Dudek V-King

V-King is a compact paraglider EN B class, essentially created for free flying and paramotoring as well. Small dimensions after packing make the V-king an ideal traveller's wing for a chance flying in the farthest corners of the world.
DESIGN AND PURPOSE
Simple preparation for launch, easy, pleasant take-off and flight at a relatively low trim speed mean that flying becomes accessible to everyone, and learning it is pure pleasure.
The main advantage of the V-King is its compactness, still allowing for decent performance and pleasant handling. It is perfect to take it on a long journey, because it does not take up much space in your luggage (precious thing in air travels).
V-King is the perfect complement to the suitcase paramotors, recently appearing on the market.
V-King belongs to the single-surface canopy class. There is fundamental difference between classic double skin and modern single skin canopies. All the launch, landing and steering techniques look a bit different. If you are an established paraglider pilot, you shouldn’t have any problems with adapting to the wealth of new possibilities brought to you by the V-King. However, this doesn’t work both ways: if you started your paragliding experience with the single-skin gliders, be aware that you are not qualified to safely fly standard double-surface canopies.

GENESIS
The idea of creating a hybrid of the classic and single-skin paraglider was born as early as 1999, as a light alternative to the traction kite used in his treks by the well-known traveler and conqueror of both poles - Marek Kamiński. Due to the technical capabilities of the time and no demand for this type of construction, the project was suspended. At the beginning of 2014 however, the topic returned while working on a prototype of a paraglider RC model (two meter wingspan), powered by an electric drive - the S-lite. We focused on limiting the number of lines and in order to make it possible, our designer Piotr Dudek used V-supports for the first time in this type of construction. The model and its performance proved so promising that at the end of 2016, the "V-King" project was launched. By using the appropriate number of cells, and a combination of V-supports as well as suspension fins, the minimum number of lines has been maintained under a relatively high wing load. We have devoted a lot of attention to securing an optimal canopy shape. The self-filling, closed tube on the leading edge effectively stiffens it, which is especially important in designs featuring small number of cells. Central tunnels running along the chord play a similar role.
Due to the unsheathed lines, we have reduced the weight and volume of the V-king when packed. It also has a positive effect on the speed of the wing.
The unusually long history of this wing and its development brought about revolutionary results. Compactness, very low weight, versatility and flying characteristics offer the pilots a lot of fun.
In the meantime, V-King became the prototype of the lightest paraglider in the world - Run & Fly.

V-KING SCHOOL
During testing of subsequent prototypes, V-King aroused interest of instructors and school owners. The ease of launching results in quick and efficient mastering proper skills by the trainees. At a specific request of flying schools, we are currently preparing a dedicated version made of more durable, sheathed lines and thicker fabric.
 
REVIEW

CERTIFICATION
The V-king has already passed loading and flight tests, resulting in an EN-B certificate for sizes 18, 20 and 23m. An ULM approval (DGAC) for powered flight is also planned.
 
TECHNICAL DATA
 
Size 16 18 20 23 Certification EN/LTF pending yes yes yes Approval - ULM Identification pending pending pending pending Number of cells 37 37 37 37 Wing area flat [m2] 16.00 18.00 20.50 23.50 Wing area projected [m2] 13.75 15.46 17.61 20.19 Wingspan flat [m] 8.76 9.29 9.92 10.62 Wingspan projected [m] 7.02 7.44 7.94 8.51 Aspect ratio flat 4.80 Aspect ratio projected 3.58 Sink rate [m/s] min = 1.2 (+/- 0.1) Speed [km/h] min = 35 ; max = 42 (+/-2) Lines + risers length [m]] 5.35 5.67 6.05 6.48 Total lines length [m] 285.64 303.63 324.76 348.48 Total take-off weight PG [kg] 50-70 60-85 80-100 100-130 Total take-off weight - PPG [kg] 50-105 60-120 80-135 100-155 Maximum symmetric control travel at maximum weight in flight [cm] 55 60 65 65 Distance betwen risers [cm] 45 44 46 48 Canopy weight [kg] 1.96 2.12 2.32 2.54 Lines A-8000U: 050; 070; 090; 130; 190; 230 / Technora: 190 Cloth Porcher 27 g/m2, Porcher Hard 32 & 27 g/m2
WING FEATURES
CONSTRUCTION FEATURES
Cells 37 Aspect ratio 4.8 SN - Shark Nose  no LE2R - Leading Edge Double Reinforcements  no PR - Push & Relax Technology  no DOA - Dudek Optimized Airfoil  no DRA - Dudek Reflex Airfoil  no CSG - Canopy Shape Guard  yes LT - Laser Technology  yes FET - Flexi Edge Technology  yes ACS - Active Cleaning Slots  yes 2-liner  no 3-liner  no Valves  no RISERS FUNCTIONALITY
Toggles type light Easy Keeper  no SL - Smart Lock  yes Naps  no TR - Trimmers  no SS - Speed System  yes ALC+ - Alternative Steering System +  no TST - Tip Steering Toggle  no 2D - 2D Steering System  no Easy Lunch Riser  yes TCL - Tip Control Line  yes AC - Active Control B  no PA - Power Attack System  no ACC - Active Control C  no OTHER
ULM approval yes/pending warranty 24 months Aerocasco no