Apco F3 Bi Bedienungsanleitung
www.apcoaviation.com
7 Chalamish St., Ind. Park Caesarea, 3088900 ISRAEL
2021/09/08 (rev. 1.0) offline
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CONTENTS:
1 DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY 3
2 INTRODUCTION 4
3 TECHNICAL DATA 5
4 CONSTRUCTION, MATERIALS and ASSEMBLY 6
5 FLEXON® Batten system: 6
6 TRIMMING 6
7 TRIKE / FRAME 7
8 EMERGENCY PARACHUTE 7
9 SPEED SYSTEM 8
10 RISERS 8
11 TRIMMERS 9
12 A-ASSIST SYSTEM 10
13 HIT VALVES (High-speed In-Take) 11
14 INSPECTION 11
15 BEFORE THE FIRST FLIGHT 14
16 FLYING 15
17 PACKING 25
18 MAINTENANCE & CLEANING 25
19 BUTT HOLE II (Auto Debris release valves) 26
20 STORAGE 26
21 DAMAGE 26
22 THREE YEAR WARRANTY 26
23 GENERAL ADVICE 28
24 F3Bi - 36 - SKETCHES 29
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WARNING
This is not a training manual. It is extremely dangerous to yourself and others to attempt to fly this or any paraglider without first completing a flying course
given by a qualified instructor.
Apco Aviation's gliders are carefully manufactured and inspected by the factory. Please use the glider only as described in this manual. Do not make any
changes to the glider.
AS WITH ANY SPORT - WITHOUT TAKING THE APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS, PARAGLIDING CAN BE DANGEROUS.
1 DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
Taking into consideration the inherent risk in paragliding or hang gliding, (free flying and motorized), it must be expressly understood that the manufacturer and
seller do not assume any responsibility for accidents, losses and direct or indirect damage following the use or misuse of this product.
APCO Aviation Ltd. is engaged in the manufacture and sale of hang gliding, paragliding, motorized Para/hang gliding and emergency parachute equipment.
This equipment should be used under proper conditions and after proper instruction from a qualified instructor. APCO Aviation Ltd. has no control over the use of
this equipment and a person using this equipment assumes all risks of damage or injury.
APCO Aviation Ltd. disclaims any liability or responsibility for injuries or damages resulting from the use of this equipment.
The glider is designed to perform in the frame of the required class as certified.
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2 INTRODUCTION
Following in the footsteps of F3 – the F3Bi is the Real Thing, for Real World Trike Pilots,
with passengers
.
Designed with solo and Tandem Trike use in mind, but also possible to foot launch*. The F3Bi is based on the F3, which is in turn is a relaxed version of our flagship
F1 solo paramotor wing, bringing exceptional launch, handling and performance in an easy, comfortable and safe package to Tandem Trike pilots, coming in, in a
performance class above the Lift EU, but in the same class as far as piloting and safety is concerned. The F3Bi will be enjoyed by pilots who long for the ease of
use of solo wings and advanced pilots, will not be disappointed with the class leading performance and handling. Exceptionally easy launch and landing makes this
the perfect wing for almost any qualified pilot looking for something more than what the LIFT series offered.
As with the F1 and F3, incorporated into the F3Bi is our Flow Aligned Ribs (FAR) feature, morphing direction from centre to tip, it aligns the ribs with the natural
direction of the flow, increasing both performance and stability throughout the speed range. The roll stability of the F3 is especially impressive, allowing for agile,
precise handling and dead centre landings on the threshold every time.
The canopy incorporates 2 functional “3D cuts” for the best possible leading edge shape definition.
The canopy sail tension has been optimised so that the wing becomes a homogeneous unit, solid and reassuring in flight, and resulting in our cleanest wing yet!
The riser / speed system / trim system was re-designed specifically for trike use, incorporating Apco’s ground breaking riser technologies, and has a greater usable
range than any tandem wing we have built before. The extensive speed range means you can launch and land at reasonable speeds, but can accelerate with
comfort (speeds of up to 80 [km/hour])**, on that perfect long distance XC flight you’ve been dreaming about doing with your partner.
With the trimmers closed, the F3Bi will thermal well, and has exceptional glide ratio (for a full reflex profile wing), so if you like to mix it up on a good day, idle or cut
the motor and crank it up to cloudbase with ease.
Open the trimmers and enjoy a significant speed increase of approx. 10 [km/h] (without the use of the speed bar).
If your trike has the option to use a speed bar, you will be able to use maximum speed with the comfort of being able to come back to trim speed with ease, without
taking your hands off the brakes or tip steering.
Construction – weight was saved wherever possible, bringing the weight down to 8.3 [kg], while retaining APCO’s legendary durability. The low canopy mass, allows
surprisingly easy inflation, especially in nil wind take-offs.
Positioned as the highest performing Reflex Tandem wing in our (and any other companies) range, it will easily satisfy every pilot graduating from a wing such as the
LIFT or Hybrid Tandem, all the way up to competition pilots.
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3 TECHNICAL DATA
F3 / Size
36
Code
22336
Cells
58
Area [m2]
36.0
Area (projected) [m2]
30.46
Span (incl. Stabilizer) [m]
14.7
Span (projected) [m]
11.64
Aspect Ratio
6.0
Aspect Ratio (projected)
4.45
Weight Range (all up) Para-Trike [kg]
Up to 450
Canopy Weight [kg]
8.3
Root Cord m
2.96
Tip Chord [m]
0.3
Length of Lines on B [m]
8.89
Total Length of Lines [m]
448
Frame hook-up Width [mm]
500 – 650
Performance
Km/h
V-min (at optimal wing loading) *
[
km/h]
25
V-trim (closed) [km/h]
36 - 40
V-trim (neutral) [km/h]
43 - 47
V-trim (open) [km/h]
50 - 56
V-max [km/h]
69
Min Sink [m/s] at optimal wing loading
1.2 m/sec
*All Data measured at sea level, using a combination of GPS and Speed Probe, averaged over several runs.
It is important to note that many factors will influence measured performance data, including;
wing loading, frame configuration, temperature, humidity, and height above sea level.
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4 CONSTRUCTION, MATERIALS and ASSEMBLY
The glider is constructed with a top and bottom surface, connected by ribs. One top and bottom panel, together with the connecting ribs is called a cell. Each cell
has an opening on the front lower part. The cells fill with air forcing the panels to take the shape dictated by the air-foil (rib) section.
On either side the wing ends in a stabilizer or wing tip, which provides straight-line (Yaw) stability and produces some outward lift to keep the span-wise tension.
The front part of the ribs utilise APCO's FLEXON batten system to keep the leading edge shaped at high speeds and in turbulent air. They also improve the
performance and the launch characteristics of the glider.
The line hook-up points are made of Dyneema and imbedded in the bottom surface of the wing for minimal drag and maximum performance.
The glider is made from tear resistant Ripstop Nylon cloth, which is P.U. coated to zero porosity and then siliconized to give the fabric high resistance to the
elements. Different cloth is used for the top, bottom and ribs due to their different functions.
The lines are made of superaramide covered with a polyester sheath for protection against UV, wear and abrasion.
The bottom section of the brake lines is made of polyester because of its better mechanical properties.
The maillon quick links that attach the lines to the risers are made of stainless steel.
5 FLEXON® Batten system:
New generation FLEXON ® batten system incorporated (see below) in the
leading edge of the ribs, insuring perfect profile shape (instead of traditional
Mylar reinforcement). FLEXON ® battens reduce the weight of the glider by an
additional 500gr. and unlike Mylar reinforcement will guarantee no
deterioration in performance or launch.
Additional advantage of FLEXON batten is that it is practically indestructible,
safeguarding the performance and launch over the lifespan of the glider.
6 TRIMMING
All Apco wings are trimmed for optimum performance combined with unsurpassed safety. It is very important not to re-trim or tamper
with any of the lines or risers as this may alter the performance and safety. Trimming of the brake line should be done in accordance with
this manual and carefully checked before flying.
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7 TRIKE / FRAME
The F3Bi is designed for European style trikes, with a frame / riser attachment width of 500 – 650mm only.
8 EMERGENCY PARACHUTE
It is recommended to use a certified rescue parachute when flying, no matter your intended altitude or flying style.
Attaching the rescue parachute should be done in accordance with the recommendations of the trike manufacturer and reserve
parachute manufacturer. When we fly the F3Bi, we use the the Apco Trike Pilot and Trike Passenger harnesses, combined with Mayday
UL28 Parachute, packed in the matching reserve container. Always check the reserve handle and locking pins during every pre-flight
check.
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9 SPEED SYSTEM
Certain Trike manufacturers give the option to use a speed-system acting on the front of the risers to accelerate the wing, which may be
used in conjunction with the trim system. We have designed the F3Bi risers with this in mind.
ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENT
Before the first flight, it is imperative to make sure that the speed system will not be applied due to being adjusted too short.
We recommend following the trike manufacturer’s instructions for adjustment.
10 RISERS
The F3Bi is supplied with risers featuring a split A riser. The 1st A-
riser attaches to the central two A lines (A1 & A3). The second A-
riser is attached to the outermost A line (A5). At no time should the
pilot change the risers or use risers not intended for this specific
glider as this will affect the performance and safety of the glider.
The riser is equipped with both an accelerator and trimmers.
WARNING:
The use of the speed system in turbulent conditions or close to the ground is dangerous. While flying with the
accelerator, the wing has a reduced angle of attack and is therefore more susceptible to turbulence and may
collapse or partially deflate. Gliders react faster when accelerated and may turn more. The accelerator should
immediately be released in this case.
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11 TRIMMERS
The F3Bi risers are were specifically
developed for Trike use, and are equipped
with equipped with trimmers which are
replaceable should they wear out.
The neutral setting is when the A/B/C/D
risers legs are of equal length in flight (blue
mark on the trim webbing).
For take-off and landing, the trimmers should be in the neutral
position. After take-off set them according to your needs and
the conditions, and close them again before landing. They can
also be set asymmetrically to compensate for torque effect. The
Trim System of the F3Bi is very effective for accelerating the
wing on long flights. The trim system differs from previous Apco
gliders in that it releases the B riser, which gives a clean rotation
of the profile, and is very efficient.
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12 A-ASSIST SYSTEM
The A-Assist system may improve launch characteristics if needed, it may be especially useful with weaker trikes. The system works by
decreasing the angle of attack while the wing is behind the trike, and gradually disengages as the wing rises overhead. This is done by
attaching a line from the frame about 30cm in front of the riser attachment points, to the speed system on the risers.
Care must be taken that the system will be fully disengaged once the wing is overhead, and also, that it will not interfere with the speed
system if used in conjunction – be sure to also refer to your Trike user manual.
Installation and Adjustment:
Connect the risers to the trike, and set the trims to the neutral position.
Connect the A-Assist Lines to the Brummel-hooks on the risers.
While holding the risers up in the flight position, attach the A-Assist line to the frame at a point approximately 30cm in front of the riser
attachment point. This distance is greater than on wings that do not have a speed system on the risers, as it is working through the
reduction of the speed system. When correctly adjusted, the line will not have tension on it when in flight, but will shorten the front riser
legs relative to the rear ones when the wing is behind the trike by about 8cm depending on pilot preference and power of trike etc.
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