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Villingen-Schwenningen. Okay, we can’t really reinvent acroflying. But it definitely seems so for anyone who whirls through the air with the U-Turn Thriller. The completely new level of agility and manoeuvrability, as well as mastery and control are now inseparable from the name of the U-Turn THRILLER. A collection of the newest technology has brought about a new flying experience: PPN and PPNplus technology, the  Extended Aeration System (EAS) in combination with intelligent Crossports as well as the AFS-System of the newest generation produced a unique high-tech wing as the successor of the legendary G-FORCE.
The best pilots of the world who have flown G-FORCE benefited the advancement of the latter with tips and feedback. The already very good wing was turned into an outstanding one by means of countless small, sometimes minimal changes, which continuously stimulated the improvement process of the G-FORCE. Equipped with this experience and based on this high level, together with exceptional pilots like Pal Takats, Gabor Kezi and others, U-Turn head designer Ernst Strobl developed a benchmark-setting acroglider just as the G-FORCE had previously been.
The THRILLER’s aspect ratio of 5.7 is located exactly between the MORPHEUS (5.6) and G-FORCE (5.8). Together with a modified layout and completely newly designed rear edge as well as an AFS-System (Automatic Flight Stabilisation) that has been modified and optimised for acro operations, the canopy has been freed from a nuanced aggressiveness to the extent that pilots now enjoy larger time frames for possible drive pulses and the feedback from the canopy occurs in a more regulated and at the same time more defined fashion. This of course has no negative effects on the basic agility of the canopy.
Strobl was especially concerned with the profile nose. Thanks to the excellent dynamics, the THRILLER’s profile nose is particularly exposed to pressure. Added to this, acroflying can often cause aeronautically disadvantageous angles of approach that require a well-functioning leading edge even under extreme pressure. As a result the THRILLER is equipped with a unique construction: The PPN and PPNplus System. PPN stands for Precision Profile Nose. Synthetic rods have served as a replacement for nose-mylar in the cell walls of gliders for several years. The THRILLER is also equipped with this feature.
Nevertheless, Strobl developed the technology a step further. Along with the synthetic reinforcements in the sewn up areas, comprehensive tests have shown that stabilisers sewn across the middle of the cell openings of the profile nose are extremely useful. The synthetic rods in the profile nose sustain the stability of the leading edge, thereby optimizing the flow of wind along the profile. Even under extreme flying conditions the small rods of the PPNplus system keep the openings of the profile nose considerably wider open than the case has been up to this point. The inner pressure is maintained palpably longer and with it the stability of the edge. “By means of the PPNplus-System, the discharge in the front area during manoeuvres like the Infinity Tumbling has been distinctly reduced”, explained Strobl. The leading openings remain open longer thanks to PPNplus, which greatly enhances the THRILLER’s performance.
The PPNplus-System noticeably delays the point of discharge of the leading edge – it can, however, reach its limits during unfavourable thermal conditions or especially during the dynamic performance of specific manoeuvres at certain angles of approach. There is yet a further innovation that raises U-Turn’s THRILLER to a new dimension: The Extended Aeration System. This refers to intelligent openings (grid) on the upper canopy surface above the regular chamber openings. The openings are closed during normal inflows. This is caused by the pressure and the turbulence emerging from the inflowing air in the fore area of the chambers (see illustration): The cloth flap within the chamber is forced against the grid. If the inner pressure abates despite the AFS System and PPNplus technology, the folded down flap activates the Extended Aeration System. Rammed air pushes into the cells and keeps the form of the profile.
This function is supported by optimised crossports. Crossports ensure the lateral ventilation of the individual chambers and accelerate, for example, the re-inflation of the glider after a one-sided deflation. They are an essential component of a glider, but not necessary for the construction of the overall stability of the canopy during a normal flight. Thanks to PPNplus and the Extended Aeration Systems, it was possible to significantly reduce the size of the Crossports of the THRILLER by an impressive 80%. This gives the THRILLER an incredible folding-resistance for an acroglider. Anther point to keep in mind: The complexly designed profile nose makes the glider sensationally easy to start and elevate.
The testpilot Pal Takats is certain that “this is the best acroglider that I have ever flown.” Individual manoeuvres can be performed to a wonderful perfection, and the transitions are especially phenomenal. “The helicopter-connections are now as simple as pie“, raved Takats. “With the THRILLER I can easily fly a sequence from SAT to Heli and back to SAT without even having to touch the outer breaks for adjustments.” Such energetic and at the same time perfect transitions from one manoeuvre to another – something that jurors are very keen on – allow for high scores during competitions.
Just as with the G-FORCE, the THRILLER is under a continuous process of development, always with the goal to promptly integrate the improvements achieved under high pressure into the sequence. U-Turn cofounder Thomas Vosseler is certain that “it worked wonderfully with G-FORCE and the THRILLER will also play an important role for future U-Turn LTF-1 or 1-2 wings as an innovation engine.”
The THRILLER is now available in sizes 16, 17, 18, 20 and 22 and in attractive colour combinations.
More Information: EAS Info (PDF, 769 kByte) Line plan Thriller (PDF, 35 kByte) THRILLER Colours (PDF, 64 kByte) Table of area loading THRILLER (PDF, 31 kByte) Technical Data THRILLER (PDF, 25 kByte) Thriller LineCode 2D (PDF, 27 kByte) Adobe Reader is necessary for viewing PDF-Files. It may be downloaded for free at www.adobe.de
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