnormalities. Check the maillons that
attach the lines to the risers are properly closed. Identify and order the A, B, C, and D
lines, the brake lines and the corresponding risers. Make sure that there are no ties or
knots.
2.3 ASSEMBLY OF THE HARNESS
Correctly place the risers on the harness karabiners. The risers and lines should not
have any twists and they should be in the right order. Check that the harness buckles
are correctly locked.

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2.4 TYPE OF HARNESS
The ARTIK has passed the DHV 2 certification using a GH type harness. This
certification allows it to be flown with most of the harnesses on the market. We
recommend that you adjust the distance of the chest strap according the homologation.
This varies according to the size of the wing.
42 cm for size S,
44 cm for size M,
46 cm for size L.
Any change made to these specifications may affect the wing’s performance and
reactions. This would therefore effect the glider’s configuration and would not conform
to the homologation.
2.5 ASSEMBLY OF THE ACCELERATOR
The acceleration mechanism of the ARTIK works when you push with your feet on the
accelerator bar, this is supplied with the equipment. On delivery the accelerator bar has
not yet been installed and it is recommended that it is fit by yourself before flight. Most
harnesses are equipped with a pre-installed acceleration system. When fitting any
accelerator system ensure that all preinstalled items within the harness, such as roller
pulleys are used correctly. After fitting, take into account that you will have to adjust
the length of the accelerator lines for correct use. This will vary according to the length
of the pilot’s legs!
We recommend that you try the correct fitting of the acceleration system on equipment
designed to do this, most paragliding schools have this sort of equipment.
2.6 INSPECTION AND WING INFLATION ON THE GROUND
Once you have checked all the equipment and made sure that the wind conditions are
favourable, inflate your ARTIK as many times as necessary in order to become
acquainted with the wing’s behaviour. The ARTIK inflates easily and smoothly. An
excess of energy is not necessary and the wing will inflate with minimum pressure on
the harness when you move forward. This may be assisted by using the A lines. Do not
pull on them, just accompany the natural rising movement of the wing. Once the wing
is in the 12 o’clock position, simply apply correct pressure on the brake lines and the
ARTIK will sit over your head.

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2.7 ADJUSTING THE BRAKES
The length of the main brake lines is adjusted at the factory to the length established
during homologation. However, the length can be changed to adapt to the pilot’s flying
style. Nevertheless, we recommend that you fly for a while with these, set at the
original length. This will allow you to become accustomed to the ARTIK’s original
flying behaviour. If you then decide to change the length of the brake lines, untie the
knot, slide the line through the brake link to the desired length, and strongly re-tie the
knot. Qualified personnel should carry out this adjustment. You must ensure that this
adjustment does not slow down the glider without any pilot input. Both brake lines
should be symmetrical and measure the same length. The most recommended knots are
the clove hitch knot or bowline knot.
3. THE FIRST FLIGHT
3.1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLACE
We recommend that the first flight with your ARTIK is made on a smooth slope (a
school slope) or in your usual flying area accompanied by a qualified instructor.
3.2 PREPARATION
Repeat the procedures detailed in chapter 2 (UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY) in
order to prepare your equipment.
3.3 FLIGHT PLAN
Draw out a flight plan before take-off in order to avoid possible flight errors.
3.4 PRE-FLIGHT CHECK LIST
Once you are ready, but before you take-off, carry out another equipment inspection.
Ensure correct installation of all equipment and that all lines are free of hindrances or
knots. Check that the weather conditions are suited for your flying skills.