DriftAir 2 - Dudek

Design and purpose

DriftAir 2, developed as an evolution of its highly successful predecessor,
features improvements
created specifically with freestyle pilots in mind. The handling has been significantly refined, resulting in greater comfory during dynamic manoeuvres. Pilots familiar with DriftAir 1 will be pleasantly surprised by the simplicity and ease of use of the new DriftAir 2. In addition to improved agility, take-off behaviour and stability at high speeds have also been enhanced.

By developing the Snake 4 Standard as an entry-level slalom wing, we were able to focus on the typical freestyle qualities of the DriftAir 2, while omitting the features essential for slalom flying. This opened up new possibilities for improving the wing’s performance in dynamic maneuvers.

Using the DriftAir 1 base, we retained ease of use and safety while adding exceptionally pleasant handling and high responsiveness when needed.

See movie

Design

The main design changes include:
• new, increased arc
• shorter lines
• revised brake system layout
• new solutions related to ballooning and internal structure

All these changes result in distinctive yet well-balanced handling of the DriftAir 2. The risers are equipped with new Rollercam buckles, improving trimmer operation and extending its service life. In addition, the trimmer straps are now replaceable.

- Shark-nose (SN) on the leading edge takes care of better aerodynamics of this part of the canopy, as well as higher inner pressure at wide range of the attack angles (meaning airspeed).
- The leading edge is stiffened with synthetic rods of the FET (Flexi Edge Technology), distinctly improving launch quality and guarding against collapses at high speeds.
- In addition Leading Edge 3D system enables a better real representation of the aerodynamic profile and reduces the amount of wrinkles on the fabric in the most important place in terms of lift and air resistance.
- The design features also other effective methods of canopy loads distribution, mediated by most modern sewing technologies.
- Four rows of suspension lines are joined at the risers, equipped with compact yet very efficient tools like trimmers, speed and Power Attack (PA) system.
- Steering system of the Driftair 2 is our well known, original solution of 2D steering, this time with new adjustable CHR handle, combining features of both the TCT and TST (Tip Steering Toggle).
- As per our standard, the risers are equipped with two optional positions for the steering pulleys and magnets to choose from. Thanks to all these features, steering operation is straightforward and intuitive.
- Obviously, in some paramotor/canopy configurations considerable amount of torque can appear. To counter this, there is proven in our Warp an automatic TEA system (Torque Effect Adjuster). It works on its own after placing the line on proper side, depending on the torque direction.
- Due to the small number of lines, they were carefully selected to obtain the lowest possible drag, while ensuring high strength and resistance to stretching. The upper layer lines, attached to the wing’s suspension points are unsheathed, in the lower layers we use regular sheathed lines.
Driftair 2 is manufactured entirely in Europe, at our Polish plant, so that we have total control over its sophisticated production process (using among else the advanced LT (Laser Technology) cutting.

Construction solutions

Technologies, Concepts

SN - Shark-nose

Airtakes designed and executed in Shark-nose technology meaning specific, concave shape of the reinforced profile area at its leading edge (the name comes form the very shape, reminding shark’s nose).

DRA - Dudek Reflex Airfoil

DRA – Dudek Reflex Airfoil -applied in PPG wings fully autostabilised arofoil, based on long years of research and experience. In our variant we managed to get rid of typical flaws associated with these aerofoils.

CSG - Canopy Shape Guard

CSG – Canopy Shape Guard – is our unique system controlling canopy coherence. It is because of this system that our wings are equally tensioned, smooth, stable and… simply remarkable.

LR - Laser Technology

Capabilities of the laser cutter allow for serial cutting of complicated shape narrow elements in large numbers, their optimal placing in relation to structure of the textile and highest possible precision of cut.

FET - Flexi Edge Technology

The leading edge is closed to the airflow, and its precise shape is kept with laminated cloth reinforcements, incorporating synthetic rods. The rods make the leading edge stiffer and smoother, bringing improvements in many areas – from easier inflation, through stiffening the canopy in flight to improved general airflow.

MR - Mini-Ribs

Mini ribs speak for themselves – they are additionally introduced in the trailing edge between main ribs. Their task is to decrease ballooning (expanding and deformation of the cells) in this vital area af the aerofoil.

Keeping the rear part in shape reduces the drag induced behind trailing edge, thus improving general airflow and increasing airspeed.

ACS - Auto Cleaning Slots

Dedicated slots automatically removing dirt from the wing tips.

Risers functionality

Used Solutions

TCT - Triple Comfort Toggle

An easy conversion from hard through medium to soft brake handles. Equippped with a swivel adn Easy Keeper.
Available standard (bigger) and short (smaller) versions.

EK - Easy Keeper

Indigenous way to hold the brake handles at the risers that keeps them firmly in place, while both attaching and releasing goes smoothly and easily. Used in most of our handles (TCT, ACT, SCT).

TR - Trimmers

A trimming system for additional angle of attack regulation. Used mainly in PPG wings.
This system features replaceable trim straps. After prolonged or intensive operation they need to be replaced, as they get damaged by buckle edges.

SS - Speed System

A system of lines and pulleys sewn to the appropriate straps, connected to the bar hanging under the harness. It enables smooth adjustment of the angle of attack during the flight.

2D - Steering System

2D system is generally similar to the classic one – pilot has but two main steering handles to steer. However, it’s operation is significantly different. Due to division of main steering lines (there are two for each side now, with one of them going outside of the pulley), an experienced pilot can modify steering progression according to his own preferences.

ELR - Easy Launch Riser

Split ‘A’ riser makes for easier launch and ‘big ears’.

TEA - Torque Effect Adjuster

The task of this feature is to counteract the effect of engine torque, that tends to make the paraglider turn in the direction opposite to the propeller’s rotation.

PA- Power Attack System

The PA (also known as Paap Kolar system) merges speed system with trimmer operation. It is devised only for competitors, understanding its effects and all difficulties involved.

The general idea is simple: pressing the speedbar simultaneously releases the trimmers (and vice versa, releasing speedbar closes the trimmers).

Colours versions

Sea Green

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Petrol Blue

See

Black

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Parameters

Technical details

DriftAir 2 – sizes	16	18	20	22
Approval – ULM identification	Pending
Number of cells	60
Surface area (flat) [m²]	16.00	18.00	20.00	22.00
Surface area (projected) [m²]	13,68	15,39	17,10	18,81
Span (flat) [m]	9,59	10,17	10.72	11,24
Span (projected) [m]	7,76	8,23	8,67	9,10
Aspect Ratio (flat)	5,80
Aspect Ratio (projected)	4,40
Distance pilot to wing [m]	5,59	5,93	6,25	6,55
Total line length [m]	260,97	277,96	294,03	309,81
Total take-off weight* [kg]	80 – 120	90 – 140	100 – 150	110 – 160
Distance between risers [cm]	45	45	45	45
Weight [kg]	4,30	4,60	4,95	–
Lines	2 80001: 050; 090 / Technora: 90; 140; 190; 280 / Dyneema: 350
Fabric	Dominico tex 41 g/m2; Dominico tex 36 g/m2; Dominico tex Hard 41 g/m2; SR Scrim, SR Laminate 180 g/m2

* The basic rule is to choose the wing size so the take-off weight is in the middle of the weight range. Less weight on the wing (lower range take-off weight) can be considered for foot take-off, when flying in calmer conditions, or when we want to improve economy. More experienced pilots who want to fly dynamically, have higher speed and fly in more demanding wind conditions can consider greater wing loading (take-off weight in the upper range). This is a common option among trike users.

Note – the canopy significantly changes its behaviour with increasing wing loading. The greater the loads, the greater skill and concentration of the pilot are required.

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