1. DESCRIPTION BHL5-16 SA is the BHL5 single skin
prototype made by Tim Weber in Sauerland, Germany. Completed in
April-May 2022, currently
in testing and adjustment phase.
"Here are a few more information
about my proto from the BHL5. I used Skytex 27/g m2 for the cells
and triple kite ripstop 51g/m2 for the ribs. The Lines are Liros DC (Dyneema
coated) 60 for the upper gallery 160 middle gallery 200 for the
main lines. 2,4 mm nylon rods from the garden
strore for weedeater 10mm wide belts for the line
attachment points . The line attachment points are
reinforced with self adhesive cordura 170g/m2. The yarn is Serafil S80 and i used
almost 1500m of it My versoin of the proto has the
name - LIMETTI - Without lines it weights 1605 g and
with the lines 1850g The trailing edge is reinforced
with 65g/m2 25mm wide ripsop and the leading edge is reinforced
with 1mm aramide chord."
2.
PLANS
Important Laboratori note:
Tim's prototype has been built according to the plans BHL5
version 20201208 usin a calage of 30%.
I'm favorably suprised because Tim's paraglider uses a standard 30%
pilot position ("calage" = 30%). This means fast flight position as
planned in project. At the same time it has a reasonable glide, it is a
good sign.
Interestingly, Eric Fontaine with exactly the same BHL5 16 m2 paraglider,
is also happy using a calage of 42%. That’s why I’m not sure now what
would be the optimal fit for BHL5, whether 30% or 42%. Experiments will
continue... Remember that single skin paragliders are very sensitive to
adjustments to the length of the brake line. And depending on the style
and conditions of the flight area, adjustments with faster or slower
calages may be needed.
Overall, I am very happy with the BHL4 / BHL5 models although they
require a good fit (calage and main brake line length) to get the best
results.
There are two options for changing calage from 30% to 42% (BHL5-16):
1) changing the whole set of lines (not absolutely necessary if they
are new)
2) making new risers specifically tailored. To change from 30% to 42%
you need to extend riser A in 5.9 cm extend riser B 4.1 cm, extend
riser C 2.4 cm, riser D unchanged.
3. PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
Construction and first flights
Soon more photos.
Many
thanks to Tim Weber for sharing the details of his project.
LAB NOTE: Builda paragliderat home is avery complicated task (even simple
skin), and requiresmany
hours of work. Previous experience is required,andvery inventive.As alwaysremember that:
The free flight implies risks
that can only be known and they can be controled with a suitable formation on the part of a recognized school.
Not test wings without knowing their functioning. The
construction and test of experimental wings without certifying requires
deep knowledge of what is being made.