Snake 3
Paramotor / Free style

Snake 3

Paramotor / Free style

Snake 3

Snake 3 is a new version of our slalom flagship. Top performance without compromises.

Snake 3

Design and purpose

The Snake 3 is a challenging slalom wing for top competitors. Very fast and dynamic turns with exceptional resistance to collapses.

The design and testing process lasted a record 5 years. It took so much time and effort to meet the design goals while keeping the self-imposed principle of “no compromises”.

During this time, Snake 3 was extensively tested by the world’s best slalom pilots. They achieved excellent results, often winning the PF1 and PL1 classes.

The Snake 3 is recommended for pilots already familiar with at least DriftAir-class, or more demanding wings. Experienced pilots will appreciate the Snake 3 as an advanced and precise tool to help them win competitions.

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Construction

Snake 3 is structurally derived from DriftAir, but its parameters are similar to its predecessor – Snake XX. Here are the most important new design elements:

  • LE3D on the leading edge
  • new aerodynamic profile
  • modified aspect ratio
  • new risers with greater range of speed system operation
  • modified rigging
  • optimization of the attachment points distribution (fixing suspension lines to the canopy)
  • change of attachment points for the brake lines

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.

Rigging modifications increase trailing edge stability at high speeds. These elements, together with a carefully selected profile and aspect ratio, create a coherent structure meeting all the design goals.

More construction details

  • 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 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 three 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 powerpack/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 air resistance, 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.

Snake 3  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.

Design solutions, technologies and other functionalities are listed below in the Technologies section.

Construction Solutions

Technologies, Concepts
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LE3D - Leading Edge 3D

The LE3D uses a system of additional cuts on the top surface of the leading edge along the wing chord, which minimize fabric wrinkling and more accurately reflect the designed shape of the aerodynamic profile in the crucial zones, where most lift is generated. At the same time drag is minimised; all in all the glide ratio of the wing is improved.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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LE2R - Leading Edge Double Reinforcements

Leading Edge Double Reinforcements are additional reinforcements between the cells, which stiffen the leading edge and keep the profile ‘clean’ during the flight at full speed.

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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.

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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.

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ACS - Auto Cleaning Slots

Dedicated slots automatically removing dirt from the wing tips.

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Risers functionality

USED SOLUTIONS
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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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ELR - Easy Launch Riser

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

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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.

 

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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).

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Colours versions

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Parameters

Weight ranges

Technical details

Snake 3 – sizes 13
14 15 16 17 18 20 22
Approval – ULM identification
Number of cells 60
Surface area (flat) [m2] 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 22
Surface area (projected) [m2] 11.29 12.16 13.02 13.89 14.76 15.63 17.36 19.1
Span (flat) [m] 8.64 8,97 9.28 9.59 9.88 10.17 10.72 11.3
Span (projected) [m] 7.08 7.35 7.61 7.86 8.1 8.33 8.78 9.21
Aspect Ratio (flat) 5.80
Aspect Ratio (projected) 4.44
Speed* [km/h] min = 30 ; trim = 44-62 ; max = 77 (+/- 3 km/h)*
Distance pilot to wing [m] 5.04 5.23 5.41 5.59 5.76 5.93 6.25 6.78
Total line length [m] 238.6  244,1 257.27 266.14 274.73 283.08 299.10 308.95
Total take-off weight** [kg] 60-80  65-85 70-90 80-100 85-105 90-110 100-120 110-135
Max take-off weight – for experienced*** [kg] 105  115 120 130 140 150 160 175
Distance between risers [cm] 45  45 45 45 45 45 45 45
Weight [kg] 3.58  3.78  3.95 4.08 4.30 4.45 4.80 5.13
Lines A-8000U: 050; 070; 090; 130; 190 / Technora: 140 & 190 & 280 / Dyneema: 350
Fabric Porcher Sport 38 g/m2; Dominico tex 34 g/m2; Porcher Hard 40 g/m2; SR Scrim, SR Laminate 180 g/m2

* Speeds are estimated for the middle wing size and the middle of its weight range. These speeds can vary within +/- 3 km / h depending on the size, take-off weight and additional factors such as air pressure and temperature.

** 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.

****Due to the new requirements for the maximum paraglider load specified by the organizer of the 6th Paramotor Slalom World Championships in Qatar in 2024, we are establishing an additional specification applicable only to pilots/competitors taking part in slalom competitions.

Snake 3 – sizes 13
14 15 16 17 18 20 22
Max take-off weight for competition pilots**** [kg] 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180