U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 User manual

Copyright ©
2011 by U-Turn GmbH, all right preserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or developed further on in any way without written
approval of the U-Turn GmbH
Text: Stefan Preuß
Text and Graphics: Ernst Strobl
All technical details in this manual have been carefully checked by U-Turn. However we like to mention that we don`t take any liability for possi-
ble mistakes, neither in legal responsibility, nor in liability cases that derive from mistakable details. We preserve the right to change this manual
in any way to achieve technical improvements.
- Manual - English Rev. 1.2
Stand: September 2012

You`ve got the stu to y!
The U-Turn team would like to congratulate you on the purchase of your new U-Turn par-
aglider. You have made an excellent choice. We wish you long and enjoyable ights and
many happy landings with your U-Turn FREE FORCE 3.
The research and Development team at U-Turn can proudly look back at many successful
years in the ight sport industry. Our own concepts not only meet but exceed indus-
try standards. The combination between the latest computer based technology and the
know-how of experienced test pilots and professional competition pilots provides an
excellent basis for quality. We certainly keep our customers need in mind, and always ap-
preciate your input and constructive criticism. Should any questions occur, please don´t
hesitate to ask your U-Turn dealer or the U-Turn team.
In order to provide you with the latest information on technical development and inno-
vations at U-Turn, we ask you to complete the questionnaire attached. Please mail it to
the following address:
U-TURN GmbH
Paragliders and Kites
Im Neuneck 1
D-78609 Tuningen
Tel. [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: www.u-turn.de
E-mail: [email protected]
Please read the entire handbook carefully before using your U-Turn
FREE FORCE 3 for the rst time. We composed this handbook, in order to
make the handling of your new U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 as safe and easy for
you as possible. GG

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Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................
PPN Description and Automatic ight stabilizatin (AFS)...............................................
Page 1
Page 3-4
Linesystem and Risers................................................................................................................ Page 5-6
Speed System................................................................................................................................ Page 7
Suitable Harness and Rescue .................................................................................................. Page 7
Page 7
Page 7
Page 8
Page 8
Gerneral Description - FREE FORCE 3................................................................................... Page 2
Page 9
Page 9
Operation.......................................................................................................................................
Page 9
Range of Operation....................................................................................................................
Page 9-10
Aerobatics......................................................................................................................................
Page 10
Motorised Paragliding ..............................................................................................................
Page 10
Preight Check ............................................................................................................................
Page 10
Take o ...........................................................................................................................................
Page 10
Turning ...........................................................................................................................................
Page 11
Active Flying .................................................................................................................................
Page 11
Landing ..........................................................................................................................................
Page 11
Winching .......................................................................................................................................
Page 11
Advanced Handling................................................................................................................
Page 11-12
Wingovers........................................................................................................................................
Page 12
Full Frontal......................................................................................................................................
Page 13
Deep Stall ......................................................................................................................................
Page 13
Fullstall............................................................................................................................................
Page 13
Emergency Piloting ....................................................................................................................
Page 14
Negativ Turn.................................................................................................................................
Collaps ............................................................................................................................................
How to avoid collapses - by Ernst Strobl ............................................................................
Rapid Cescent ..............................................................................................................................
B-Stall...............................................................................................................................................
Spiral Dive ......................................................................................................................................
“Big Ears” ........................................................................................................................................
Maintenance and Care .............................................................................................................
Page 7
Page 8
Safety Advices and Liability ..................................................................................................... Page 15
Nature and environment friendly behavior ...................................................................... Page 15
Removal ......................................................................................................................................... Page 15
Table of area loading -Materiallist FREE FORCE 3............................................................. Page16
Page 17
Page 18
Technical Data ..............................................................................................................................
Line Code Info ..............................................................................................................................
Line plan FREE FORCE 3.........................................................................................................
Certication FREE FORCE 3 22..........................................................................
Certication FREE FORCE 3 24..........................................................................
Certication FREE FORCE 3 26..........................................................................
Page 19
Page 20-21
Page 24-25
Page 22-23

Contents
Page 26
Page 27
Instruction leaet for repairs and 2 annual Check............................................................
Line Order Sheet .........................................................................................................................

Introduction
U-Turn paragliders are in a class of their own. U-Turn doesn`t compromise on safety, and uses the best
quality components and hallmark ight characteristics. Congratulation on your purchase of U-Turn glid-
er, as it is the brand for those who appreciate the dierence.
The laws of physics are well dened. We aspire to achieve to possible within the framework of its laws.
We admit this is ambitious but you will always nd U-Turn at the cutting edge of technology. As Oscar
Wilde once said in this very British understatement:“His taste is very basics; only always the best is good
enough.”The U-Turn team embodies this attitude; “We always want to deliver the best possible glider.”
Nothing more and most certainly nothing less.
U-Turn sta takes notice of its customers wishes, so we appreciate any comments or feedback!
Please feel free to contact your competence center or U-Turn directly for any advice or direction.
Page 1
IMPORTANT:
Having the necessary level of experience can never substitute the need to familiarize
yourself with the glider before leaving the ground. Please carefully read the handbook and take advantage
of the support from your ight school, or U-Turn directly for that matter.
Please always remember that aviation can be potentially dangerous and your safety is in your own
hands. We strongly encourage you to y conservatively; this includes the judgement concerning conditions
as well as the choices you make in ight.

Gerätebeschreibung FREE FORCE 3
The FREE FORCE of U-Turn is established as the perfect wing to begin acrobatic paragliding. Now the
wing is upgraded: The FREE FORCE 3 got features like the Precision Prole Nose (PPN-system) which im-
proves the start and ight characteristic. More than ever the FREE FORCE is the wing to enter the world
of the cool acrobatic tricks- the genes of the reference wing THRILLER are obvious in every trick.
The FREE FORCE 3 got like the THRILLER compared to the in its time revolutionary G-FORCE a reduced
aspect ratio. Because of the modern and high eciency prole this is possible without lost in dynamics.
With the AFS and the PPN-system features the FREE FORCE 3 is suited for daily use on EN B level, where
most of the ratings are even better.
“The FREE FORCE 3 stands for dynamic ight fun on a high safety level. Because of the THRILLER-like ma-
noeuvrability and agility combined with the safety reserves of the AFS, it is the perfect wing to all who
want to begin acrobatic paragliding”points out chief designer Ernst Strobl the rage of use. At same time
the FREE FORCE 3 got many friends in the XC pilots as well. Despite its relatively small sail, it is eager to
gain altitude in thermals. With a max speed of 56km/h (fully loaded) the wing is quite fast. And the AFS
cares with many small corrections for the maximum altitude when FREE FORCE pilots go for XC.
The use of the PPN technology and the abdication of the heavy nose mylar reduce the weight of the
FREE FORCE 3. This more in dynamics is clear to feel in ight. Another advantage coming from the PPN
is the improved starting ability. With the PPN nothing is deforming the leading edge anymore and the
FREE FORCE 3 oers consistent performance for a long lifetime.
The AFS feature in a wing made for ambitious pilots- discussed after presentation of the rst FREE FORCE.
But the system is proven now in praxis as expected. So it is used in the FREE FORCE 3 again. The AFS in
its latest version got only advantages. Dynamic gures are just easy to do and the performance reserves
get in action if needed.“In dynamic manoeuvres the AFS is not active because the high internal pressure
prevents interaction”says Strobl.
On the other side in tricks like the MacTwist, when the pilot mistakes the time to break the AFS breaks
automatically and prevents the wing from overshooting too far in a potential dangerous level. “By the
very sporty design of the prole I could increase the sail tension in the FREE FORCE 3 signicant com-
pared to an EN-A wing” announces Strobl. The increase of this eect is clear to notice. Anyhow the sys-
tem is not preventing the pilot learning the tricks: The one who is breaking correct will not notice the
AFS. Naturally this is not only valid for the MacTwist, for all other tricks too.
“All 44 cells of the FREE FORCE 3 are featured by the AFS”, Strobl points out.“The collapse resistance isn’t
the main issue but the prevention of overshooting.” Conclusion: The one who searches a wing to get
into the acrobatic ying like the pros, but wants to have a forgiving wing will nd the perfect match in
the FREE FORCE 3.
The total result: The use of the PPN-system together with the AFS pushes fun and dynamic. FREE FORCE
3 is THE more fun and performance with the extra portion safety.
Topic XC: Despite the small at area the wing is eager in thermals. Gaining altitude is the mission of the
FREE FORCE 3. Once on top the wing rewards with a minimum sink of 1,1m/s. While going for XC the
wing benets from AFS too. The system smoothes out minor turbulences by breaking automatically.
This results in gaining altitude each time. In theory this is a trade o in speed, but still rests a trim of 38-
39km/h and 53 to 56 km/h (full loaded) accelerated. The wing can’t hide its roots in the mega dynamic
G-FORCE and THRILLER. Fly fast, high and safe! Thats the message of the FREE FORCE 3. And the one
who wants to discover the tardiness no problem for the FREE FORCE 3- the average minimum speed is
23 km/h.
Page 2

PPN description
2 systems, one purpose:
Highest safety by AFS and PPN
The U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 opens a new safety chapter in paragliding: The combination of the PPN sys-
tem (Precision Prole Nose) with the unique system of automatic ight stabilization (AFS) takes care for
the so far unreached resistance against collapses.
The U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 denes the new safety standart in the DHV/LTF 1-2 gliders.
PPN technology provides unprecedented stability, superior take of behavior, and ideal ying qualities.
For several years, now synthetic rods have served as a replacement to the Mylar panels in the cell walls
of the wing at the leading edge. This reinforce the shape of the nose. U-Turn has taken this a step further
in teaming this technology up with AFS and work togehter in concert.
The synthetic rods in the seams of the leading edge sustain the shape of the nose, optimizing the airow
along the prole. Even under extreme ying conditions the small PPN rods keep the cells at the leading
edge open in a way Mylar would not be able to do. These characteristics give the glider an unmatched-
stability. Internal pressure is maintained noticeably longer and the shape of the nose is held up. Even
if the internal pressure diminishes, the AFS kicks in by equalizing with the providing the necessary sail
tension. The complimentary interaction of these two systems provide this line of gliders with an unpar-
alleled collapse-resistance.
Unlike Mylar, if handled carefully PPN technology will retain the shape of the nose for the entire lifetime
of the glider. In order to provide the greatest possible protection when folding the glider, U-Turn recom-
mends the optional U-Turn Tubebag. This inner packsack enables you to fold and store the FREE FORCE 3
with ease in accordion fold, even on windy days and/or by yourself. The Tubebag preserves the excellent
take-o and ight qualities of the glider, thus favorably inuencing its resale value. PPN technology also
means that the canopy is lighter weight than with Mylar reinforcement. This reduced canopy weight
made possible by the PPN technology increases the performance and improves the handling of the
glider. The Tubebag itself is produced with the workmanship you would expect from U-Turn and lives
up to the highest demands in use. It features many functional details and ensures that the FREE FORCE 3
preserves the launch and ight qualities for many years to come - an advantage that can increase the
resale value.The glider has become lighter ever since abandoning the use of Mylar in the cell openings
and replacing them with synthetic rods. Its handling advantages and increased performance can be
also attributed to PPN technology.
Page 3

Page 4
AFS - Automatic ight stabilization
To y safely means to y actively
- the system employed on the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 allows this to happen automatically to a certain
level. The secret of the AFS-system is based on a pre-tensioning principle. In the area of the brake at-
tachment points the undersurface is pre-tensioned. Whilst the sail is gliding through smooth air, there
is enough pressure inside and the pre-tensioning is neutralized: The e! ect of internal pressure is more
powerful than the pre-tensioning and the trailing edge stays aerodynamically perfect in the air like a
conventional glider. When entering turbulent air with the FREE FORCE 3 the system adjusts immedi-
ately, even the slightest drop of internal pressure allows the system to react. The pre-tensioning at the
trailing edge is eectively like pulling the brakes.
Ernst Strobl recalls the ne-tuning: “Our computer-based calcualtions were impressivel conrmed dur-
ing our tests”. The system is extremely responsive so that a top-quality manufacturing is key. U-Turn Co-
founder Thomas Vosseler adds: “We guarantee a strongly supervised manufacturing process”. The AFS
works like the Electronic Stability Programs known in the automotive industry, you could call it an “ESP
for the air”. It intervenes for the benet of safety when an inexperienced pilot, or a pilot in trouble, enters
turbulence and is unable to y actively. Experienced ight-instructors conrm:“This is a major step as far
as safety is concerned. The main reason for accidents, the full collapse of the canopy, is minimized dram-
actically”. Even without AFS the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 would be a very safe glider says Strobl. Due to the
extremely pulled down wingtips and the resulting spread of the wingloading the UTurn FREE FORCE 3
has far more than average resistance to collapses. The FREE FORCE 3 gliders stably ahead even after an
accelerated asymmetric collapse, a situtation that may happen after leaving a thermal, even with 50% of
the wing area collapsed. This is unprecedented. The computer optimised wing layout leads to very good
thermal lift and maximizes the stall characteristics, both improving safety.

Linesystem
In the U-Turn FREE FORCE 3 we use 0,9/ 1,1/ 1,3 /1,6 /1,9 und 2,3mm and Technora by TAE-GU Lines Weaving Inc. and
Lyros Dyneema Lines, with a special waved Dyneema core. This stretch resistance prevents changes in ight characteris-
tics caused by dierent stretching after a short time of use. An optimum of safety and strength in proportion to drag is
ieved by the use of di! erent line diameters. The whole line system consists of single elememt that are sewn and looped
on both ends. All suspension and brake lines are forked in the upper cascade. The di! erent color of the lines guarantee
ease of handling and control. All suspension lines are looped separately in maillons and connected to the risers.
The maillons have clips built in to prevent slipping of the lines. The main brake line is looped through a pulley at the D-
riser with a color marking where a brake toggle has to be tief o.
The manufacturer settings is 0 travel plus 5 cm. Shortening more than 5 cm is not allowed and results in a “brake”condi-
tion in ight which is extremely dangerous for takeo , ight and landing. The factory settings provides sucient brake
travel on landing and in extreme ight conditions, as well as a comfortable arm position on trim speed.
Please note that with the height of the harness mounting also the relative distance changes. When adjusting the setting,
both sides have to be symmetric and a permanent knot has to be used. Optimum solution is the so called “Spierenstich”
knot which doesn`t slip or aect the lines adversely.
The A- and B-risers have a dierent colour to ensure positive identication at take o and during a B-stall descent. The
length of all risers has been chosen in a way to get easy access to all and lineshackles in ight for special manoeuvres.
Made of rigid and stretch resistant Polyster-webbing, the FREE FORCE 3 risers guarantee a long term, stable
trim.
Riser
Page 5