Skywalk RANGE X-ALPS2 - User Manual

Ultralight Competition Harness – LTF 91/09
RANGE X-ALPS2

Summary

Harness Description

Scope of Delivery

Lists the standard equipment included with the RANGE X-ALPS harness.

Safety Notice

Initial Harness Setup

Installing the Speed System

Guides on routing and attaching the speed system line for first-time installation.

Mounting the Reserve Parachute

Connecting Reserve Chute to Harness

Reserve Chute Compatibility Test

Set-Up and Adjustments

Shoulder Straps Adjustment

Side Adjustment Straps

Pod Adjustment

Flying Safe Practices

Preflight Check and Maintenance

Lists essential checks and maintenance before and after flights.

Reserve Chute Deployment Behavior

Provides guidance on actions during a reserve parachute deployment.

Emergency Situations and Extreme Flight

Advises on handling emergencies, turbulence, and extreme flight conditions.

Flying on Bar

Explains speed bar use, its effects, and safety precautions.

Maintenance and Care

Maintenance Checklist

Repairs and Modifications

Unauthorized Changes Warning

Mandatory Maintenance Check

Homologation Certification

Technical Data

Test Protocol

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Skywalk Range X-Alps 2 is an ultralight competition harness designed for Hike & Fly athletes and XC pilots who prioritize minimal weight and high performance. It is tailored for demanding XC and bivouac flights, where every gram counts. The harness is suitable for all pilots focused on aerodynamic flying and Hike&Fly adventures, provided the paraglider manufacturer does not require a special harness.

Function Description:

The Range X-Alps 2 serves as a paragliding harness, providing a secure and comfortable connection between the pilot and the paraglider. Its geometry offers direct feedback from the wing, supporting the pilot from the moment they are airborne. The harness incorporates a "get-up safety system" with leg and chest straps to prevent the pilot from falling out. It is equipped with an integrated reserve parachute container and a speed system for enhanced flight control. The PermAir protector ensures safety by providing impact absorption. The harness also features an inflation bag that doubles as packaging and a pump for the protector.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Certification: EN/LTF certified PermAir protector (LTF 91/09), Harness certified EN 1651.
• Maximum Load: 100 daN.
• Pilot Height (S/M/L): 160-176 cm / 173-184 cm / 183-200 cm.
• Suspension Points Height (S/M/L): 45 cm / 46 cm / 47 cm.
• Chest Strap Width (S/M/L): 36 cm / 38 cm / 40 cm.
• Harness Weight (incl. everything, S/M/L): 1700 g / 1800 g / 1900 g.
• Harness Weight (excl. protector, S/M/L): 1360 g / 1460 g / 1560 g.
• Protector Thickness: 18 cm (PermAir technology).
• Reserve Container: Integrated front container.
• Volume of Frontcontainer: 2500-4300 cm³.
• Materials:
  • Cloth: ROBIC 100D Nylon, 32g double ripstop Nylon, 70D Nylon.
  • Webbing: 7 mm Dyneema webbing, 10mm PA, 20mm PP.
  • Ropes: LIROS DC 500, D-PRO 5MM, DR2 500.
  • Other: RONSTAN ORBIT 20 BB pulleys, Carbon footplate, 2.5mm spring steel pole, brummel hook Finsterwalder Titanal, carabiner Edelrid Alias, webbing buckle Edelrid SB.

Usage Features:

• Power Frame: A skywalk-designed power frame replaces the conventional seat board, distributing force evenly over the entire frame for optimal back support without buckling. This allows pilots to angle their legs during launch or in turbulence, increasing safety and focus.
• PermAir Protector: An 18cm thick, permanent-airbag protector (LTF 91/09 certified) extends over the critical lumbar area. It can be removed by unzipping a pocket behind the storage compartment. The protector is filled using an "Inflation Bag" which also serves as packaging. Inflation involves gently blowing into the bag and then rolling it to compress air into the protector.
• Easy Access Line: Simplifies entry into the cocoon, preventing the leg bag from being blown behind the pilot during takeoff.
• Hydration System: Features a labeled opening for a hydration system, with the bladder mounted in the back compartment.
• Carbon Sandwich Footplate: Provides a rigid and lightweight platform for the pilot's feet.
• Speed System: Includes a carbon sandwich footplate and is guided by metal rings and pulleys. Installation involves threading the line through the metal ring, pulley, and cover opening, then securing it with a bowline knot to a brummel hook.
• Reserve Parachute System: Designed for compatibility with most compact reserve parachutes. The V-line connects to the rescue system via a screw shackle (min. 2400 daN strength) or softlinks. The rescue handle is connected to the inner container.
• Adjustments:
  • Shoulder Straps: Adjustable to match pilot body size, ensuring the starting point of the straps is below the cervical vertebra. They should be tightened symmetrically to tension during flight.
  • Side Adjustment Straps: Main adjustment strap for back support, and knotted lines for fine adjustment of the lumbar and forward seat areas.
  • POD Length: Adjustable at four points on the footplate using knotted lines. A Lycra insert provides clearance.
• Storage Compartments: Includes a "seat" storage compartment, a "back" storage compartment, a Lycra inside pocket, and a pole pocket.
• RECCO® Reflector: Integrated for improved search and rescue capabilities.
• Winch-Towing: Suitable for winch-towing launches, with the tow release attached to main carabiners or a tow adapter.
• Safety Notice: Emphasizes pilot responsibility for equipment use, proper licensing, and pre-flight checks. Warns against flying on bar in turbulent air or near the ground.

Maintenance Features:

• Regular Checks: Thorough pre-flight checks are essential. After long flights, storage, hard landings, or tree landings, a detailed inspection of the harness is required.
• Protector Check: The protector must be checked for damage and leaks after a hard landing. It should be inflated and checked for consistent fill level after 12 hours.
• Strap and Buckle Inspection: All straps and buckles must be checked for wear, tear, and damage.
• Seam Inspection: Stitching on all seams should be checked, and repaired if necessary.
• Reserve Parachute Maintenance: The reserve parachute must be packed recently (typically every six months). Its installation and deployment should be tested in a simulator. The rescue handle and splints must be correctly positioned before each flight.
• Carabiner Replacement: Aluminum carabiners should be renewed after no more than five years or 500 flight hours.
• Cleaning: Use a brush or damp cloth with mild soap only when absolutely necessary. Remove other parts like the reserve parachute before cleaning. Avoid brushing or rubbing the material's coating.
• Drying: If wet, the harness should be dried in a well-ventilated, shady place. If the reserve parachute gets wet, it must be opened, dried, and repacked.
• Storage: Store equipment loosely packed in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated room to prevent moisture damage and UV radiation.
• Zipper Maintenance: Zippers should be treated with silicon spray once a year.
• Professional Maintenance Check: According to LTF regulations, the harness requires a maintenance check after 24 months by the manufacturer or its representative. Additional inspections are needed for above-average wear or extreme flight maneuvers.
• Repairs: Repairs should only be carried out by the manufacturer or an authorized skywalk service center, except for small cuts (up to 5 cm) that don't affect a seam. Unauthorized changes invalidate certification and liability claims.
• Disposal: Metal parts (carabiners, etc.) and foams should be removed. Remaining parts can be sent to a recycling center or directly to Skywalk for proper recycling.

Skywalk RANGE X-ALPS2 Specifications