huffhuff Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 Hey, Just looking through some old pics of mine. What is stopping a paragliding wing being deployed like a skydiving chute? Forgive my ignorance... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragonphotographic Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 I seem to remember a video on Youtube where a Paraglider launches from a Hot air balloon? The pilot cradled the wing on the way up. To deploy it like a parachute I suppose you would have to pack it a certain way and have some sort of drogue chute so it deployed properly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huffhuff Posted April 24, 2009 Author Share Posted April 24, 2009 Yeah, well I figured as it works when people d-bag' then whats stopping it being popped in a bad, small drogue tailing behind then rip the cord and deploy? Ed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil_P Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 One problem is that paraglider wings are not designed to absorb the sort of shock loads that a sudden deployment causes, nor do they incorporate the devices that minimize these forces. Typically a sport parachute might experience 3 to 5 g deceleration when deployed. I'm not sure what figure paraglider wings are tested to, but I seem to recall an 8g figure. That doesn't give an over-large margin of safety, especially if you've done it more than once and the various destructive forces are starting to have a cumulative effect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwardc Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 Hi Ben I guess your 'Ed?' is aimed at me. Phil is correct when he states that a Skydiving canopy is built completely different to a Paragliding wing (especially the Reflex type) It has a slider to slow opening, more lines (and stronger) and a pilot chute to pull the parachute from the rig. It is a device that is much more radical, and more fun than a parawing but it is designed solely to stop you from hitting the ground too hard! When I was skydiving it was all about the freefall and the parachute was opened as low as possible (and safely) so we could spiral down and get on the next lift quickly. The 2 sports are very different and I am not sure why you would want a paragliding wing that could be deployed from freefall, I don't feel the need to mix the sports as, for me, they are totally different. Hope that helps. Are you coming over from the dark side yet? Eddie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helimed01 Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 When I was skydiving it was all about the freefall and the parachute was opened as low as possible (and safely) so we could spiral down and get on the next lift quickly. it is designed solely to stop you from hitting the ground too hard! You do frighten me Ed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 You!!! I am his instructor!!! SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_b Posted April 24, 2009 Share Posted April 24, 2009 You!!!I am his instructor!!! SW we have all got our cross to bear, and yours is called Ed Pete b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwardc Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 And skydiving canopies are easier to do spot landings with!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil_P Posted April 25, 2009 Share Posted April 25, 2009 And if they don't open, the spot is about two feet deep (don't ask me how I know if you are at all squeamish). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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