The provided document is a user manual for the "Xfusion" rescue system by Gravity Paragliders. This rescue system is designed for paragliding and is characterized by its lightweight design and innovative features.
Function Description
The Xfusion is a manually released rescue parachute system for paragliding pilots. Its primary function is to provide a safe and reliable emergency descent in situations where the main paraglider is no longer functional or safe. The system is designed for rapid deployment and a controlled descent, ensuring maximum safety for the pilot. The Xfusion series is the result of extensive research and development, incorporating hundreds of test airdrops and measurements to achieve optimal performance and reliability. It is designed to be simple yet effective, allowing for quick and intuitive deployment even in stressful situations. The system aims to provide a stable and predictable descent, minimizing oscillations and ensuring a gentle landing. The Xfusion is a complex rescue system that requires specific practice to complete a successful rescue deployment. The manual recommends intense workout for the use of the Xfusion system, ideally through personal training and repeated exercises in a controlled environment to prepare for deployment in difficult conditions.
Important Technical Specifications
The Xfusion rescue system is available in several sizes, each designed for a specific maximum payload (pilot weight plus equipment). The available models are X100, X115, X130, X150, and X220, with the numbers indicating the maximum payload in kilograms.
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X100:
- Weight: 0.98 kg
- Surface: 28.5 sqm
- Maximum payload (link test): 100 kg
- Maximum payload (load test): 100 kg
- Sink rate on maxload: 5.6 m/s
- Packing volume: 2380 cm³
- Panel: 12
- Number of lines: 24
- Total length: 5.80 m
- Certification No.: LTF
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X115:
- Weight: 1.20 kg
- Surface: 36.2 sqm
- Maximum payload (link test): 115 kg
- Maximum payload (load test): 115 kg
- Sink rate on maxload: 5.35 m/s
- Packing volume: 3850 cm³
- Panel: 20
- Number of lines: 24
- Total length: 6.20 m
- Certification No.: EN/LTF
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X130:
- Weight: 1.44 kg
- Surface: 40.2 sqm
- Maximum payload (link test): 130 kg
- Maximum payload (load test): 140 kg
- Sink rate on maxload: 5.1 m/s
- Packing volume: 4180 cm³
- Panel: 28
- Number of lines: 28
- Total length: 6.50 m
- Certification No.: EN/LTF
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X150:
- Weight: 1.68 kg
- Surface: 45.2 sqm
- Maximum payload (link test): 150 kg
- Maximum payload (load test): 160 kg
- Sink rate on maxload: 5.1 m/s
- Packing volume: 4350 cm³
- Panel: 28
- Number of lines: 28
- Total length: 6.90 m
- Certification No.: EN/LTF
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X220:
- Weight: 2.27 kg
- Surface: 64.7 sqm
- Maximum payload (link test): 220 kg
- Maximum payload (load test): 220 kg
- Sink rate on maxload: 5.3 m/s
- Packing volume: 5700 cm³
- Panel: 28
- Number of lines: 28
- Total length: 7.10 m
- Certification No.: EN/EU.222.2018
The material mix is aimed at long-term durability. The used canopy material Paratex SX 20 is characterized through high resistance & low elongation features. An antistatic coating avoids the layers to stick together. The Xfusion is a versatile, rounder, cross-canopy parachute that is used in a wide weight range. Perfect for minimal pack volume and weight, it provides reliability and performance when required. The small pack size is also the perfect choice for alpine pilots with convertible and light-weight harnesses. The Xfusion series consists of four components: the cross-canopy, the suspension lines (side and middle), the main riser, and the inner container. The design features a drastic simplification concerning the mounting of the reserve, with an integrated soft-link main bridle of the Xfusion that can be connected with any junction quickly, neatly, and easily.
Usage Features
The Xfusion rescue system is designed for ease of use and quick deployment. It is compatible with various paragliding harnesses, and proper installation is crucial for its functionality.
- Deployment: The system is manually released. Pilots are advised to practice deployment to ensure familiarity and efficiency in an emergency.
- Two-seated flying: The Xfusion 220 qualifies for two-seated flying or paramotor use, being the only size and unit that holds the appropriate and necessary certification.
- Landing: Before landing, the pilot should sit up in the harness and take a ready position. It is easier when the harness has a shoulder suspension. Shortly before landing, the knees should be bent lightly, and the legs should be held/spread about the width of the hips apart. After making ground contact, the pilot should roll off to soften the landing. It is important to note that the paraglider probably stays deformed until the landing, in order to avoid being pulled into one direction during the landing. After landing, the pilot should deform the rescue parachute in a controlled and steady fashion by pulling the middle of the canopy inside at the middle line. Strong wind can otherwise complicate the rescue after landing and pull you into one direction.
- Packing: The manual provides detailed instructions for packing the Xfusion, emphasizing the importance of proper folding and line management to ensure reliable deployment. The packing process involves:
- Threading and fixing packing loops one by one.
- Stretching the parachute to its overall length.
- Fixing the bridle and tightening.
- Checking the line for straight and parallel course.
- Sorting canopy and fixing/attaching the lines with packing cord, laying panel 1 to the right.
- Placing the bottom layer, with the corner cut out in the middle so the first panel lays conical on the right.
- Smoothing down layers and edges.
- Paying attention to the diagonal course of the inner fabric folding.
- Putting panel after panel to the right, preferably without wrinkles, after four panels, following the next corner panel.
- Pulling out the corner panel or rather the corner according to the picture. Repeating with the next 4 panels.
- Laying the last corner panel in the middle, weighing down the right side.
- Placing the left side on the right, then placing panel on panel like the right side.
- Centering needs to be spared.
- Checking the panels, ensuring the same amount left and right. The packing cord is removed from the packing loops. If the packing loops were kept together, the rescue would not be able to open.
- Folding forward and backward the protruding corners after the s-flap.
- Adjusting the canopy width to the container with the s-flap.
- If a packing cord is used, it needs to be strictly removed now!
- Folding the rescue to the size of the container using small s-flaps.
- Completing packing of the canopy.
- Putting the container upside down, with the base edge needing to be on top.
- Placing the Xfusion with narrow S-curves to a tower.
- Ensuring the width of the S-turns is about 8-10 cm wide.
- Placing the inner container on top of the existing S-turns, with the slot of the inner container looking towards the lines.
- Closing the inner container with the lines. The central rubber closes first, then the slot and after the line container flap, after you close both sides of the line container flap. Laterally projecting loops of the lines should be kept as small as possible.
- Collecting the lines in S-folds so that it gives about 2-3 line bundles. The excess of the line loops behind the rubber should be kept as small and tight together as possible. The last line groups to the main riser should be left out/over when closing the cover.
- Closing the cover sheet of the inner container with the rubber at the end of the slot and the final short line loop. The Xfusion is now ready for installation into the harness. The connection of the Xfusion to the harness shall be made following the recommendations of the harness manufacturer. The riser of the Xfusion should be connected to the suspension point of the harness.
- Placing the base edge of the Xfusion at the top of the 4-leaf container facing towards cover leaf first. The mark 1-2-3 of the inner container will be closed with the black rubber band in the correct order. The black rubber band is fixed through the grommet with a line loop.
- The line loop on the black rubber band is made first, whereby the canopy is fixed in the container. This packing method ensures maximum throwing power. The lines released first, get stretched and opens the last line loop with the black rubber band, afterwards the canopy will be released from the container.
- Closing the cover sheet of the inner container with the black rubber. The elastic rubber is first pushed from the inside out through the small hole.
- Folding the cover sheet to the right, pushing the black rubber through the eye of the cover of the container.
- The Xfusion is now ready for installation into the harness or the external container. The connection of the Xfusion to the harness shall be made due to the recommendations of the harness manufacturer.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the continued reliability and safety of the Xfusion rescue system.
- Cleaning: Dirty or earthy canopies and containers can be cleaned carefully with clear and clean water using a soft sponge or cloth. Harsh chemicals, brushes, hard sponges, or similar cleaning agents should not be used. Any other hard mechanical rubbing is to be avoided, also cleaning it in the washer is not proper.
- Repacking: The rescue system needs to be repacked frequently. The manual states that the rescue system gets moist or wet, it needs to be opened and aerated as soon as possible in a well-ventilated space, without direct sunlight, to avoid mold stains or formation. After it is dried properly, it needs to be re-packed. Try to avoid or reduce the contact with water as much as possible and also don't cause structural strain on the canopy, for example by dragging it through water or on the ground. In case the parachute got in contact with salt water, it needs to be rinsed with clear water a couple of times and be dried afterwards. Dried up salt crystals lead to damage on cloth and lines, which leads to the expiration of the airworthiness.
- Inspection: The Xfusion system needs to be opened, aired out, and newly packed every 12 months. The packing needs to be recorded in the service record of the rescue system. The periodic, official check of the rescue system needs to be executed every 12 months and recorded in the service record booklet. The required packing interval can be shorter when environmental influences such as sand, rough surfaces, moisture, liquids, water, salt, or other factors affect the system. The check and packing will only be executed by the manufacturer or authorized competence centers.
- Damage and Repairs: In case of damage to the rescue system, it should be checked by the manufacturer or an authorized competence center. Repairs should only be performed by authorized personnel.
- Storage: The rescue device exists to save the life of the "owner" pilot. It needs careful maintenance and care. UV radiation, moisture, and chemicals are among the worst factors decreasing the lifespan and performance of your Xfusion rescue device. Avoid unnecessary loads and avoid exposing your Xfusion to heat and sunlight at all times. The rescue equipment should be stored according to the manufacturer's manual and dried and stored in dry, clean, and dark place when not used. Oils, paint, chemicals, and other harmful substances should not be stored in proximity of the rescue system.
- Service Life: The rescue system is not designed as a regular flying parachute, the maximum permitted speed at which it may be released is 115 km/h - 32m/s. The Xfusion has an operation time limit of 10 years. Requirement for that is the compliance with the regular, authorized check intervals and the verifiable, recorded packing in the booklet. It is a mandatory requirement by law to replace the rescue system after this period of time, even if it hasn't been activated or used.
The Xfusion complies with certification norms according to EN/LTA at the time of delivery. Any unauthorized alteration results in instant expiration and annulment of the operating license. The operation is at your own risk, and the pilot needs to make sure that the aircraft is checked for airworthiness before every flight. Safety warnings on the GRAVITY airsports & more GmbH website (www.gravityparagliders.com) are to be considered and looked up regularly. The pilot is also responsible for the valid certificate of qualification and that the legal requirements are met fully. Use of the equipment is at your own risk. The manufacturer and the dealer do not take any liability for accidents and possible consequential damages.
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