Superlight, steerable cruciform canopy
The new TARGETcross ST from Charly presents three main innovations:
- It has a defined forward speed in diagonal direction with the effect of a significantly reduced sink speed. This results on the one hand in a higher aspect ratio compared to conventional cruciform canopies, those propulsion mainly takes place towards one side, and on the other hand in the asymmetrical air flow of the convex sides of the TARGETcross canopy, thereby receiving an ascending forced optimised profile.
- The horizontal movement, which is typical for every modern round canopy and cruciform canopy, can be steered for the TARGETcross ST in a certain direction, if required. Obstacles like e.g. power lines can thus be avoided and an emergency landing field can be precisely approached with a glide ratio of ca. 1:1.5. There are no disadvantages for the TARGETcross ST compared with conventional cruciform canopies.
- The TARGETcross has different line lengths which has the effect that the strips of the canopy don't lie on top of each other when packing the canopy. This diversification causes an easier air inlet when opening and thus an increased opening speed compared to conventional cruciform canopies. The packing of the TARGETcross is not more time-consuming or more complex than for a normal cruciform canopy.
The superlight TARGETcross ST thus combines the low packing effort of round- and cruciform canopies with the controllability of Rogallo rescue systems. For the TARGETcross, there is no risk of a “down plane” immediately after release, that is typical for Rogallo rescue systems even after pre-braking if they open with the top downwards.
The concept of the TARGETcross works without pre-braking and therefore the system remains very easy to handle and is reliable.
Further safety aspects:
- There are no potential hazards in consequence of the steerability: The twisting of the lines, which often is unavoidable when using a controllable rescue system, doesn't cause any special risks. The TARGETcross ST can also be controlled in twisted condition. The red colour marking on the front head indicates clearly visible the flight direction for the pilot.
- No risks can arise by excessive pulling or by non-use of the brake handles. There is no risk of stall. A pulling of the brakes is not required when landing, as the canopy already is trimmed at minimum sink rate. The forward speed also reduces significantly the risk of spine compression during the landing.
- The long suspension lines of the TARGETcross and the symmetric shape of the canopy lower the risk of causing a collapse with the rescue system and the glider.
- Forward movement and low sink rate reduce in addition the risk of a side slip between the rescue system and the glider, and therefore higher sink rates.
- A short stall phase of the TARGETcross after opening prevents the formation of a "downplane"-position. The TARGETcross merges without the help of the pilot after a short independent stall phase in an easy, very stable and swing-free forward flight.
- The special design of the inner container, optimized with the help of Tom Grabner's G-Force trainer ensures a safe deployment of the TARGETcross with low effort needed. Especially with regard to inconvenient pulling directions when deploying the rescue system. Therefore we absolutely recommend to use the original approved container with the rescue system and to adapt the rescue handle of the harness to the container by an authorised service company.
- The inner container has a separate space for the suspension lines. The canopy will only be deployed after aspect ratio of the suspension lines, which enables a fast and controlled opening. The risk of a cravat of rescue system and glider is therefore reduced.
- The superlight cruciform canopy from Charly's product designer Tom Grabner has been registered for patent and certified in four sizes.
| Weight (kg) | Certification | Volumetric value(ccm) | Flat surface (m²) | Sink speed(m/s) | Max. load (kg) |
|---|
| TC ST LIGHT 100 | 1.17 | EN, LTF | 3900 | 25.2 | 4.7 (bei 100 kg) | 3.6 (bei 70 kg) | 100 |
| TC ST LIGHT 125 | 1.39 | EN, LTF | 4700 | 30.7 | 4.5 (bei 125 kg) | 3.5 (bei 85 kg) | 125 |
| TC ST LIGHT 160 | 1.78 | EN, LTF | 5300 | 41.0 | 4.5 (bei 160 kg) | 3.5 (bei 110 kg) | 160 |
| TC ST LIGHT 220 | 2.25 | EN, LTF | 7300 | 59.2 | 4.5 (bei 220 kg) | 3.5 (bei 160 kg) | 220 |
* the weight includes the connection to the harness, as the V-line is not necessary
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